How to String a Fishing Line to a Penn Reel

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Like any other fishing reels, Penn reels must have fishing line on them if they are to be used to catch fish. In some ways, stringing the line to the reel is one of the most important parts of any fishing trip, since the fishing line is the one solid link that anglers have to fish. If that link is frayed or otherwise weakened, the line can snap and the fish lost. To prevent that, anglers should change their fishing line at least one time a season to ensure the line remains fresh and strong.

Items you will need

  • Fishing line

  • Fishing pole

  • Fishing reel

  • Scissors or cutting implement

Attach the Penn fishing reel to a fishing pole. If the Penn reel is a spinning reel, it should be attached to a spinning rod. If it is a baitcasting or trolling reel, it should be attached to a baitcasting rod, which can be identified by the trigger-shaped handle that hangs just below the reel seat.

Hold the end of the fishing line between your thumb and index finger in one hand and thread the line through the tip of the fishing rod. Place the line through each of the rod guides until the end of the line is at the Penn reel.

Flip open the bale, if you are stringing a spinning reel. If you are stringing a baitcasting or trolling reel, thread the line through the line guide that is located at the front of the reel.

Wrap the fishing line two times around the spool of the Penn reel, then tie a knot so the line is tight against the spool. Also make sure the knot is tight against the spool.

Snip any extra line above the knot, but it is a good idea to leave 1/8 inch of line. That small amount of line will ensure the knot will not come undone, even if the knot slips a little.

Turn the reel handle as if winding in a fish. Doing so will transfer the fishing line from the spool it came on to the spool of the fishing reel. Quit reeling when the line is 1/8 inch below the rim of the spool.

Grab scissors or other cutting implement and snip the line so that about 12 inches of fishing line hangs from the tip of the fishing rod.

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