After a failed experiment with about 200' braid on a not so braid friendly penn 550 I would like to save the line for another reel. Do I just open the bail on the 550 and reel it onto the new reel? Any ideas on keeping the line tight and evenly laid on the new reel?

I would loosen the drag, and go thru the 1st guide, the one closet to the reel works for me

I made a device to transfer line from one reel to another. It's basically made from two old broken/unused rods which I cut down so each had about a foot of rod left above the reel seat and grip. I then slid one inside the other and secured them with electrical tape (had no epoxy handy at the time), so it's about three feet long with two reel seats facing each other. Then you just put a reel in each seat and use the the drag on the reel the line is coming off to control the tension as you reel it onto the other. I also have an old Abu 6000C that I use to wind spare line onto or to help in reversing line to put back on the original reel. It was easy to make and saves lots of headaches.

I have found that running the line through a phone book with some weight on top of it will keep good tension on the line allowing tight spooling. I usually use the entire rod when re spooling. This method works great with conventional reels without level wind. :fishin:

I agree with tattoobob. Do the drag and the 1st guide. While you're reeling the line onto the other spool, wet a rag and use it between your fingertips so the line goes tightly onto the new spool without cutting your fingers.

If you're really into it you might try this one: Once the line's on the new rod and reel, go outside somewhere that you have a 200' span to walk. Tie a swivel to the end of your line and put a hook or a plug on it. Attach the hook to whatever you can stick it into.(tree, bumper, etc..) Loosen your drag and begin walking away from where you put the hook until you're at the bottom of the spool. Then tighten your drag, and start slowly reeling your line (and yourself :^) ) in, making sure you keep plenty of pressure and a bent rod. Swivel will take the twist out of the new braid and the line will lay tight on the spool. Your neighbors will think you're tapped, but I've greatly reduced the funky effects of new braid this way. Good luck!

I made a device to transfer line from one reel to another. It's basically made from two old broken/unused rods which I cut down so each had about a foot of rod left above the reel seat and grip. I then slid one inside the other and secured them with electrical tape (had no epoxy handy at the time), so it's about three feet long with two reel seats facing each other. Then you just put a reel in each seat and use the the drag on the reel the line is coming off to control the tension as you reel it onto the other. I also have an old Abu 6000C that I use to wind spare line onto or to help in reversing line to put back on the original reel. It was easy to make and saves lots of headaches.


That's a CLASSIC! Love it!

I made a device to transfer line from one reel to another. Thanks Plankton, I think I have the materials for something like that. Then once the line is on I will try BrianL's idea to take out any twist.

Your neighbors will think you're tapped

The couple I have are tapped themselves anyway and my driveway is 300' straight into the woods.

Thanks for the input. :wid: