Tips From Shimano On How To Spool Braided Line

All braided lines need to be spooled in a specific manner. Because of the line's incredibly thin diameter and limited stretch, it is important that the line is packed tightly on your reel. When a braided line is first put onto your reel, you should place a small piece of arbor or electrical tape onto the spool itself. The tape prevents the spool from slipping underneath your line. (TIP: If you do not use a few wraps of monofilament or tape as backing, the line will actually slip on the spool, giving you the illusion that the reel has no drag.)

Once the tape is in place, wrap your line around the spool 2 to 4 times. Next, tie a "uni" knot, tightening the line around the spool. When braided line is being wound onto the reel, be sure to add pressure to your spool to guarantee that the line is being packed tightly. Once you are finished spooling up your reel, use your thumb to press down on the spool of line.  If it feels soft, you may need to re-spool your line and apply more pressure. But if you press down and the line feels hard, your line is packed tightly on the spool and you are ready to go fishing!