Learn How To Line A Push Button Fishing Reel Like A Pro

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to line a push button fishing reel like a pro. If you are new to fishing or just looking to improve your skills, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the proper way to line a push button reel for the best performance on the water.

Whether you’re using a push button reel for the first time or you’re a seasoned angler, the process of lining a fishing reel can seem daunting. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to line your push button reel with ease, ensuring that you’re ready to reel in your next catch in no time.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to line a push button reel, let us cover the basics. First, we’ll discuss the types of fishing lines that are suitable for push button reels. Then, we’ll go over the common mistakes that people make while lining their reels, so you know what to avoid. Finally, we’ll provide some expert tips to help you get the most out of your push button reel.

So, if you want to learn how to line a push button fishing reel like a pro and catch more fish, keep reading. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge and skills necessary to get the job done right and improve your fishing game.

Step-By-Step Guide To Line A Push Button Reel

If you’re new to fishing, you might find lining a push button reel a daunting task. But, with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process that you can master with ease. The first step is to choose the right fishing line for your push button reel. Some common types include monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon lines.

Next, you need to tie the line to the spool. You can use a double uni knot, a Palomar knot, or an Arbor knot. Choose a knot that you’re comfortable with and can tie with ease. Once you’ve tied the knot, use a line spooler or a pencil to keep the spool steady while you line the reel.

Now, it’s time to fill the spool with line. Turn the handle of the push button reel in the clockwise direction to spool the line. You need to ensure that the line is taut and even on the spool. If the line is loose, it can result in knots and tangles that can ruin your fishing experience.

Finally, it’s time to trim the line. Leave a bit of line on the spool and cut the excess with a pair of scissors. And there you have it! Your push button reel is now lined and ready to use. With a bit of practice, you can master this process and get out on the water in no time.

Step 1: Secure the Reel

1. Choose a suitable work area: Find a clean and spacious area to work on. Make sure the surface is sturdy and stable to avoid any accidents.

2. Attach the reel to the rod: Secure the reel onto the rod by aligning the reel foot with the reel seat on the rod. Tighten the screws to secure it in place.

3. Remove old line: If there is already line on the reel, cut it with a pair of scissors or a knife. Make sure to dispose of the old line properly.

4. Clean the reel: Use a soft cloth to clean the reel and remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on it.

By following these steps, you’ll have a secure and clean surface to work on, ensuring that the reel is properly attached to the rod, and the old line has been removed, and the reel is clean and ready for new line.

Step 2: Prepare the Line

Now that the reel is secured, it’s time to prepare the line. First, choose the right fishing line for your reel. Monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are great options for push button reels. Secondly, ensure that the line is of the right strength and weight. The strength of the line should match the reel’s weight capacity and the weight should be appropriate for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.

Next, tie the line to the reel’s spool using a knot that is suitable for push button reels. A uni knot or an arbor knot works well. Once the knot is secure, spool the line onto the reel’s spool. Make sure to spool the line evenly across the spool to prevent line tangles and twists.

Before moving on to the next step, ensure that the line is spooled correctly by holding the line above the reel and pulling it. The line should come off the spool smoothly without any tangles or twists. If it doesn’t, you may need to start over and re-spool the line.

Step 3: Attach the Line to the Reel

Step 1: Thread the line through the guides on the rod and through the bail of the reel.

Step 2: Tie a simple overhand knot on the end of the line. Trim the tag end, leaving about 1/4 inch.

Step 3: Open the bail and wrap the line around the spool of the reel two or three times.

Step 4: Tie an arbor knot by passing the tag end of the line over the standing line and then back through the overhand knot.

Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Lining A Fishing Reel

Using the Wrong Line: It’s essential to choose the right type of line for your fishing reel. Using a line that’s too heavy or light can result in casting and reeling issues.

Not Spooling the Line Correctly: Proper spooling of the line ensures that the line is evenly distributed and prevents knots and tangles. Failing to spool the line correctly can cause backlash and other casting issues.

Overfilling or Underfilling the Spool: Overfilling or underfilling the spool can cause casting and reeling problems. Overfilling can cause the line to tangle, while underfilling can cause difficulty in casting and retrieving the line.

Not Checking the Line Regularly: Checking the line regularly is crucial for detecting wear and tear, nicks, and knots. Not checking the line can result in a broken line, which can ruin your fishing trip.

