Hey guys,

 

I've never seen a direct nor logical answer on this, and when I search for it I get varying responses.....so I'll ask the pros.....

 

How do you store the line that's currently on your reel/rod combo when you're done fishing?

 

I've heard it's bad to attach your lure/snap to the hook loop near the seat of the reel, but the rod manufacturers (especially high end ones) would most likely not put them there if line manufacturers and customers were complaining of it weakening line. Additionally, just taking in the line to the tip of the rod could cause the lure/snap to tighten directly against the first guide, possibly breaking/bending it in certain scenarios.

 

What's the suggested method to keep rod, reel, and line safe and retain its integrity?

I hook the bait to the keeper, leaving some slack in the line.  Then, while holding the line, gently spin the rod to wrap the terminal line around the blank a few times, and loop it over the first guide.

I cut the leader off and loosen the drag when I'm done fishing, put it the rod rack when I get home.  Each outing starts with a fresh leader and knots.

I hook the snap swivel to the second eye support not the eye itself. After changing my knot. Then I'm ready for fishing the next morning. I change my knot after every bigger fish is caught too. Anything over 4lbs that's caught the knot gets retied.

99 % of the time I cut the lures off, reel line up onto spool, and put  a reel cover on to protect from light. Every once in a while when I'm feeling lazy or know I'll be using the same lure on the same rod the next day I'll put the lure on the hook keeper, leaving enough slack that I can still put the reel cover on without kinking the line. The reel cover only applies to casting combos, as every spinning reel cover I've found has been too bulky for my tastes.

I use the bait keeper when I'm fishing and cut the lure off when I'm done.

New knot every time and occasionally throughout the day. I replace leader

as needed.