How to Tie the Fishing Line to the Reel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Updated November 2026

To tie the fishing line to the reel, you attach the line to the spool with a simple arbor knot, then wind it on under light tension so it sits flat and tight. This takes about five minutes once you know the steps, and it keeps the line from slipping when a fish pulls hard. The method below works for spinning reels, baitcasting reels and most spincast reels.

What You Need Before You Start

• Your reel, with the spool empty or nearly empty and the spool removed if it comes off easily.
• Fresh fishing line in the weight and type that matches your rod. Check the rating printed on the rod blank.
• Scissors or line clippers.
• A dry cloth or a few seconds to clear any old line residue from the spool.

How to Tie Fishing Line to a Reel with an Arbor Knot

The arbor knot is the most common way to fasten line to the spool. It grips the line around the spool’s central core so the line cannot pull free.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Double Uni Knot Fishing Line: 5 Best Lines to Tie It With (2026).

1. Pass about 6 inches of line around the spool’s center post (the arbor).
2. Tie a loose overhand knot around the standing line, leaving the tag end free.
3. Wrap the tag end around the spool’s arbor and the standing line, three or four times.
4. Pass the tag end back through the loop you made in step two.
5. Pull the standing line to tighten the knot against the arbor, then trim the tag end to about 1/8 inch.

How to Tie Line on a Fishing Reel: Spooling Tips

A secure knot only works if the line winds on evenly. Spooling correctly prevents crossing lines, bird’s nests and weak spots that can break under strain. Braided Fishing Line Spinning Reel: How to Spool It Right, Step by Step goes further into this.

• Hold the spool so the line feeds from the bottom of the spool, not the top, to reduce twist.
• Keep light pressure on the line with your thumb or a damp cloth while winding.
• Fill the spool to about 1/8 inch below the lip. Overfilling causes the line to pop off during casts.
• Check the manufacturer’s line capacity printed on the spool or in the manual before loading.

Common Mistakes When Tying Line to a Reel

• Skipping the arbor wrap, which lets the knot slide off the spool under load.
• Pulling the knot tight without seating the wraps, which can leave a weak point.
• Winding line on with too much tension, which can deform soft spools.
• Leaving the tag end too long, which can snag on the spool or your reel’s gears.
• Using line that is older than a season or two. Sun and moisture degrade it over time.

Recommended Gear

A pair of sharp, fine-tipped line clippers makes trimming the tag end clean and quick. Search for: View on Amazon

A small spool of backing line can be added under your main line when you need extra capacity. Search for: View on Amazon

FAQ

How do you tie fishing line to a reel if the spool is already full?

Remove the old line first by cutting it near the arbor and pulling the spool clear. Then tie the new line with the arbor knot on an empty spool.

Can I use a regular overhand knot to attach line to the spool?

A simple overhand knot is not secure enough for most reels. The arbor knot grips the core properly and is the standard method for beginners.

How much line should I leave on the spool after tying it?

Fill the spool to about 1/8 inch below the lip. Leaving that small gap prevents line from overflowing and jamming during casting.

Conclusion

Tying line to a reel with an arbor knot takes just a few steps once you practice it. Wind the line on evenly, keep it under light tension and fill the spool to the right level. Consult a local angler or tackle shop staff if your reel design is unusual.

Related reading

• Baitcasting Reel Line Capacity: How to Read It and Match It to Your Fishing
• What Is Fly Line for Fishing and How Do You Pick the Right One?
• Top 6 Line Counters for Fishing Reels with Picks for Every Angler

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