Overfilling the Spool

One common mistake many anglers make when lining a fishing reel is overfilling the spool. When the spool is overfilled, the line will become tangled and knotted, making it difficult to cast and retrieve.

To avoid this mistake, fill the spool to about 1/8 inch below the edge of the spool lip. This will allow the line to lay flat and distribute evenly as it comes off the spool.

Also, be sure to check the recommended line capacity for your specific reel. Overfilling can cause damage to the reel and even lead to the line breaking during use.

Finally, make sure the line is properly seated on the spool and not twisted or crossed over itself, which can also cause tangling and knots.

Using the Wrong Line

Another common mistake anglers make is using the wrong line for their reel. The type of line you use should be compatible with the size and strength of your reel.

Using a line that is too heavy for your reel can result in poor casting distance and accuracy, as well as damage to your reel’s internal components. Conversely, using a line that is too light can cause the line to snap when reeling in a fish.

Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for your reel’s line capacity and recommended line weight before spooling your reel. This will help you select the appropriate line and avoid this common mistake.

Additionally, consider the fishing conditions and the species of fish you plan to catch when selecting your line. A line that is too stiff or too soft for the conditions can also lead to poor performance and frustration on the water.

Incorrectly Spooling the Line

Twisted line: One of the most common mistakes while spooling the line is twisting it. Twist in the line can cause it to tangle and even break during casting.

Uneven spooling: Spooling the line too tightly or too loosely can cause it to bunch up or overlap itself on the reel. This can lead to tangles and decreased casting distance.

Reusing old line: Over time, fishing line can weaken and become more prone to tangling and breaking. Reusing old line can lead to frustration on the water and lost fish.

Incorrect line orientation: Always ensure that the line is spooled in the correct orientation, as indicated by the reel manufacturer. Incorrect orientation can lead to decreased casting distance and line tangles.

Types Of Fishing Lines That Are Suitable For Push Button Reels

Monofilament: Monofilament line is a popular choice for push button reels due to its affordability and versatility. It’s also easy to handle and provides good sensitivity and knot strength.

Braided: Braided line is known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for larger fish species. It’s also thinner in diameter than monofilament, allowing for more line to be spooled onto the reel.

Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon line is virtually invisible underwater, making it a popular choice for clear water fishing. It also has good sensitivity and is abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for fishing around rocks or other sharp structures.

Hybrid: Hybrid lines combine the best qualities of different types of fishing lines. They can have the strength and sensitivity of braided line with the low visibility of fluorocarbon, making them a versatile option for different fishing conditions.

Monofilament Line

Strength: Monofilament line is popular for its impressive strength to diameter ratio, meaning that it can handle heavier loads without increasing the diameter of the line.

Stretch: This type of fishing line has a certain degree of stretch which can be advantageous when catching fish that have a hard pull, as it can help prevent the line from breaking.

Sensitivity: Monofilament line has a degree of sensitivity that allows you to feel the fish bite, making it easier to detect when to set the hook.

Visibility: While monofilament line is known for its strength and sensitivity, it can be more visible in the water than other types of lines, making it potentially less effective in clear water conditions.

Braided Line

• Durability: Braided lines are highly durable and can last longer than other types of lines.
• Sensitivity: Due to the lack of stretch, braided lines are highly sensitive, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest bite.
• Visibility: Braided lines are highly visible in the water, which can be a disadvantage in clear water or when fishing for easily spooked fish.
• Diameter: Braided lines have a smaller diameter compared to monofilament lines of the same strength, allowing for longer casts and less resistance in the water.

Braided lines are made from woven fibers of different materials such as Spectra, Dyneema, or micro-dyneema. They are strong, abrasion-resistant, and have a high strength-to-diameter ratio. Braided lines have very little stretch and are highly sensitive, allowing anglers to feel every nibble on the line. However, their high visibility can be a disadvantage in clear water or when fishing for easily spooked fish. Anglers should use a leader to reduce the visibility of the line and increase their chances of catching fish.

Commonly Asked Questions About Push Button Reel Lining

Q: How often should I replace my fishing line?

It is recommended that you replace your fishing line at least once a year, even if you haven’t used it often. Exposure to sunlight, water, and general wear and tear can weaken the line over time, making it more likely to break when you have a fish on the line.

Q: Can I use any type of line with a push button reel?

No, not all types of lines are suitable for push button reels. Monofilament and braided lines are commonly used, but other types of lines may not work well with the reel’s mechanism.

Q: Can I mix different types of line on the same spool?

