How tight\loose to spool new line on reels?

[KeyWestJoe]

Hey all... thanks for the help and advice so far. 

 

I've only been fishing seriously for a couple three seasons, so I've got a lot to learn.  A lot.

One thing I've wondered and couldn't find a consensus on is how much tension to put on the spool of new line as I'm loading up a reel - either a spinner or bait caster.  I know there are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to line type and reel type, but no one ever gives info on how much tension to use.

 

You can buy line spoolers, or have the tackle shop spool you up, but that leaves a lot of variables... not every spooler is the same, they don't all use the same springs\tensioners, their age, etc.  I made my own but it has no real tension so I keep the line between my fingers and hold onto it with just enough force to keep the line straight.  I'd say it's a moderate force... the line is not loose on the reel.  I seem to have good success doing it that way.  I usually run a new spool of line under a warm water before I put it on a reel.  And I have the line come off the new spool either off the top or off the bottom depending on reel type also.

 

This year I'm going to use a lot more flourocarbon.  Talk about glutton for punishment. 

 

Do different line types (braid, flouro,mono) require a different tension?  Does the reel type dictate line tension?  If I'm not using line conditioner, does that change how much tension I spool it on with even if I run it under warm water first?

I could buy a line spooler, but they're not all the same.

 

Thanks

 

[MN Fisher]

When I spool up a reel, no matter whether it's Mono, Flouro or Braid, I keep it slightly taunt...not enough to pull hard and possibly bury a loop under others, but enough to make it lay neatly on the spool.

 

This works for me whether it's a spinning reel or a baitcaster

[matbellon3]

With mono and fluorocarbon I put it on taught also. But with braid I put it on with about 2-4lbs of tensions to help prevent dig ins latter on. A good indicator that braid is put on tight enough is if it is hard when you press down on it. Warm water won't effect how much tension you spool your line up at though it dose help make it coil tighter to the spool.

[wasabi_VA]

As tight as you think your lure is gonna make it when you use it

[KeyWestJoe]

Thanks folks...

It sounds like I might be over thinking it.  I have that habit.

I must be doing it right afterall.  I tried using straight flouro a couple of times when I first started out and it was a disaster.  That was before I ever used bait casters.  I'll have to play around with it now that I use them.

 

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, KeyWestJoe said:

I tried using straight flouro a couple of times when I first started out and it was a disaster.  That was before I ever used bait casters.  I'll have to play around with it now that I use them.

I use 12# Stren Flourocast on my Trion without major issues...I don't even use a line conditioner on it. Maybe I'm just lucky.