Bass Fishing Aug - Sept 2016 | Page 54

GEAR SPOOL STIX LINE WINDING SYSTEM At one time or another we’ve all relied on the old nail-in- the-wall trick to steady the spool when filling a fishing reel with fresh line. The tactic works flawlessly; so well that Kentucky angler Mark Morgan figured out a way to adapt the concept to a bass boat – minus the hammer and nail. The Spool StiX Line Winding System features a metal rod that’s housed within a rectangular aluminum frame and cov- ered by a cloth strip, which secures using a hook-and-loop fastener. Measuring 7 1/4 inches long by 3/4 inch wide by 1 inch deep, the unit is designed to mount vertically to any flat surface – in the boat, shop or wherever – using the double- sided tape. It’s best to mount to surfaces that provide a 90- degree angle, or close to it. Once mounted, peel back the cloth cover and fold down the rod so it protrudes outward at a pre-established 30- degree angle. Slide a line spool onto the rod, and you’re ready to roll. When the spooling process is complete simply stow the rod. The rod is long enough to accommodate bulk spools up to 4 3/4 inches wide, but also works well with smaller spools. It’s sold exclusively through tacklewarehouse.com. $23.99 spoolstix.com PLANO LINE SPOOL BOXES Here’s a series of compact spooling stations that are small enough to carry in the boat without sacrificing much room yet big enough to hold enough line for an extended fishing trip, or backup line for tournament day. Plano makes a couple of size options and also a leader spool box, if you’re a multi-species angler. All are made from durable clear plastic that allows for easy identification of different lines riding in the interior dividers. The lids secure with two Plano ProLatches and include a handle. Each spool compartment has its own line-transfer hole. The holes are filled with rubber grommets to nix any worries about line fraying while the transfer is underway. about $10 to $17 planomolding.com 52 FLWFISHING.COM I AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2016