If you’re passionate about fishing, you most likely have a large stock of fishing gear ready to go ranging from a rod and reel to bait, fishing line, lures, and a line winder.

While all of these things are great, you have to have a fishing line spooler tucked away in your gear.

A spooler is a tool that will help you spin your line faster into the reel.

As long as you have a secure place to use it on the table or ground, your line spinning into your reel should only take a few seconds from start to finish.

We’ve compiled a list of excellent spoolers for you below.

Things to Know Before Buying Fishing Line Spoolers

There are several things you want to keep in mind before and during the buying process. This will help ensure you get the best product to suit your needs.

Material and Construction

You don’t want to skimp on the material or construction of your spooler. If you do, you could end up with a product that can’t perform to your necessary requirements. Metal is a popular choice for the material, and many manufacturers favor aluminum or steel.

As for the construction, you have to think about what the best attachment type would be. Do you want something that sticks onto a solid surface with a suction cup? Maybe you want something that attaches straight to your rod.

Waterproof or Not

How vital is it that your spooler is waterproof? Think about the environment you’ll bring it out in. Wet or humid environments can wreak havoc on your equipment if you don’t take the time to dry them out between uses. Having a waterproof layer on your spooler can help protect the body from rusting, corroding, or weakening in general from repeated use. You may pay a little more for this waterproof layer, but it’s well worth it.

Spool Capacity

If you get a larger spool capacity, you can spin more line each time you use your spooler. However, this can also get bulky and unwieldy. You have to consider the type of fishing rod and reel you routinely use. Some setups use less line, while fly fishing setups use more. If you can get away with a smaller spool, it’ll be easier to carry and use. However, you’ll reload it more. The attachment style will also play a role here because specific attachments won’t work well for larger spools.

Tension

Maintaining tension throughout the process of adding line onto your reel is critical. If you don’t, you can find yourself unwinding a tangled mess of line that won’t cast smoothly. Double-check the tensioning system on the spooler and see how it compares to the tension you need in your line. If it can’t help you reach the tension levels you need, move on, and find a different spooler that better fits your needs.

Does it Work With Every Type of Reel?

If you have more than one type of reel, you need a spooler that works with different types of reels. Some spoolers only work with specific reel types, and this means you may have to buy more than one if you don’t double-check and make sure it works across all of your reels. Keep the style, size, and attachment points in mind when you start comparing products to find a universal fit.

Cost

Your budget will play in role in which spooler you pick. Luckily, there are spoolers to fit into any budget constraints you may have from reputable brands. However, you do want to consider spending a little more upfront and getting a high-quality option that will last for several years and perform to very high levels. Universal spoolers are generally more expensive because it’s convenient. So, if you want one of them, be prepared to pay a little more for it. Set a budget before you shop to narrow down your choices.

Best Fishing Line Spoolers

Portable / Stable Aluminum Fishing Winder

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This aluminum spooler sits vertically with a stable metal spire through the middle of it. The suction cup ensures that it sticks firmly to the ground, and you can easily adjust it to fit different reel sizes. It avoids line twisting, and the spring-loaded tension ensures you get an even spool.

Pros

• Very simple and sturdy design
• Suction cup adheres to many surfaces
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Plastic portion isn’t as durable
• Can take a while to get a secure fit

Lightweight Fishing Line Spooler (Aluminum)

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This horizontal spooler has a vacuum suction cup to get a firm grip. Once you set the tension bolt, it’s quick and easy to wind your line around your spool without it slipping. The aluminum is very lightweight and durable, and aluminum resists rust and corrosion. You can easily adjust the distance for different reels.

Pros

• Very user-friendly design
• Aluminum is durable
• Best for small spools

Cons

• Suction cup is flimsy
• Tension bolts can strip

THKFISH Fishing Winder

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

There is a built-in anti-slip mat with a powerful clamp that will hold all of your line in place as you spin it. The bottom clamp adds flexibility to this spooler because you can fix it to anything. There is a dual spool head with screws to tighten it down, and everything comes neatly packed into a bag for easy transport.

Pros

• Clamp bottom adds versatility
• Anti-slip mat included
• Has a storage bag

Cons

• Difficult to tighten line area down
• Springs tend to break

JSHANMEI Fishing Winder

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This spooler works very well with both wide and narrow spools, and this includes string spools with center holes. It’s very compact and lightweight, and this makes it easy to carry from place to place until you need it. The product comes with a satisfaction guarantee, and the handle is very comfortable.

Pros

• Easy to set up and use
• Very durable and lightweight
• Easy to store

Cons

• Difficult to tension
• Awkward to load

PLUSINNO Line Spooler

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This spooler contains aluminum alloy, plastic, and stainless steel to form a durable body. You can use this spool to transfer line to the reel itself, or you can transfer the line back to the spool for storage. It can handle both wide and narrow spools without a problem. The durable clamp ensures it stays in place while you use it.

