Uneven Line When Loading On Reel

[kwhorne19]

I have noticed lately when loading new line onto a few of my reels the right side of the spool seems to get more line than the left creating an uneven distribution.  I cannot figure out what the deal is -anyone ever had this issue and how did you resolve it?

[dave]

If you are holding tension with a finger and thumb,  move them up the rod a little further and make sure they stay pretty dead center to the spool.  If you are holding it to one side or the other,  you'll be able to actually see the pawl staying to that side longer and just barely hitting the other side of the spool,  causing the line to pile to one side.   Just make the adjustment with your finger and thumb and it should lay even.  This of course assumes your worm gear and pawl are in good shape.

[Naplock]

If it occurs across several reels, then it points to whatever spooling technique and/or device you're using. Might be uneven tension on the supply spool.

How are you getting new line on your reels?

Russ

[roadwarrior]

Start by manually adjusting the line. Guide the line by holding it between your thumb and index finger.

Keep the line left and to center for maybe ten spool rotations then spool another 25 rotations with normal

retrieve. Repeat if necessary until it looks about right. After doing this a few times you will develop a feel

for the right amount of line.

 

 

[kwhorne19]

I appreciate the help - I bet it is how I hold the line between my fingers..  Also, does it matter that I usually tape the start of the line with Gorilla tape instead of tying an arbor not?

 

I usually put my spool in a shoe and then hold pressure with my fingers..

[OnthePotomac]

It also helps to keep your rod in direct line with the line as it comes off the source spool and not on an angle to any degree.

[Sam]

A friend who repairs reels tells me that this happens when the pawl needs adjusting.

 

It has happened to me in the past, too.

 

Other than getting the reel serviced you can do as the guys suggest and use your finger to help balance the line on the spool when spooling.

[Bankbeater]

After you get the line on the reel take it out and cast it a few times.  If the line continues to pile up on one side replace the pawl.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You can check the level-wind by applying slight pressure against it while cranking, feeling for any hesitation or rough spots but spooling technique is more likely the cause.  I have seen cases where poorly tied backing-to-mainline knots make a snag and cause line stacking issues.

 

In the event that a level wind is not functioning correctly I always replace the pawl and worm gear as a set. The chances of one being bad without affecting the other is slim.

[Paulasaurus]

I had this happen to me the first time I spooled my first baitcaster. I held the line just above the reel to keep tension on the line going on the spool which resulted in a very uneven spool. To fix it I went outside, hooked a lure to a tree and let all the line out and cranked the line back on keeping tension on the line as I walked back. Line spooled up perfectly. So as said above holding the line further up from the reel might do as well.

[kwhorne19]

thanks for the help guys!