It is not recommended to mix different types of line on the same spool. Each type of line has different properties, such as thickness and strength, and using two different types of line can cause problems when casting and retrieving.

How much line should I put on the spool?

It is important to not overfill the spool, as it can cause tangles and knots, and can make it difficult to cast. It is recommended to fill the spool to about 1/8 inch below the spool’s rim.

The amount of line you put on the spool also depends on the size of the reel and the type of fishing you will be doing. If you are targeting larger fish, you may want to put more line on the spool, while if you are fishing in a smaller body of water, less line may be necessary.

It is also important to consider the line diameter and weight when determining how much line to put on the spool. A thicker line will take up more space on the spool, while a lighter line may require more length to achieve the desired weight capacity.

Can I use a different line than what is recommended by the manufacturer?

It is generally recommended to use the type of line that is recommended by the manufacturer. This is because push button reels are designed to work best with certain types of lines, and using a different type of line can affect the performance of the reel. However, it is possible to use a different type of line if you are willing to make some adjustments. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Test the line first: Before you spool the entire reel with a different type of line, test it out to see how it performs. This will give you an idea of whether or not it is suitable for use with a push button reel.
• Adjust the drag: If you are using a line that is thicker or thinner than what is recommended by the manufacturer, you may need to adjust the drag on the reel to get the desired performance.
• Consider the fishing conditions: Different types of lines are better suited for different fishing conditions. If you are fishing in clear water, for example, you may want to use a different type of line than if you are fishing in murky water.

Ultimately, the decision to use a different type of line is up to you. However, it is important to keep in mind that using a line that is not recommended by the manufacturer can affect the performance of your reel and potentially even damage it. So, it’s always a good idea to test out the line and make any necessary adjustments before using it for a day of fishing.

How often should I change the line on my push button reel?

Regularly changing your fishing line is important for maintaining the performance and effectiveness of your push button reel. The frequency with which you need to change your line will depend on several factors, including how frequently you use your reel, the conditions you fish in, and the type of line you are using. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you change your line at least once a year or more often if you use your reel frequently.

It is important to inspect your line regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any nicks, frays, or abrasions, it is time to replace your line. Similarly, if your line has lost its color or has become brittle, it is a sign that it is time to replace it.

The type of fishing you do will also impact how often you need to change your line. For example, if you primarily fish in freshwater for smaller species, you may not need to change your line as frequently as someone who fishes in saltwater for larger, more powerful fish. It is always a good idea to consult with the manufacturer’s recommendations and seek advice from experienced anglers to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Expert Tips To Maximize Your Push Button Reel’s Performance

Clean and Lubricate: Keep your push button reel clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation. This includes regular cleaning of the spool, handle, and button mechanism, as well as applying a thin layer of lubricant to moving parts.

Match the Line to the Lure: Match the weight of the line to the weight of the lure you are using. Lighter lures require lighter lines, while heavier lures require heavier lines. This will help improve casting accuracy and prevent line breakage.

Master the Cast: Practice your casting technique to improve your accuracy and distance. Make sure to use a smooth, fluid motion and keep your wrist firm but relaxed. Avoid jerky or sudden movements that can cause backlash or tangles in the line.

Use the Right Line for the Job

One of the most important things you can do to maximize your push button reel’s performance is to use the right fishing line for the job. Consider the size and species of fish you’re targeting, as well as the conditions you’ll be fishing in. If you’re targeting smaller fish in calm waters, a lighter line will work well. But if you’re going after bigger fish in rougher waters, you’ll need a heavier line that can handle the strain.

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of line you use. As we discussed earlier, monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines all have their own strengths and weaknesses. Choose the one that best fits the conditions and the fish you’ll be targeting.

Finally, make sure the line you choose is compatible with your push button reel. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you’re using the right line for your reel. Using the wrong line can lead to tangles, line breakage, and other problems that can hamper your performance on the water.

Keep Your Reel Clean and Well-Maintained

Clean Your Reel Regularly: Dirt and debris can accumulate inside your push button reel, leading to decreased performance or even damage. Clean your reel regularly by wiping it down with a damp cloth and removing any visible dirt or debris.

Lubricate Moving Parts: Over time, the moving parts of your push button reel can become stiff and difficult to use. Lubricate these parts with a reel lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Store Your Reel Properly: When you’re not using your push button reel, store it in a dry, cool place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in an area where it could be damaged by other equipment or objects.

Frequently Asked Questions