Should you fill up the entire spool on a baitcasting reel?

Question

I have an Abu Garcia 5500 C3 and when I fill it up completely, it seems that it birdnests really easily. But, maybe I'm doing something wrong like not keeping the line tight enough on the spool. Anyway, I keep the spool about 2/3s full, but should I be filling it up all the way?

Thanks!

Answer 1

texasman has it pretty good for you!



Personally I fill spool then tie on lure and adjust tension knob and take off a little line if needed!







By the way us experienced guys and gals never ever have back lashes we may from now and then acquire what is known as rotational axis spool displacement!

Answer 2

The way my dad always showed me is on the baitcasting spool, you will see the edge of the spool at the top of it. It kind of has an angle to it. Fill it to just before that and you should be fine. Just make sure to adjust your brake if needed after you do this. Also, I always fill the spool to this poing when I first get a reel(baitcasting or spinning), then when the line needs to be changed or gets somewhat low because of breaks, I do not strip it all, I tie a small knot(not sure of what the name of it is, i believe it is a double clinch). I only change the "backing" every 3-5 years since it is never used.

Answer 3

The fuller the spool, the longer your casts are going to be (when you don't backlash). An eighth of an inch from the top, as someone else said, is a good rule.



But, like you said, if the line's wrapped loosely on the spool, it's more likely to backlash, and also, if you get a tight tangle, the line can kink, which also increases the chance of backlashes. Or if you cast into the wind, or if your thumb's not paying attention. There are lots of things which can cause backlashes.



I used to fish with a guy who never got backlashes, but he got a ton of "hairballs" in his reels.

Answer 4

i use a lot of abu multiplier reels and i find it best to load the line to within about 2 or 3 millimeters of the top of the spool hope that helps as for the birds nest u might have to sort out the speed the reel is running at or hold your thumb firmer on the line

tight lines

Answer 5

Only thing I have to add to what everyone has said, is the gear ratio is based on a "full spool of line"



Injun.....rotational axis spool displacement....LMAO



But you are right my friend I do not get back lashes, but I do get those rotational axis spool line displacement thing -of- a -jigs every so often, specially casting into the wind.

Answer 6

Don't fill it up all the way, as you're right, it will definitely cause more bird nests. About 2/3 should be plenty. But also make sure you are adjusting the spool tension knob. If you have it set too loose, it could also cause it to bird nest more easily. You don't want it to be really loose, especially if you are throwing lighter lures. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

i have allways been told to fill the spool to about 1/8" below the rim of the spool.



the man that got me into fishing told me this.



u need to have the drag set all the way tight to keep the spool from tight when u fill it.



a line spooler from bass pro or cabelas will be the easiest way to put line on a reel.



good luck

Answer 8

I keep my spool as full as possible and don't get too much of the birdnest tangles. Do you use a swivle on your line? this helps alot.

Answer 9

that guys right on 1/8 of an inch from the spool rim is perftect

Answer 10

not the hole spool but most of it bc it will knot up

Answer 11

texas got it right, but my BIGGEST reason for this post : ROTATIONAL AXIS SPOOL DISPLACEMENT, mannn that is a total classic, again "My hat off to ya' Injun" ;) ;) ;)...Rlmao!!