Un-Level Winding On Baitcaster?

[Oldbritguy]

I have a couple of baitcaster reels that seem to wind more on one side than the other, maybe 1/32 or so  more on one side of the spool than the other side?

 

Is this a serious problem?  I never noticed it before I came to respool one of them.  What would cause this irregular winding, and how common is it?

 

I guess there's no way to check for it on a new reel without spooling up.

 

Any thoughts anybody?

 

 

[5dollarsplash]

Do you use backing? If so, the joining knot may be causing the issue.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Most likely side pressure from a finger or line guide as you're spooling. If not that, a splice knot as mentioned. Lastly, wear or damage on the level wind worm gear may cause hesitation on one end of the travel. That's unlikely since you don't feel it catch and more than one reel is affected.

[WIGuide]

When you put line on the reel originally you will want to make sure the level wind is all the way to one side. If not, it'll go to the edge of the spool and then double back on itself leaving that portion of the spool with two wraps of line on it and none next to it. that uneven surface will continue to build all the way through the spool. To be completely honest though, it really doesn't matter at all.