What line did I spool last year? Can't remember!

[Cdn Angler]

I know I should write this stuff down, but I'm coming out of hibernation and simply can't remember what I spooled on various reels. I think I'm able to eyeball the line and make an educated guess, but is that realistic?  

 

I also purchased two used reels that came fully spooled, one with braid and one FC.  Can people accurately identify the test by look/feel? I guess compare to a similar line?  I'd guess it is 30 lb braid, but in the back of my mind I'm second guessing myself. 

[BrianMDTX]

I created a Note in my iPhone for each rig (reel model, rod model, line type and lb. test). It’s easy peasy to look at if I can’t recall. If I change line type or lb. test I edit and save. 

[Cdn Angler]

1 minute ago, BrianMDTX said:

I created a Note in my iPhone for each rig (reel model, rod model, line type and lb. test). It’s easy peasy to look at if I can’t recall. If I change line type or lb. test I edit and save. 

 

Wish I'd done this.

[Jig Man]

I keep mine in an excel file with reel, line, cleaning schedule, etc.

[Brian14]

I write it on a piece of tape and fit it to the bottom of the reel foot.  I like to forget stuff too!

[BrianMDTX]

1 hour ago, Cdn Angler said:

 

Wish I'd done this.

I wish I did it with baits. I envy anglers that can recall every make, model and color of every lure they have. 
 

If it ain’t a #956 Senko, I’m stumped! ?

[Deleted account]

I mostly fish BG and Ande, and have for a very long time, so yeah, I can tell the Lb test by sight or feel for those.

[MickD]

Measure the diameter of the line with a micrometer and compare with published data or other spools of line you have-will give a fairly good idea of the pound test.

[TnRiver46]

This one is easy for me, 6 on spinning, 12 on baitcasting. 20 on a flipping stick. All eagle claw 

[Cigarguy]

I got 20 reels that I'm constantly rotating and I love using different type of mono and braids.  No way no how will I remember what is on what if I did not label it.  I use a Brother label maker.  Upon filling a spool I make a label and place the label in the reel seat.  It think it is call the reel seat...you know the part that butt up against the rod.

 

Sometime while fishing I'll be like, man this line feels great, casts well, and hardly gives me any trouble.  Wonder what it is?  Quickly pop off the reel, read the label and tighten it back on.

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, Cdn Angler said:

I know I should write this stuff down, but I'm coming out of hibernation and simply can't remember what I spooled on various reels. I think I'm able to eyeball the line and make an educated guess, but is that realistic?  

 

I also purchased two used reels that came fully spooled, one with braid and one FC.  Can people accurately identify the test by look/feel? I guess compare to a similar line?  I'd guess it is 30 lb braid, but in the back of my mind I'm second guessing myself. 

https://www.thebuttdial.com/

These guys were a site sponsor briefly and I actually picked up a couple to try.

Haven't placed them into service yet so I can't offer any input.

But they seem to have the potential to solve 'the problem'.

A-Jay

 

[Deephaven]

I can tell by feel...but I don't use all that many different lines.  When there are just 3 braids, 2 fc's, and 3 monos it isn't so hard.  Between the 8 lines it covers all 30 of my rods

 

[Cdn Angler]

12 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

https://www.thebuttdial.com/

These guys were a site sponsor briefly and I actually picked up a couple to try.

Haven't placed them into service yet so I can't offer any input.

But they seem to have the potential to solve 'the problem'.

A-Jay

 

 

Interesting idea until I swap all my reels around on different rods lol.  I took all my reels off the rods over the winter and I think that accelerated my brain cramping. 

 

The other poster made a good point about simplifying. 

 

I've got random mono of all kinds, but I can't stand mono, FC from 6 to 20 lb test, braid from 8 to 80, all different brands based on sales.  

 

I could probably just use:

8 lb flouro

12 lb flouro

20 lb braid

50 lb braid

 

For basically everything. 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Cdn Angler said:

 

Interesting idea until I swap all my reels around on different rods lol.  I took all my reels off the rods over the winter and I think that accelerated my brain cramping. 

