By Anthony Smith
Fishing line deteriorates over time and should be replaced periodically.
Old fishing line can make for poor casting and also tends to break off at the worst times--usually when you are setting the hook or fighting a fish. Wear and tear from the rigors of fishing and exposure to the elements can cause fishing line to deteriorate. To avoid losing fish, replace your line frequently.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Spool of new fishing line
Bowl
Book
- Spool of new fishing line
- Bowl
- Book
Step 1
Mount the reel on a rod; it will make the process easier. Otherwise, get another person to assist you or lock your rod in place using a vise.
Step 2
Remove the old line from the reel. Set the reel drag on its lowest setting, and begin stripping line from the reel with one hand while wrapping it loosely around your other hand. Continue this process until you have stripped off all of the line from the reel. Put the line in a plastic bag, tie the bag closed and dispose of it.
Step 3
Pull the loose end of line from a new spool, and tie it around the reel spool using an arbor knot.
Step 4
Have a helper place a pencil through the center of the new line spool and hold it on either end. Have him apply some tension by placing his thumbs on the edge of the spool while you crank the reel to pull line from the line spool onto your reel. If you are working alone, place a bowl on a flat surface such as a table and put the line spool upright in the bowl so it will unroll as you crank the reel. You can get some tension on the line by laying a book on the table and running the line underneath it.
Step 5
Continue until you have filled the reel, and then cut the line from the spool. Tie off the loose end on the hook keeper or line guide on the rod so it can be found easily when you are ready to rig it up for your next fishing trip.
Resources
About the Author:
Anthony Smith has been writing for written over 800 articles for Demand Studios, and also writes for "The College Baseball Newsletter". He attended the University of New Mexico, and has over 25 years of experience in the business world.
Photo Credits:
fly fishing line image by Brett Bouwer from
Fotolia.com
