How do you set up a Fishing Reel?

Question

I have an EZ Cast Shakespeare but it doesnt have the cap like most fishing rod now adays how do i set it up so i can reel in?

Answer 1

You are trying to operate it like a spincast reel instead of a spinning reel which is what an EZ Cast is. EZ Casts are not bad reels, you just haven't learned to use it correctly yet. They can be tricky, it just takes practice. Here is an article I found on how to spool line onto a spinning reel.

"Run the end of the line through the rod guides and wrap the tag end around the spool twice. Then, tie an over-hand knot in the tag end, wrapping the knot around the mainline as it comes onto the reel spool. Then tie and over-hand knot in the tag end and slide the knot down so that it rests just above the first knot. After securing the knot by pulling it tight, trim the tag end so that ¼ inch of line remains above the second knot (this extra line keeps the knot from coming loose).

Close the bail so that the reel is engaged and ready to begin winding line onto the spool. If you have a friend available, have them hold the spool with the front side facing you, making sure that they keep plenty of tension on the line. If you are along when doing this, try running the line through the pages of a phone book to keep the line tight.

I prefer that the line come off the spool counter-clockwise. The reason for this is because when you cast a spinning reel like my Abu Garcia Cardinal 804, the line comes off clockwise. By having the line come off the line spool counter-clockwise, it helps tame some of the line twist. Keeping tension on the line, I begin to wind the reel handle and fill the reel spool. Keep an eye on the reel spool to make sure that the line is filling the spool evenly and fill the spool within 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch from the edge. Too much or too little line will affect the reel's performance. Once the reel is spooled, cut the line from the remaining line in the package and tie on your favorite lure."

As far as casting, take a look at this website. It has a video series teaching you the anatomy of a spinning reel, and how to cast it. Be sure to watch the entire 10 part series, they are only about 2-3 minutes a piece and you will learn a lot.

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1453-fishi...

A spinning reel is a LOT different from the closed faced spincast reel. It is operated a lot differently, and can be tricky without a little practice. But once you master it, it can cast a LOT farther than a spincast reel and can cast lighter lures if you need to. If you are having trouble though, take it back and get you a Zebco 33 spincast reel and rod combo. They are cheap, but are good reels, and will help you learn the basics.

***Remember, the line has to be in that little rolling metal guide at the edge of the bail when you reel in after a cast or while loading the line when it's through the guides. If it is not, then it will not reel in properly. Also, the knot in the article does not have to be so complicated, a simple slip knot or the knot that Artie mentioned will be fine for putting the line on.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

First off I looked up the ez cast and its a spinning reel but you seem to think what you bought was a spincast reel if it is and it's missing the bell outside s***w on piece with the hole in it just take it back to walmart or go buy a reel that has all its parts or go to shakespeare on line and order the bell front end for it the line wont go on without the bell's little hole to feed the line in and hold it parrelel to the reels spool as the spinning pin brings the line in. but if it is a spinning reel:

first you open the bale on the reel, then you bring the new line (starting at the tip) through all the eyes and tie it to the exposed spool use the rapalla knot and tightening it you have to push down on the knot while holding the line and after it's tight knotted on the spool cut the tag end of the line with a fingernail clipper. close the bale and start reeling in the line. Now here's the tricky part spinning reels will kink the line because as it goes on it is being twisted so watch the new just bought spool of line as it comes off and as the little ringlets get smaller turn the spool over and they will enlarge and then start getting small again so you have to turn it over and over until finished.

if you own a boat after all the line is on while going slow and away from all traffic let the line out off the reel while dragging it behind the boat going slow and the water will unravel all the kinks you will get in it while fishing.