 

The other poster made a good point about simplifying. 

 

I've got random mono of all kinds, but I can't stand mono, FC from 6 to 20 lb test, braid from 8 to 80, all different brands based on sales.  

 

I could probably just use:

8 lb flouro

12 lb flouro

20 lb braid

50 lb braid

 

For basically everything. 

As a card carrying member of the CRS club

(and could probably make a strong run for president),

it's in my interest to keep it simple.

It's a work in progress.

A-Jay

[Eric 26]

39 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

As a card carrying member of the CRS club

(and could probably make a strong run for president),

it's in my interest to keep it simple.

It's a work in progress.

A-Jay

My wife will tell you I can make a strong run against you for president ?. 

 

5 hours ago, Cdn Angler said:

I know I should write this stuff down, but I'm coming out of hibernation and simply can't remember what I spooled on various reels. I think I'm able to eyeball the line and make an educated guess, but is that realistic?  

 

I also purchased two used reels that came fully spooled, one with braid and one FC.  Can people accurately identify the test by look/feel? I guess compare to a similar line?  I'd guess it is 30 lb braid, but in the back of my mind I'm second guessing myself. 

I also take my reels off for winter storage and I mark my line weight, brand and type on a post it or any piece of paper and put it in the box with the reel or in the case of no box I’ll put them in some kind of soft bag with the same information.

 

2 hours ago, Cdn Angler said:

 

Interesting idea until I swap all my reels around on different rods lol.  I took all my reels off the rods over the winter and I think that accelerated my brain cramping. 

 

The other poster made a good point about simplifying. 

 

I've got random mono of all kinds, but I can't stand mono, FC from 6 to 20 lb test, braid from 8 to 80, all different brands based on sales.  

 

I could probably just use:

8 lb flouro

12 lb flouro

20 lb braid

50 lb braid

 

For basically everything. 

 

[MickD]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

make a strong run for president),

I'll vote for you, A-Jay.

 

[desmobob]

I write it on a small piece of masking tape and stick it on the bottom of the reel foot.

[MN Fisher]

I just print it on my Brother P-Touch and stick it to an out-of-the-way place on the reel...but someplace that's not totally hidden so I can reference it.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, MickD said:

I'll vote for you, A-Jay.

 

LOL !

Thanks @MickD

I knew I could count on your support.

And I have a killer campaign slogan too.

 Just can't remember it.

?

A-Jay

 

[Bankbeater]

My yearly fish log is on an Excel spreadsheet.  I just make an entry, but instead of lake info, I list reel info.

[mrpao]

2 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I just print it on my Brother P-Touch and stick it to an out-of-the-way place on the reel...but someplace that's not totally hidden so I can reference it.

I do the same. 

The labels are neat and water resistant.

I place the label on the handle side of my baitcast reels.

On the spool on my spinning reels, incase I switch spools.

[txchaser]

Using green for mono really helped a bunch as it cut the possibilites in half, and 10/12/15/20 all seem to be different enough to tell, if they are the same maker. Inevitably I'll have something new and it'll get lost in the mix. Time to start labeling I think. 

[Spankey]

On 5/4/2021 at 6:02 PM, MN Fisher said:

I just print it on my Brother P-Touch and stick it to an out-of-the-way place on the reel...but someplace that's not totally hidden so I can reference it.

I use a label maker also. Did the tape and write on method with fine point wire marking pen for a long time. Just use a wire label maker these days. Can get on there test #, and brand no problem than just wrap it to rod blank. Brother will do the same thing. 
 

But in reality I have a pretty good idea what is on there because I don’t fish a half a million different lines. 

[TcRoc]

All my rods , reels , line weight , brand I keep on Word document on my desktop. I keep a printed copy in my reel box cabinet and have a copy on my phone. I am what one would call…. Anal ?

[papajoe222]

For me, it isn't the line test, it's the line type. Fluoro, mono and hybrid lines look the same and I only use two weights, 10lb. and 12lb. I also swap reels constantly.  I write down the weight, type and date spooled on the bottom of the reel with a Sharpie. If anything changes, I just wipe off the old info and write the new