- 1). Securely attach a reel to the reel seat of the rod. Position a spinning reel below the rod handle and a casting reel on top of the handle. Slide the foot of the reel forward until it is inserted into the locking ring or handle depending on the rod model. Tighten the rear locking ring by turning it clockwise.
- 2). Choose a pound test of line that is suitable for the species of fish you will be trying to catch. Small trout, for example, will dictate the use of 2- to 6-pound test while a lake or pond bass will require at least 8-pound test line. Feed the line down through the line guides beginning at the tip of the rod and working down to the handle.
- 3). Feed the free end of the line through the line guide of a casting reel or open the bail of a spinning reel. Wrap the line around the spool of the reel so that 6 to 7 inches of line extends past the spool.
- 4). Attach the line to the spool with an Arbor knot. Tie the knot by forming an over-hand knot with the free end of the line so that the loop passes around the main line. Tie a second over-hand knot with only the free end, moisten the knot and pull down tightly against the spool of the reel.
- 5). Grasp the line in front of the reel and apply slight tension. Close the bail of a spinning reel. Turn the handle of the reel to begin spooling line onto the reel. Continue to turn the reel handle until the spool is filled with line a little more than 3/4 full. Cut the line free from the filler spool leaving 3 to 4 feet of line extending from the end of the rod.
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