Putting Line on Reel Help

[MontclairDave]

Line went on a bit uneven. Enough to be a problem? I tightened down drag, held line in front of me, held line with wet rag, etc.

 

also: there are two metal bars. One has the line guide. Then there’s one behind it. When I threaded the line through the guide, I then laid it over—not under—that  second bar. Is that right or wrong?

 

I know this is basic stuff but I’ve only been throwing baitcasters a few years and usually have shop load reels. But I just got a bunch of bulk spools to save money. Thanks. 
 

[NorthernBasser]

How tight/loose was your spool tension knob? You wanna have it so there's no side to side play in the spool while you're putting the line on. 

[MontclairDave]

10 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

How tight/loose was your spool tension knob? You wanna have it so there's no side to side play in the spool while you're putting the line on. 

Hmmm… that might have been the issue. Didn’t check that until after I put the line on. Might have been a bit loose.

[bulldog1935]

the alignment issue was you holding the line with a wet rag.  

@MontclairDave  ^^ this ^^

[MontclairDave]

12 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

the alignment issue was you holding the line with a wet rag.  

 

What is a better way to do it? I’ve seen the wet rag suggested by a lot of folks.

[A-Jay]

20 minutes ago, MontclairDave said:

What is a better way to do it? I’ve seen the wet rag suggested by a lot of folks.

I use a line spooling deal that allows of any size spool (including bulk) .

Having some 'tension' on the line as it comes off the spool

and goes on the reel helps me get a level and consistent wind most every time.

This is what it looks like.

A-Jay

[MN Fisher]

34 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I use a line spooling deal that allows of any size spool (including bulk) .

I built my own - and have cut-down rods (old Ugly Stick spinning and an ancient Ambassadeur casting) that I mount the reels to when spooling. Tension can be adjusted by moving the clamp closer or further from the stand. Can handle any size source spool.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Couple of long casts it should lay better. If you hold tension manually when spooling you have to sure to hold it straight 

[rangerjockey]

It will even out after you fish it for a while.

[Catt]

I use old school Berkley Spooling Station.

 

Simple & efficient 

 

Like @Delaware Valley Tackle mentioned, make sure your spool is centered properly. 

 

I don't adjust anything on my reel. If you notice the two spring loaded set screws that hold the spool in place. Collapse both completely, this adds tension to your line. I add additional pressure by pinching the line between my fingers. If I see the line starting to build more on one side I simply hold my finger on the opposite side, forcing the line to adjust. 

 

If it's still a little off, 3-4 long cast eliminates that.

[BrianMDTX]

@Catt That’s what I use for baitcasters. Easy, inexpensive and works well. 

[islandbass]

For me the culprit is holding the rod at any angle to the filler spool that is not perpendicular — straight on.  Just an observation from my own spooling experience. 

[JediAmoeba]

The wet rag is fine but as mentioned the side to side play should be nixed and hold the line all the way up by the first guide. 

 

This will alleviate all your problems. Also, make sure the spook knot is as small as possible and manipulate the forst few cranks of line so it starts perfectly level.

[dave]

Like DVT said, straight and centered.

[FrnkNsteen]

Agree with above. I have had the same issue if tensioning with my fingers close to the reel and not centered properly.

 

As others mentioned though,... It should even itself out quickly with a few long casts. Worst case. Cast it out and walk it back, then reel it all back up with some tension on the line.

[MN Fisher]

49 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Agree with above. I have had the same issue if tensioning with my fingers close to the reel and not centered properly.

I do hold it with a rag dampened in KVD L&L by the reel....but from the rag it runs up to the guide THEN back down to the reel to be spooled up...so the path is

Source -> rag -> guide -> reel

Keeps it tight & well centered and I've never had to re-spool to correct an off-balance issue.

[Bankc]

Yeah, next time hold the line further away or run it through a few guides.  The further out you're stabilizing the line, the more even it will usually spool.  

But I wouldn't redo anything now.  As noted, just fish it as is, and it should clear itself out.  Worst case scenario, let out a bunch of line while trolling or bomb a cast and then walk back to unspool most of it, and then reel it back in.  It should sort itself out unless you've got reel problems.  

[WRB]

Wrong! The doesn’t go over or under any frame bars just through the level wind opening then tied onto the spool.

Tom