Keeping Track of Line Size

Some fishermen use one weight line on their reel and that’s that. Others will change the line size via extra spools to match a fishing situation.

Fly fishermen, especially, will often change tippet size hourly as they change fly sizes and types. After a while, it can be easy to forget what size tippet is on the leader.

I fought with the dilemma of keeping track of line weight on extra spools and tippet sizes on a number of flyrods in the vehicle. Through the years I believe I’ve hit on a good system to track line size for both spinning and fly fishing outfits.

I carry a camo bag with 20-some extra spools for two different sizes of spinning reels. These spools are in boxes marked with the weight line on those spools. To keep track of things after the spool leaves the box, I glue a typed paper label to the outside of the spool skirt (visible while on the reel) and under the spool (in case the skirt label comes off). I use clear fingernail polish to stick the label on the spool and to coat the paper.

For fly fishing, a triple batch of Velcro-backed vinyl squares are marked with different tippet weights (you can use x designation). These are carried in a Velcro-lined cassette case. When a different tippet is tied on the leader, the appropriate vinyl square is stuck on a Velcro circle glued to the rod butt.