I had set up a couple reels with braidfor the kids n wife and it was nothing but headaches, Wind knots galore. Mono has worked on spinning reels just fine for damn near a century. Key is to spool it the same way its wound on the spool from the factory. If you do it the opposite it will shoot off like a spring. Also make sure the line is withing the range listed on the reel.

+1

When you make a cast are you 'feathering' the line? Just before the lure hits the water bring your index finger down towards the lip of the spool to slow or stop line from coming off.

You might have too much line on spool if it continues to come off after the cast. It might look right but once it gets wet and isn't reeled back on tight it may be too close to lip. Other than that if you've never used or spooled up a spinning reel you'll want to lay spool down with label facing up, different from how you spool a baitcaster but figure you already know that.

Just use mono. Don't overfill. Make sure you're putting the line on correctly. Close the bail with your hand after casting. It's not rocket science.

If "rocket science" is knowing that you dont spool a spinning reel up like a baitcaster, than Im rocket science stupid!....lol..didnt realise there was a difference...Ill try that.

It also helps if there some tension on the line as you spool it on, I have a leather pad I use for that. The spool should be lying flat.

I only use mono on mine but I use good mono not cheap bottom of the line...line!

Don't overfill it.

When you cast it use a finger to stop the line when the lure lands similar to using your thumb on a baitcaster.

Close the bail by hand not by cranking the handle.

I would also suggest spending a little more for a good reel and you can get pretty good ones for $30 or so and real good ones for double that.

I have Lew's and Okuma's for my small reels and Shimano's for my big ones.

It takes a while for someone to get comfortable throwing a spinning reel so tell them to be patient!

BigDozer66

Okay guys, enlighten me. In thirty-plus years I've always closed the bail by giving the handle a slight turn. What does this do that closing by hand doesn't?

They say it puts 1 twist in your line every time you do that. I've never seen how but I don't like twist, so I don't argue. I've made it a point to do that, now its automatic.

When you spool your spinning reels make sure the line is coming off the spool the same way it is going on the reel. If not the first time you open the bail it will just start spooling off for no reason. If the line is coming off the packaged spool clockwise then make sure it is going on the reel clockwise.

I was in Academy a while back looking for some new line for my spinning reels and saw the New Berkley Nanofil line which is made specifically for spinning reels.
I bought it and tried it and I've been impressed with it. I have had no issues of line twist and this stuff cast a mile with ease. Give it a try on one of you're reels and I'm sure you will be as impressed as I am.
http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/honest-angler/2011/06/gear-review-new-berkley-nanofil-line

Sometimes after you cast and before you retrieve, there will be slack between the big eye on the rod and the spool. When you crank the handle, it turns that slack into a loop, and then as you reel, the line going onto the spool wraps around (and buries) that loop. On your next cast, line will wrap around that loop as it comes off the reel and can make a helluva knot. So before you reel in, make sure the line has tension on it and flip the bail with your hand.

I don't follow this orientation. Could you elaborate?
For example, if I clamp a vertical pencil in the bench vise, and stick the new-line spool on it (flat), and thread the line through the fishing pole eyelets and tie it on the reel,....should the line from the new (flat) spool come off from the left (facing it) or the right?
Thanks

Lay the spool flat on the ground. Reel about 10 cranks then lower the rod toward the spool. If the line twists severely, then you're doing it backwards. Flip the spool over, 10 more cranks, then lower the rod again. The line should barely twist. You're good to go.