Re-Spool, Empty Completely Or Just The First 60-70 Yards

[Pond Scum]

When you guys re-spool do you empty the spool on the reel or do you take it down to where it has 30-40 yards and then nail knot it and refill from there? I prefer to not empty the spool, but is there a reason I should replace all the line?

[BASSclary]

If you're fishing for bass you'll be okay with just taking the first 60-70 yards off. However if your fishing for a species known to make long runs i'd fill it up all the way.

[SirSnookalot]

For me as I only use spinning and braid, I do not strip all the line off, just add as much as I care to put on. I do not fill the reel to capacity, I leave about 1/4 inch from the lip, I prefer a little less line for casting even with larger running fish.

[roadwarrior]

I respool low capacity reels completely. Otherwise, 80-100 yards.

#1 I don't want to feel a knot in the spool.

#2 I want a little margin in case surgery is required.

#3 I like the spool on baitcasters to be full+; on

spinning tackle a 1/8" margin, but I will fish it

down to 1/4".

#4 I only respool "as needed". Copolymer, fluorocarbon

and braid do not get "old" if stored out of the sun

at moderate temperatures.

[Bass Junkie]

roadwarrior nailed it.

[BassThumb]

I usually put about 70 yard on my reels. With braid, I'll put on about 100 yards+ because it'll be on there for a year or two and I don't want it to get too short, due to retying or having to cut off a few yards of abraded line. With reels that are used for just flipping/pitching in close quarters, I will only use about 45-50 yards of fluoro or braid, and even that's excessive for 10-15 yard pitches.

If I ever need to cut out a backlash, that reel is retired for the day and respooled that night.

[Crestliner2008]

Roadwarrier gave you a great response. I've got two rigs, one spinning and one baitcaster, that have had the same 30# test PowerPro on them for 3 seasons now. I snip off a foot or two maybe twice a season and put on a 4' - 5' section of 20# test fluorocarbon leader. They just keep on ticking!

[Catt]

Because of the heavy cover and depths I fish monofilament or fluorocarbon gets changed at least once a month, braid I change once a year.

I do not use backing period, so I’ll change the entire spool