By : Katie Rojas
A spincast combo is the most beginner-friendly fishing setup there is — the reel is simple to operate, the line management is handled for you, and getting it ready to fish takes about ten minutes. That said, setting it up correctly makes a real difference. Line that's spooled wrong tangles. A hook tied poorly costs you fish. Getting the basics right from the start means fewer problems on the water.
A spincast combo is a matched rod and reel where the reel sits on top of the rod, enclosed in a nose cone that protects the line and spool. You cast by pressing a thumb button and release it on the forward stroke to send the bait.
A spincast combo, fishing line appropriate for the reel — most spincast reels are designed for 6 to 12 pound monofilament — a hook or lure, and a pair of line clippers or small scissors. Check the reel's recommended line weight, usually printed on the reel itself, and match it before you spool up.
Remove the nose cone by unscrewing or pulling it off depending on your reel model. Find the line anchor — a small hole or post on the spool — and thread the line through it, tying a simple overhand knot to secure it. Replace the nose cone, then thread the line through each guide on the rod starting from the reel and working toward the tip.
Have someone hold the line spool so it unwinds off the face — not off the side — and reel slowly while keeping light tension on the line with your fingers. Fill the spool until the line sits about an eighth of an inch from the rim. Overfilling causes tangles. Underfilling reduces casting distance.
Thread the line through the lure eye or hook eye and tie a palomar knot — double six inches of line into a loop, pass it through the eye, tie an overhand knot with the doubled line, pass the hook through the loop, then pull both ends to tighten. Trim the tag end close to the knot.
If you're using a hook with live bait, add a split shot weight six to twelve inches above the hook and a float above that set to the depth you want to fish.
Hold the rod with your dominant hand, thumb resting on the button. Press and hold the button to engage the spool. Bring the rod back smoothly to about two o'clock, then drive it forward toward your target and release the button when the rod tip points where you want the bait to go. Press the button again when the bait lands to stop the line.
Set up at home first so the first time you're doing it isn't on the water with fish around. Spool the line, tie on a small lure or hook, and practice casting in the yard before your first trip. Ten minutes of setup and a few practice casts makes everything easier once you're actually fishing.
