Dr.T Posted July 30, 2021 Posted July 30, 2021 My Reel What do you folks think? Is my spool over or under filled? Or is it just right? I always hear people saying there should be an 1/8th of an inch gap between the line and top of the spool, but are they talking about the actual top of the spool, or that edge just below the top? I usually can tell when my reel is over-spooled because it will just bird's nest when I look at it. But I have no experience with the symptoms of an under spooled reel. Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 Looks about right to me. 7 minutes ago, Dr.T said: I always hear people saying there should be an 1/8th of an inch gap between the line and top of the spool, but are they talking about the actual top of the spool, or that edge just below the top? I spool mine up to just under that edge - so a smidge more than 1/8" from the top-top. 7 minutes ago, Dr.T said: But I have no experience with the symptoms of an under spooled reel. Your IPT (retrieve rate) goes down and you might have shorter casts - that's about it. 1 Quote
garroyo130 Posted July 30, 2021 Posted July 30, 2021 Amount looks fine but the stack looks slightly higher on the brake side than the handle side. To fix that, adjust the spool tension knob next time you spool up. Quote
Dr.T Posted July 30, 2021 Author Posted July 30, 2021 2 minutes ago, garroyo130 said: Amount looks fine but the stack looks slightly higher on the brake side than the handle side. To fix that, adjust the spool tension knob next time you spool up. Thanks I noticed that, but wasn't sure how to remedy it. Do you want the spool tension completely backed off when you spool the reel? I have room to walk it out, should I tighten or loosen the spool tension? Quote
garroyo130 Posted July 30, 2021 Posted July 30, 2021 I usually set it to zero spool play and make sure my arbor knot is centered as well as the line guide. I honestly would leave it as is. I too tend to be OCD about stuff but that minor difference will probably even itself out with use. Quote
Dr.T Posted July 30, 2021 Author Posted July 30, 2021 7 minutes ago, garroyo130 said: I usually set it to zero spool play and make sure my arbor knot is centered as well as the line guide. I honestly would leave it as is. I too tend to be OCD about stuff but that minor difference will probably even itself out with use. I'm also pretty OCD, so it definitely bothers me, especially because this is a brand new reel. I was starting to get concerned that it might have a defective worm gear or paw. I own two other Shimano reels and never had this issue before. Quote
Super User JustJames Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 8 hours ago, Dr.T said: I'm also pretty OCD, so it definitely bothers me, especially because this is a brand new reel. I was starting to get concerned that it might have a defective worm gear or paw. I own two other Shimano reels and never had this issue before. You spooling the line yourself? I’ve seen that happened many times, from not apply enough tension and holding line in one spot. Just go out fishing, take it easy or first few cast. The reel mechanism will arrange the line to be in order. For BC the line level if not really as significant as spinning. Spinning if line too full you got jumping line, if line level too low it affect casting distance. Some ppl are OCD and want to keep the line full to maintain IPT (I don’t). Quote
CrankFate Posted July 30, 2021 Posted July 30, 2021 I always overspool to the point that the spool can’t be removed from the reel. Then I get all kinds of backlash. I then trim a few yards off at a time to get to the point that casts right. Then, over time, from cutting and retying rigs and losing rigs, it gets to the point that I have to cast as hard as possible to throw anything and get overrun issues with shorter casts. At that point, I start over and respool. 1 Quote
Super User bulldog1935 Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 I always make sure the spool can be removed from the reel for maintenance and swapping spools. The flat flanges change to angled chamfers at the top of the spool. Fill to the top of the flat, you have room to wrap a leader and remove your spool. Our OP did just right filling his spool. 4 Quote
Super User Jigfishn10 Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 X2 with @bulldog1935 post. I do it the same way. 1 Quote
Bassin_Harrison Posted July 30, 2021 Posted July 30, 2021 x3 with @bulldog1935 Looks good to me. 1 Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 X4 with bulldog. I fill to the bevel on the spool. Supposedly filling 1/16-1/8 below spool rim helps with backlashes. However, I don't think it would help me as I am an excellent caster. I can backlash any of them. 1 2 Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 3 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said: Supposedly filling 1/16-1/8 below spool rim helps with backlashes. I dunno about that - as I said, I fill to a smidge (1/16...1/20...who knows) below the rim and I still backlash occasionally - even on the Patriarch...but I can't remember the last time I had to cut out a bird's nest. Quote
Deephaven Posted July 30, 2021 Posted July 30, 2021 9 minutes ago, MN Fisher said: ...but I can't remember the last time I had to cut out a bird's nest. You aren't trying to cast far enough obviously. As for the fill Dr. T, that is what mine look like as well. All good. 1 Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted July 30, 2021 Super User Posted July 30, 2021 12 minutes ago, MN Fisher said: I dunno about that - as I said, I fill to a smidge (1/16...1/20...who knows) below the rim and I still backlash occasionally - even on the Patriarch...but I can't remember the last time I had to cut out a bird's nest. I am only going by what I've read. Never tried it to see if it is the truth. Nor will I ever try it. I am satisfied with my results of filling to the spool bevel. The occasional backlash is to be expected. Truthfully I don't get many anymore either. But I can still get a professional one occasionally. I have no problem poking fun at myself. Sheet happens. To all of us. 1 Quote
diehardbassfishing Posted July 31, 2021 Posted July 31, 2021 On 7/29/2021 at 11:33 PM, garroyo130 said: Amount looks fine but the stack looks slightly higher on the brake side than the handle side. To fix that, adjust the spool tension knob next time you spool up. Spooled up fine. There is nothing to be concerned with on the left/right line height. Small diff like that is NOT a reel issue. Likely not a spool tension issue either. Keep in mind your reel is working with "STRING". Lots of small variables that are out of your control. I hold my line as I reel in - you should see the variations when doing that!! Karl Quote
Super User Deleted account Posted July 31, 2021 Super User Posted July 31, 2021 20 hours ago, new2BC4bass said: I am only going by what I've read. I've read August is going to be an interesting month... 1 Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted July 31, 2021 Super User Posted July 31, 2021 42 minutes ago, BassWhole! said: I've read August is going to be an interesting month... Only if I can stand without pain. Quote
Super User the reel ess Posted July 31, 2021 Super User Posted July 31, 2021 Looks perfect. Every time I ever overfilled one I just backlashed the excessive line off. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.