Filling a Spinning Reel Spool

Overview

I'm just putting down some ideas on how to do this task without twisting up your line. Most all YT videos are just flat wrong.

The Problem

Fishing line is sold on spools that are larger in diameter than a spinning reel spool. The bail on a spinning reel will impart a twist because it will turn faster than the line will unwind from the filling spool. Small reel are worse than large reels.

The very best way is to fill spool to spool without using the bail, which is what they do at fishing shops. No twist is imparted, but it is not intuitively obvious how to do this at home with common tools.

A Solution

The following pictures contain enough information for the reader to succeed.

ThTheeThe idea is to use your hand drill. The allen wrench and chunks of pool noodle foam are used to chuck up the reel spool. There are probably a dozen ways to do this, but I think the basic idea should be apparent.

I used pool foam because I had some handy, but I could've used two small rubber balls or cut a larger rubber ball in half.

The allen wrench works in the drill chuck nicely and I have a diameter assortment to fit various spools. The pressure on the spool, (necessary friction to turn the spool), is created by compressing the foam/ball/etc. against the spool when shoving the allen wrench into the drill chuck.

Screwdriver through the feed spool allows easy control of the back and forth winding motion for even spool fill. My thumb provides a little line tension.

Note the correct feed direction for your spool and make sure the line comes off the feed spool in the same direction it goes onto the reel spool.

This approach results in no twist imparted.