How to Make a Simple Bait-Casting Line Spooler
Nothing is more irritating or time consuming than spooling up a reel with fresh line. However, there’s a really simple way to automate the process with some common items you probably have on hand. Take a look at the steps below and see how you can spool up your bait-casting reel in no time.
Building the Frame
The object is to create a base and two side panels for attaching the spool of line. To do this, cut two 2 ½ x 5 inch pieces of wood that are at least ½ inch thick. Chisel, drill or cut out two ½ inch wide grooves on each piece. Cut the grooves vertically from the center of the top until they reach about halfway down the length of each piece. Sand them when finished to prevent obstructions that will inhibit the freedom of motion of the spool later. Set these pieces aside.
Next, take two small strips of wood, maybe ½ x 1 inch, and place them on the bottom of the larger plank that will serve as the baseboard. Make them parallel to each of the shorter sides of the baseboard, and set them in about ½ inch from the edge. They can be as long as the sides, or an inch or so shorter. This is just to raise the board above the table and provide a better foundation when spooling. Screw each piece into the baseboard with at least two screws for each side. You can also add some glue for additional strength.
Installing the Side Panels
Turn the board over and place one of the side panels on top. Stand it vertically so that the short side opposite the one where the notch starts is facing up. Make the board parallel to the baseboard and place it ½ inch from the edge. Place the edge of the board so that it rests at the same point where the inner side of one of the legs beneath the baseboard rests. Mark this corner and edge with a pencil. Repeat for the other side.
The next step is to take two wood screws for each side panel and attach it to the baseboard. Screw from underneath the baseboard and add some glue if desired. Add another screw if the wood is not secure. The finished product should have the boards standing vertically and running parallel to the long sides of the baseboard with the notches on top facing each other. Both pieces should be ½ inch inside the sides and about two inches from the edge.
Installing the Rod and Spool
Take a piece of metal rod, make a wooden dowel or cut a section of old fishing pole to create the roller for the spool of line. Attach the spool of line to the rod and place both ends through the grooves. The entire unit should be secure and the dowel or rod should not slip out of the notches. If it slips, make a longer rod. The aim is to have a snug fit without causing the rod and spool to seize up as it spins around.
All you need to do now is decide whether or not to customize this device or stain or paint it. Once it dries, you can place the handle and reel of the fishing pole on the baseboard, attach the line and begin to reel it in from the spool. Just be careful not to reel it in so fast that the line droops or bunches and gets tangled between cycles.
You can also improvise by fashioning some type of handle to attach to the spool and rod on the device to use to remove line from the reel as well. While there are lots of other designs out there that are more sophisticated and precise, this simple project is really all that you need to get the job done, and this simple trick can help you to load your reel with fresh line in a matter of seconds.