Pros

• Has a quick setup
• Dual usage capabilities
• Made of durable materials

Cons

• Spool rod is very thick
• Plastic components break down

Penn HD Line Winder Fishing Spooler

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This heavy-duty winder has a stainless steel construction that adds weight to it. It holds bulk spools and filler until you’re ready to use them. You can increase or decrease the tension to suit your spool, and it’ll fold down to make storing it quick and easy.

Pros

• Heavy-duty steel construction
• Folds flat for storage
• Handles bulk spools

Cons

• Too heavy to take with you
• Won’t work for smaller spools

Berkley Portable Line Spooler Station

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This portable line spooling station is very lightweight without sacrificing durability. It’s quick and easy to attach your reel to the bottom of the device, and you can keep a consistent amount of tension to get a smooth finished line. It can handle multiple types of lines and reels.

Pros

• Versatile enough for several reel sizes
• Easy to load
• Small enough to take with you

Cons

• Takes time to lock the reel in
• Difficult to use with spinning reels

Piscifun New Line Spooler

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This plastic and metal spooler uses a strong suction cup to stick to your flat surface to keep it stable. You can wider or narrow the clamp to fit large and small spools without a problem. It comes with a rod clip that you can use instead of the suction cup, and the clip fits different types of fishing rods without being too loose.

Pros

• Has a suction cup and rod clip
• Adjustable clamp fits different reels
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Spooler may hit certain rods when it rotates
• Suction cup doesn’t stick well

Piscifun Fishing Winder Spooler

See Customer Owner Feedback >>

This spooler comes with a durable handle with a soft foam grip to keep you comfortable when you use it. It works well on wide and narrow spools, and it works with string spools as well. You can tighten the wheel fastener to get a secure fit on different types of reels, and it’s very lightweight and compact.

Pros

• Works with different reels and spool sizes
• Very portable
• Handle is soft

Cons

• Setting it up can be tricky
• Time-consuming to fit the spool on

How to Spool Reels

Baitcaster

Start by attaching you reel to the rod and run the line through the first eyelet. Attach the line to your reel spool once you feed it through. Wrap your line around the spool and tie an overhand knot to secure it. Trim the tag end. You’re now ready to start spooling your reel.

Make sure you have the same tension in the line and slowly start to reel the line in. It should come off the filler spool the same way it goes onto your reel. Once it’s full, trim it and thread it through your remaining eyelets.

Spinning Reel

Lay your fishing pole down and open your bail. Take your monofilament line and feed it through the first eyelet on your rod. If your line comes off the spool in a clockwise direction, it should go on in a clockwise direction to prevent tangling or twists.

Tie an overhand knot in the line’s end. Wrap the line around the spool and secure it with two more overhand knots. Cinch it down and trim the tag end. Close the bail and add your desired tension. Fill the reel until it’s one-eighth of an inch away from the spool’s edge. Cut the line and feed it through your other eyelets.

Fly Reel

Attach the backing to your fly reel. You should feel the backing through your reel’s arbor to secure it using an arbor knot. Tie two more overhand knots and cinch them down to secure the line. Connect your backing to the fly line using an Albright knot.

You’re now ready to spool your line and wind it around your reel. Once you wind it, use a nail knot to attach your line to the leader. If you have ends hanging over, snip them off for a clean look. That’s it. A few simple knots, and you spooled your fly reel.

Centrepin Reel

Spooling a centrepin reel is just like spooling a baitcasting reel. Attach your reel to the rod and run the line through the first eyelet. Attach the line to the reel spool and wrap your line around your spool before you secure it with an overhead knot. Trim the tag end and start spooling.

When you do this, make sure the tension stays even. You want the line to come off the reel the same way it goes on to prevent twisting. When you finish, feed it through your remaining eyelets and trim any excess.

How to Maintain a Line Spooler

It’s relatively easy to maintain your line spooler once you get one. You should never leave it out exposed to the elements because moisture can damage the body and cause rust or corrosion. Once you finish using it, give it a quick wipe down with a dry cloth. Store it in a secure, warm, and dry place until you need it again. Additionally, you want to pay attention to any instructions you get to ensure you’re using it correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best line spooler brands?
There are several reputable line spooler brands available all over the world. The biggest names include Piscifun, THKFISH, FISSPHORT, SLMOZKA, Shaddock Fishing, PLUSINNO, Berkley, Milepetus, Penn, and more.

2. What is the best fishing spooler?
There really isn’t a best spooler because it all depends on your preferences and needs. What works well for one angler may not work well for another. As long as you decide to go with a reputable brand, you should be able to find the spooler that fits any criteria you have while staying in your budget.

3. How do you use a fishing spooler line?
A fishing spooler allows you to set up your reels without the help of another person. Each one is slightly different, but the end result is the same. It’s important that you read the instructions on the packaging before you try to use your spooler, so you don’t accidentally damage it or the reel itself when you use it.

4. What is the difference between a line winder versus fishing line spooler?
Nothing. These are two terms that people use interchangeably to describe the same device. Many people get confused when they shop because some manufacturers refer to them as winders and some as spoolers. However, they accomplish the same task without you having to go and find another person to help you. This is why they’re so popular with veteran and novice anglers alike. They’re durable, convenient, and built to last.