You do not need to soak braid before spooling it onto your reel. Unlike monofilament line, which can benefit from soaking to reduce memory and make it more manageable, braid does not require this step. Braid is made of synthetic materials like Dacron or Spectra, which have a very low memory and excellent strength.
To spool up your reel with braid, start by threading the braid through the guide on the butt section of your fishing rod. Make sure the spool of braid is as far forward as possible, close to the reel. This will help prevent any line twists as you spool it onto the reel.
Next, tie a slip loop knot in your braid. This knot is simple to tie and provides a secure connection to your reel. To tie a slip loop knot, create a loop with the braid and pass the loose end through the loop. Tighten the knot by pulling both ends of the braid.
Once your knot is secure, start spooling the braid onto your reel. It is important to maintain tension on the line as you spool it, either by applying light pressure with your hand or using a line tensioner tool. This will help ensure that the line is evenly distributed on the spool and minimize the chances of wind knots or casting issues.
As you spool the braid, it is also a good idea to periodically check for any line twists or tangles. If you notice any, simply stop spooling and untangle the line before continuing.
While braid does not require soaking, it is still a good practice to stretch the line after spooling it onto your reel. This can help remove any slight memory that may have developed during the spooling process and improve the overall performance of the line.
Soaking braid before spooling is not necessary. Braid has low memory and excellent strength, so it does not benefit from soaking like monofilament. By following the steps mentioned above, you can properly spool braid onto your reel and enjoy its many advantages on the water.