First off, let me apologize for the newb-ness of my question. I was given a fishing rod as a gift (which I believe is a penn 360 slammer) and want to use it for the first time.

I have been fishing before, but never have had to string or set up by own rod, line etc.

Could someone here explain how to string it? I have spent a few hours and to my chagrin have not yet got it working.

Thanks a lot.

1) thread the line through the guides on the rod down to the reel

2) Flip up the bail on the reel

3) tie the line to the reel

4) close the bail

5) put the spool on the floor with the label down

6) pinch the line between your fingers about 1-2 ft above the rod for tension

7) crank the reel

8) fill the line to about 1/8 from the lip on the spool