Stop Fighting Line, Buy a Spooling Station

In an earlier “Fishing Hack,” I made mention that I'm often putting new line on my reels. Many anglers probably think using a spooling station is a no-brainer, but it was years before I invested in one. Spooling line can be a pain, and I wish I had those hours back when I wasn't using one.

Perhaps the largest time saver a spooling station provides is not having to fight the spool of line. I tried all kinds of methods before buying a station: holding the spool against something with my foot, putting the spool on a pencil among other failed attempts. You may have a creative way to spool line that works for you, but for those of us who failed art class, I suggest getting a spooling station.

The station I have pictured locks the reel in place, and the spool of line is mounted on a rod. I simply lock the reel in place, use my “electrical tape hack” to attach the line to the reel, and spool away. I have a spinning reel in the photo; it works equally well with baitcasters.

Next time you're at the tackle shop, forget about buying those extra crankbaits and invest in a spooling station. I promise you won't regret it.