When it’s time to change your fishing line

Learn the best, most-comfortable way to strip and respool line and stick with it to make it less of a chore.

Changing line needn’t be a hassle; you simply have to control the situation. Line-stripping tools facilitate removal, but if you use the hand-wrapping method, keep your wrapped fingers spread, as relaxing them allows you to easily remove all that old line you’ve bundled.

Also, when reeling on new line, keeping the filler spool in one place helps you maintain proper tension for even spooling. It also prevents a spool from tumbling loosely and dumping too much line.

FLW Tour pro Terry Bolton sits on center step of his boat, keeps the filler spool in its box and holds the whole deal between his feet. FLW pro Phil Marks keeps multiple bulk spools in a cardboard box and uses the joint tension to manage the one from which he’s filling. A plastic tub will likewise suffice.

Addressing the economics of braided line, Bassmaster pro Gary Klein always “flips” his spool to maximize his investment. Only the top half of his spool sees significant action, so once that front section shows wear, he strips off the braid and then respools the same line, worn side first. This puts the fresh, unused section on top of the spool.

Once both ends have served a reasonable duty, Klein removes the worn braid, but keeps it for his custom jig skirt collars. Even used braid retains significant strength.

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