Save money, prevent backlashes by spooling less line on baitcasters

Angler Adam Cook uses fluorocarbon on almost every reel he owns. The fact that it virtually disappears under water is a huge factor.

But he has other reasons for his choice in line.

“It sinks,” Cook explained. “It’s got a good stretch, but not too much. And I never have to worry about breaking off.”

But he does believe in respooling every few trips because he fishes most weekends and wants his line to be fresh and strong.

“Whenever my line starts to get that curl in it, I put new line on,” Cook said.

That’s a pricey proposition, since the P-Line he prefers runs as much as $30 a pack.

So he saves money by doing something most anglers have been taught is wrong — he short-spools his reels.

“I never put more than half a spool of line on,” Cook said. “You don’t need it. You save a lot of line.”

What about casting distance, right? Well, Cook said he can cast just as far as he could with a full spool, even when using spinnerbaits and crankbaits. So that’s not an issue.

And another significant advantage is icing on the cake.

“You’ll get a lot fewer bird nests,” Cook said. “If you try to fish a reel that’s full, you’ll get a lot more backlashes.”