How to String a Shakespeare Reel on a Rod
- 1). Raise the bail on the Shakespeare reel to disengage and remove the old fishing line by unwrapping it counter-clockwise. Clip off the knot at the spool with a pocket knife or clippers to remove the end of the line.
- 2). String the new line through the rod tip and each of the rod guides, down to the reel. Make sure the bail is in the raised position.
- 3). Wrap the end of the line three to four times around the bare spool and then tie it to the reel with a simple overhand knot. Clip the excess line to within 1/4 inch of the knot.
- 4). Close the bail, which will lock automatically in the closed position when the reel handle is turned.
- 5). Position the new line on its factory spool so it comes off in the same direction as it is wound onto the Shakespeare reel. Because the Shakespeare reel takes up line by rotating clockwise, the factory spool must be pointed at the rod tip so the new line comes off counter-clockwise. This prevents twisting as the new line goes on the reel. When cast, a twisted line can come off the reel in big loops that will quickly snag in the rod guides.
- 6). Crank the reel handle clockwise at a speed of about one rotation per second to add new line smoothly and evenly to the reel.
- 7). Clip the line at the factory spool when the Shakespeare reel is full and then tie a snap-swivel to the end of the line using a clinch knot. Clip the snap-swivel to the rod tip.
