Last night I received my Ardent c400 back from  getting it repaired and went to spool it up with line. In the past with my baitcasters I've always fed the line through the levelwind guide, wrapped it around the spool, and tied it on. Sometimes it takes a little work to feed the line around the spool, but usually it isn't too bad. Last night, no matter what I did, I just couldn't get the line to go around the spool. Eventually I got frustrated and decided to remove the side plate to take the spool off so I could tie the knot. It was a lot easier doing it this way, so much so that I think I'll do it this way to start with from now on. Just thought I'd share in case anyone else finds themselves struggling with this issue while respooling, and to see which way most people here do it.

That is a great idea!

Always feed thru and spool that way. But I know places like BPS will take the spool out and mount it on a machine - at least they do with spinning gear.

I have always just fed the line through the level wind and tied (arbor knot) to the spools arbor, must be from spooling up all my Garcia round reels.

I would say there is no right or wrong way to take care of the job, whatever your comfortable with.......

 

Tight Lines All! 

i agree with RM whatever gets the job done 

I put my line through then tape it tp spool reel a.couple times then your line is stick to the tape. Then you can tie

I usually get impatient trying to feed the line around, and just take the spool out.

I leave the spool in and feed it through the wiffle holes in the spool itself. Never another slipped knot

Smaller I do that too.

thru the guide around the spool,,,,no right or wrong, just whatever works for you!!

Always feed thru and spool that way. But I know places like BPS will take the spool out and mount it on a machine - at least they do with spinning gear.

IMO this not the best way to spool up a spinner.  Putting the spool on a machine then using a tool to evenly distribute the line will not address the issue of how line stacks on the spool while fishing.  Most of the time it's going to be fine, but there have been occasions when a shim is needed.  My b/c does not have level wind, having it machine loaded is a really good way to go for that kind of a reel.

Doesn't anyone else use needlenose pliers to grab the line once in the reel?   Seems to make quick work of it for me.

IMO this not the best way to spool up a spinner.  Putting the spool on a machine then using a tool to evenly distribute the line will not address the issue of how line stacks on the spool while fishing.  Most of the time it's going to be fine, but there have been occasions when a shim is needed.  My b/c does not have level wind, having it machine loaded is a really good way to go for that kind of a reel.

X2...

I have seen guys in big box stores spooling line,

place to much tension on the line and actually cut graphite spare spools in half...

I always spool line on my spinning gear with the spool on the reel and rod mounted...

Doesn't anyone else use needlenose pliers to grab the line once in the reel?   Seems to make quick work of it for me.

X2  

Not just long slender needle nose pliers,

but 6.25" forceps.....http://www.basspro.com/White-River-Fly-Shop-Stainless-Steel-Straight-Forceps/product/29348/#desc-tab

 

Tight Lines All! 

 

Doesn't anyone else use needlenose pliers to grab the line once in the reel?   Seems to make quick work of it for me.

I considered doing that before I decided to remove the spool, but the thought of poking around in there with pliers made me paranoid that I would damage the spool somehow if I got too heavy handed or slipped or dropped the pliers.