Spinning Reel Spools

[Mobasser]

The first spinning reels I used didn't have a line clip on the spool. We would spool our reels with new line, and tie the line to a rubber band, and wrap the rubber band around the spool to hold the line neatly on the spool until we were ready to use the reels.               Line clips on the spools have been around for years now, and it's a good idea- in theory, not always in practice.                                    Most of the line clips snap in very tightly, and with some, it can be hard to hook the line under the clip to store the new line on the spool. I don't think this applies to any brand in particular. Slightly prying these clips outward can help, but you need to be careful. These plastic clips can break easily, or go flying across the room.                                         This is a small issue, and I'm hoping I'm not the only one who's had trouble with the line clips.                                                            Does anyone know of an easier way to make the clips work? If not, I may go back to the old rubber band method, as it was foolproof, and just took a little longer. Any thoughts or ideas here?

[MN Fisher]

Ya, I remember the no-clip reels...still have one but it's sitting on the display shelf.

 

If the reel is on the rod, I just use these.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Rapid_Fishing_Solutions_Line_Clips/descpage-RAPIDLIN.html

 

Off the rod - I deal with the clips or use the rubber-band method if the clip gives me too much of a problem

[mrpao]

I use a small piece of blue painter's tape to hold my line on the spool. Comes off easily and does leave any sticky residue. Plus I can also write what line is on there on the tape.

[bulldog1935]

The small, tight plastic clips work best for braid

how to get it there?  Guide it into the trough with fingernail.  

 

Newer Tica and Daiwa (at least surf) reels use this spring loaded round metal clip that sucks for braid, but works great with mono/leader.  

 

Amazon sells electronic cable wrap velcro tape - really soft, and works great for spool keeper.  

 

 

  

[islandbass]

It is really pretty easy.

1) For a loop with your line with one hand and maintain the loop between forefinger and thumb. 

2) With the hand holding the loop, insert the loop under the line holder of the spool. Depending on the line holder, you may need to use a fingernail of the other hand to nudge the loop under the line holder on the spool, and then with the hand holding the loop, pull the loop under the line holder. 
 

BAM. Done. 
 

on one of my reels, I broke the line and I usually don’t have a rubber band or piece of tape on me so I make a loop in the line and hang that loop on the first guide and tighten the line. No tape, no band necessary. 
 

BAM. Done, lol. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I hardly ever use line clips and they're pretty much only good for braid.  The first quality reels I got as a kid didnt have clips which got me into the habit of having 1 or 2 rubber bands on my wrist all the time.   

[WRB]

When the reel is on the rod I keep the line through the guides and tie a slip knot loop that goes over the rod handle for all types of reels. Pull the line a bow and spin the rod a few turn to wrap it. Slip a expando sleeve rod sock over the rod and ready for use whenever needed.

Clove hitch around the rod blank also hold the line tight?

Spinning spool off the reel use the clip, no issues.. just put the line behind the clip under your thumb and pull the under the clip, works for me.

Tom

 

[walleyecrazy]

I generally hook my line the opposite way that I believe most people do. I put my thumb over the line clip to help guide the line in. I then bring the line past the clip and pull it back towards the clip under my thumb and it generally slides right under the clip. I’m not sure if I am explaining that in a way that makes sense, but it is a really easy way to do it and it has worked well for me with both braid and fluoro. If you look at this picture you can see where my line has gone past the clip and is coming back the other way. 

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, walleyecrazy said:

If you look at this picture you can see where my line has gone past the clip and is coming back the other way. 

Looks like how I use my clips - go past the clip, then come back under it...helps keep the  line tight on the spool.

 

Far as type of line - I've got nothing but Pflueger and Mitchell spinners - and 4# mono to 20# braid to 12# FC leaders...they all clip in snug.

[Spankey]

Mo, I agree. And some spools seem to clip easier than others. I'm old school and the fat wide rubber bands do the trick.

[redmeansdistortion]

I use vet wrap, it's a tape that only sticks to itself and commonly used in human and veterinary medicine.  Really cheap on Amazon.  It's also great for wrapping small reel feet, as some of the smaller spinners don't sit securely on some rods. 

 

[bulldog1935]

I always use moleskin on reel feet that need shimming or to protect a fancy wood reel seat insert.