Spinning Reels | Fishing Tackle

Capt Andy LoCascio demonstrates the proper way to load a spinning reel.

I this case we were loading the reel for Marlin so the chosen braid was Berkley Spiderwire Ultracast. Your backing should always reflect the size of the mainline being used. Since we were using 80lb braid, 50lb mono is the correct choice for the backing.

Preparing the Backing

To attached the backing to the base of the reel, tie any type of sliding knot that you feel comfortable with. Simply place the loop over the reel with the bail open and cinch it up to the base. Next, close the bail and place the spool of line in a bucket or box so that the line comes off the spool the same way that it was put on. Keep a tight grip on the line as you begin to reel to make sure that mono grabs the spool and keep reeling. You only need to put on enough backing to cover the base of the spool.

Connecting the mono backing to the braid

To make the connection we use an albright knot. The knot is quite simple to tie, it just takes some practice.

Spooling the Braid

Just as with the mono backing, put the spool in either a bucket or box laying on it side to ensure that the line does not twist as it gets placed on the spool. Firmly grab the line before you start reeling and once it becomes tight, fill the spool within 1/4in of the lip.

To get a better view, visit Animated Knots.

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