Correct amount of line on reels

[Bronzeback117]

How do you properly tell you are putting the correct amount of line on your reel. Do you use some kind of line counter? If so what is a good brand to get?

[RobbyZ5001]

I think you just get the hang of it and with experience you will just know how much is enough. I like about 1/8th inch of open spool on spinning rigs. On baitcasters I am still in the learning process I don't think it matters as much as spinning though.

I think overall that the listed yardage/lb test is basically a guideline. Overall It's your personal preference.

[.dsaavedra.]

i leave about 1/8 inch of open spool on spinning reels also. it is very important not to overfill spinning reels because if you do then the line will just pile off and tangle real bad (worse than a birdsnest on a baitcaster). on a baitcaster its not as important but i still try to get about 1/8 inch of open spool. like RobbyZ said, it just comes with experience. there is nothing too special about it.

[grimlin]

How does it not matter on baitcasters?  :-X I find baitcasters worst if you overfill...

Between 1/8-1/4 below the top for me on everything.

[roadwarrior]

1/8" from the lip for spinning reels, "full" for baitcasters.

8-)

[.ghoti.]

I fill all my baitcasters almost right up to the bevel on the spool's edge. I want them as full as I can get. If you don't fill the spool, you'll effectively reduce the gear ratio of the reel. It reduces the IPC by more than you would suspect.

Example: A Revo STX, 6.4:1, 27.5 IPC

IPC = spool diameter X pi X ratio

Full spool diameter for the Revo calculates at 1.367"

By removing 1/8" of line (1/4" of diameter)and recalculating, you get 22.5 IPC.

By removing 1/4" of line you get 17.5 IPC.

There's an easy way to make a slow speed reel out of a high speed one. If you don't mind the reduced casting performance that is. Back when I had just two good baitcasters, Daiwa TD-2HI's, I did just that. FIlled one all the way for high speed, and filled one 2/3 full for cranks and spinnerbaits. The full one had the magnetic cast control set about in the middle, and the 2/3 full reel had the mag's almost off. I could still cast the full reel farther. This little gimmick would probably work better with centrifugal brakes.

I use a spinning reel for light baits and long casts, so I fill them up to within 1/32" of the lip, using light, limp line, like 8lb test XL. A little more gap with 10lb test. I wouldn't suggest that with flouro. I only made that mistake once. I'd say that 1/8" is a good staring point for flouro on a spinning reel.

[FishTank]

I leave about 1/8in lip on a spinning reel and about 1/16th on a baitcaster.

[grimlin]

I must really suck with baitcasters.....Mono don't have too much problems.With every single fluorcarbon line i've tried i can't work with a full spool without a loop or two jumping off on every cast.

Didn't know you reduce the gear with less line on it.learned something there....

[HesterIsGod]

1/8" from the lip for spinning reels, "full" for baitcasters.

8-)

x2

[Marty]

You need to find your own comfort level. Maybe 1/8" is a good starting point. On my spinning reels, I fill them fuller than 1/8" but that works for me, maybe it's not right for everyone.

[RobbyZ5001]

Well thanks for the advice about baitcasters. Thanks for the lesson ghoti.

[sal669]

Almost full on spinning reels, full on baitcasters...

Most of the manufacturers recomand 1/8" (less than full) for spinning reels, but that's just a guide line. It depends on the managebility of the line and the experience of the user. My $.02

[Bassn Blvd]

1/8" from the lip for spinning reels, "full" for baitcasters.

8-)

EXACTLY

[OkobojiEagle]

Underfilling a baitcaster (2/3 full) will make it easier to control backlashes.

[Guest avid]

I like to keep 1/8 inch from the lip on all reels.

[Mid-MO]

On a baitcaster, I fill mine to the edge of the bevel.  Is that considered full?  Or are some of you going up over the bevel to the very top edge?

[.ghoti.]

On a baitcaster, I fill mine to the edge of the bevel. Is that considered full? Or are some of you going up over the bevel to the very top edge?

I filled one of mine up to the very top once. The line drug on the top of the reel foot. BIG backlash on the first cast.

[Tokyo Tony]

This is what I do, and you can try it if you want:

Fill the spinning reel all the way to the rim to make sure you have enough line, fish with it, realize there's too much line, then waste time on the water cutting off the excess line you put on while cursing to yourself, every single time.  Works for me.

[roadwarrior]

This is what I do, and you can try it if you want:

Fill the spinning reel all the way to the rim to make sure you have enough line, fish with it, realize there's too much line, then waste time on the water cutting off the excess line you put on while cursing to yourself, every single time. Works for me.

I've seen that movie.   :  

[TeamBerettaGold]

What do you guys do when putting braid on?  I dont use a filling station, and most of the time I cant get all the braid on tight, so after the first couple casts it packs down and it looks like you only put a half spool on. Lately I have been over filling the spool and I just run it out behind the boat with the trolling motor on and reel it all back in to tighten it. Any easier ways or secrets anyone has? Or am I just doing something wrong?

thanks guys.

PS-I forgot to state that this is on a baitcaster.

[TournyFish001]

Underfilling a baitcaster (2/3 full) will make it easier to control backlashes.

you will greatly reduce your casting distance by underfilling your baitcaster-

[zelmo]

What about spinning reels like the new Shimano reels that have a beveled front lip on the spool?  I haven't measured it, but I would think you fill it right to where the bevel starts.  Correct?

[WIII-60]

so, in summary, it looks like anywhere from 1/32 of an inch to 1/8 to 1/4 on spinning, but that's all relative to what you like. Full to empty on baitcasting, unless you want the gear ratio slower and need a complicated formula to achieve this. Don't use fluoro unless you're using mono and then don't spool any of that more than you would if it were 3/4 of an inch shorter than the diameter of the amount of..........whooooa.

This thread has made me go crosseyed.