By : Katie Rojas
A spinning combo is one of the most versatile fishing setups available — it handles light lures well, casts a long way, and works for everything from panfish to bass to walleye. Setting one up takes a few more steps than a spincast, but once you've done it once it becomes second nature. Getting it right from the start means less line twist, fewer tangles, and more time actually fishing.
A spinning combo is a matched rod and reel where the reel hangs below the rod. Line is released by opening a wire bail before the cast and stopped by closing it when the bait lands.
A spinning combo, monofilament or fluorocarbon line in the weight range recommended on the reel — usually printed on the spool — and a pair of line clippers. Most spinning reels in the light to medium range are designed for 6 to 12 pound line. Heavier line than recommended causes problems with casting distance and line lay. Lighter line than recommended works fine in most cases.
Open the bail by flipping the wire arm away from the reel. Tie the line directly to the spool with an arbor knot — loop the line around the spool, tie an overhand knot around the main line, then tie a second overhand knot in the tag end to keep it from pulling through. Close the bail.
Run the line through each rod guide starting from the one closest to the reel and working toward the tip. Lay the line spool flat on the floor label side up — this matches the direction line comes off a spinning reel and prevents twist. Pinch the line lightly between your fingers above the first guide to create tension and reel slowly until the spool is filled to about an eighth of an inch from the rim.
Check for line twist periodically as you spool. If the line loops or coils between your fingers, flip the line spool over and continue — that usually corrects it.
Thread the line through the hook or lure eye and tie a palomar knot. Double about six inches of line into a loop, pass it through the eye, tie a loose overhand knot with the doubled line, pass the hook or lure through the loop, wet the knot, and pull both ends tight. Trim the tag end close.
Hook the line with your index finger, open the bail with your free hand, and hold the line against the rod with that finger. Bring the rod back to about two o'clock, drive it forward toward your target, and release your finger when the rod tip is pointed where you want the bait to go. As the bait approaches the target, reach forward and close the bail — or turn the handle once, which closes it automatically on most reels.
Spool up at home, tie on a practice lure, and make a few casts in the yard before your first trip. Pay attention to when you're releasing the line on the forward cast — that timing is what controls where the bait goes. Once it's dialed in, a spinning combo is one of the most capable all-around setups you can fish.
