Using Electrical Tape Instead of Tying Knot onto Spool

[Kywih]

So I’ve been using electrical tape as a way of keeping line on the spool without having to make a arbor knot. Does anyone else do this? I recently started doing this because I saw a video(don’t remember who but possibly LakeForkGuy?).

 

I haven’t ran into any issues but I haven’t been fishing a lot lately.

[Choporoz]

2 minutes ago, Kywih said:

So I’ve been using electrical tape as a way of keeping line on the spool without having to make a arbor knot. 

Why?

 

The arbor knot has never given me any issues.  I guess a big knot on a real shallow real could be problematic, but hasn't been for me

[MN Fisher]

Only time I could think of using electrical tape is over the arbor knot when tying braid directly to the spool without backing to prevent slippage.

 

Danger of just using tape instead of a knot - if you empty the spool due to a bomb-cast or the fish running - that tape alone isn't going to hold it back and you'll loose fish, lure, and line.

[jbsoonerfan]

Been using electrical tape for as long as I can remember. Never had a problem. 99% of the time when someone says their drag is slipping it is actually the spool slipping because the knot wasn't cinched up tight enough.

[Kywih]

28 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

Why?

 

The arbor knot has never given me any issues.  I guess a big knot on a real shallow real could be problematic, but hasn't been for me

I wanted to try it and see if it makes a difference at all. I’m not catching any saltwater fish that are capable of pulling off all the line off of my spool. But I also do put the line into the spool hole before taping.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, Kywih said:

But I also do put the line into the spool hole before taping.

That's not going to stop it pulling off the spool.

 

I still say tie the arbor knot...rather be safe than sorry.

[Jig Man]

I hope you don’t ever lose the rod overboard with the spool disengaged.

[Michigander]

I've been electrical taping the knot since the mid 90's. Works great!

[gim]

34 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Danger of just using tape instead of a knot - if you empty the spool due to a bomb-cast or the fish running - that tape alone isn't going to hold it back and you'll loose fish, lure, and line.

Lol I can picture this happening but the reality is that if it’s even remotely possible then you don’t have enough line on there.

[PhishLI]

10 minutes ago, Kywih said:

I wanted to try it and see if it makes a difference at all.

So you're bored?

[Johnetx]

I always put a strip of tape on my spool and then tie the arbor knot on top of the tape, so no slippage.

[Hammer 4]

Never used tape, always tied my line to the spool.

[Linewinder]

IDK. An angler who doesn’t tie a knot???  

[FrankN209]

I've used electrical tape, but also tied to the spool with a uni..

[NHBull]

 

 

 

I don't use real shallow spools and use tape.  Never failed me.

[fishwizzard]

I have never successfully tied an actual arbor knot, I just do a clovehitch finished with two half-hitches and a small piece electrical tape over it.

[RDB]

Rookie

 

Didn’t watch the video but I’m going to switch from scotch tape to masking tape.  Much easier to get off the spool.

[kayaking_kev]

I tried it once, but I'd rather tie a knot than have to clean my spool afterwards with alcohol to get the sticky stuff off left over from the tape. 

[OCdockskipper]

To avoid the sticky residue, use blue painters tape.

 

I tie the knot & then use the painters tape to secure it further to prevent slipping.

[islandbass]

Tape is added weight for weight weenies, lol. 
 

I’m direct tie to the spool with the arbor knot. 
 

It’s super easy to tie but you all need to keep in mind that it is a very weak knot. I wouldn’t expect it to hold any better that a piece of tape holding the line to the spool. 
 

If a fish spools you, then jimini shimimini, tip your hat to the fish with respect. They won this battle, you lost. 
 

To be honest, I don’t think a bass is going to spool you unless you had so little line on your spool to begin with. In that case, you ought to kick your own sit-down part.  100% foolish user error.  ?

[GreenPig]

Long cast with a topwater lure and a big striper eats it. Or better yet one of our big flatheads grabs your Ned. That would be the thoughts rattling around in my noggin while fishing. No thanks. If I had a problem tying knots I'd find another addiction. All my reels gets a few feet of mono (with a knot) prior to spooling braid. 

[Hulkster]

just tie the knot, electrical tape is for losers.

 

now fight me

[Mike L]

OP

There you have it from both sides. 
Do what you want. 
Bottom line...Like everything else there  isn’t just one way to do anything. 
 

 

 

Mike

[king fisher]

You may only have a fish take you to the end of your line once in your life, but it will surely be a once in a lifetime fish.  I tie a strong knot, and hope some day it will be needed.

[Crackintubes]

19 hours ago, Johnetx said:

I always put a strip of tape on my spool and then tie the arbor knot on top of the tape, so no slippage.

Same thing I do