need advise on how to fill my reel

[fishindude]

I've got a new avet pro exw 4/2. I also have 300 yards of power pro 80# line. What should I use for a bottom fill on this reel? Also how much should I put on? I was thinking 200 yrds 60 or 80 pound dacron filler then the 300 yrds power pro. I could use some advise on this. I want the reel to be full for extra cranking power. What do you recommend?

[Something Good]

What type of fishing will you be using the reel for?

[fishindude]

halibut first. Then TUNA if I get a ride. Hint hint

[Pilar]

This may not work for you but here is what I do.

First off I own several of each type of reel. Or you can use one large reel to help with temporary line storage. Or as a last resort you can use an empty line spool (ask for freebie at the fishing counter) and a cordless drill to store line.

Second buy a cheap Shakespeare line counter. They cost about $12. You can use this when you are mooching to get a number to repeat a succesful drift. How much you let out to hit the bottom or whatever. But you can use this device to spool reels too. It clamps to your rod between the 1st eye and the reel.

Then just wind on the line, all of it and then wind the backing on till full. If you have another of the same reel wind this whole thing onto the other reel and you have one full and know how much to use to fill the second one.

If not then remove the backing and then spool the line onto a second reel or the empty line spool. Now crank on the backing and then your line.

Realize that tuffline and other spectra lines will be very hard to get tight on initial spooling. So I always fill a little full. It will pack down on that first 600 foot bait check or trolled TUNA!.

Last tip is to write the numbers down somewhere. I use a square of tape and a sharpie. Put it under the reel seat or inside one of the end covers. Then you don't have to guess next time. You can just walk up to the counter and say

for a 4/0 wide .... 50 yds of 80# dacron and fill with 80# tuff ( ~ 450 yds).

Hope this helps.

BTW .. IMHO 300 yds of line is not enough. 400 - 500 is better. SO I avoid buying the little filler spools. You don't want to run short on line offshore. With 300 yds and one break off that reel is done. So less line is a false economy.

[Something Good]

If you're planning on fishing the ranch or halibut hill you will want to start with at least 400 yds of 65 or 80lb braided. If your fishing tuna you will need a mono top shot.

[Hanapa'a Time]

And if I read it correctly you have the EXW which is the wide verstion and is gonna take a bunch of backing for only 300yds of spectra to be close to full. As SG and Pilar said I would put at least 400 more like 500yds of spectra on the reel for 'buts, but leave enough room for a 50-100', 50# mono topshot.

I have an EX narrow which holds 500 yds of 80# spectra and enough room for 50-70' of 60# mono.

[fishindude]

Good advise. I got the line cheap from the guy I bought the reel from. I'll just save the power pro on the 300yrd roll for my sturgeon rods and go get the reel filled at the
fishing store. Thanks for the advise.

[Hanapa'a Time]

To help them pack the line on tight, make sure they put the reel in low gear.