Line on reel??

[Mikey40]

I was wondering what is the best way to spool line onto a spinning reel without any type of spooling kit?  I find my line is always getting tangled and I didnt know if it has to do with my spooling.  I know the correct amount of line to apply but I was just wondering if there was a technique that could help.  

Thanks

[Garnet]

The one trick is to turn your reel a dozen times then drop some slack if it pigtails turn your spool over. Another thing that works is set your spool on it's edge and start your reel the spool will allways fall the right way.

Garnet

[NBR]

Put the line through 3 or 4 guides on your rod then tie to the reel spool. I use an arbor knot. Put the spool of fresh line on the floor label side up. Run the line through a heavy book or through your fingers to put some tension on it so it will go on tight.

Make sure the drag is tight so it doesn't slip.Take 5 to 10 reel cranks and loosen the line to see if it twists. If it doesn't twist fill to 1/8" from the spool lip. If it twists flip the fresh line spool over and fill to an 1/8" from the spool lip.

Making sure the drag doesn't slip is super important. Cranking against a slipping drag is in MHO the biggest cause of spinning reel line twist once you get the line on the reel twist free.

[Papa_Tom]

Some good advice.  I might add that I saw Mike Ike spooling up on TV----I think an episode of Classic Patterns.  He ran his line thru a couple of guides to the reel.  Do like Garnet said to check for twists.  The other thing is that he sprayed a cloth with silicone (Reel Magic, etc) and held the line in that just in front of the reel to both apply tension and to clean the buildup from the line.  I've done this several times now and it works great.  I used to use a big book and weight, but it isn't necessary anymore.  Try this one.

[Vermelho]

Using a soft, clean line and spooling smart will definetly help, but will not elminate wind knots, and that's why I don't even bother (except not to put too much line on).  I use Berkeley Big game (stiff stuff) and have no problems.  Long ago, I found out that wind knots are mostly a product of casting/retrieving technique.