Step 9: Here’s How the Spool Works…
When the main line is removed from the keeper hook the spool will spin freely. When you want to secure the main line (as you need to do when youre fishing this rig) you place the main line in the keeper hook as shown in picture 2. If you want you can go ahead and fasten the keeper hook for a little extra security but it really doesnt matter. When you give the line a little tug the keeper hook rotates up until it rests against the end cap where it will not move any further (picture 3). This locks the assembly such that no more line can unspool. When Im ready to deploy the rig I keep my index finger on the spool to control how fast the line pays out as the weight is dropping to the bottom of the lake.
Step 3: Main Line Spool Hardware Installation
Place one of the washers over the screw and run the screw through the hole from the inside of the spool. Set spool up on its end with the screw sticking up and place two washers on the screw. The keeper hook is made from a standard 3/0 Eagle Claw snap swivel. The swivel is simply cut off using wire cutters. Place the keeper hook on the screw. Another washer is placed over the keeper hook and then secured with the #8 nylon stop nut. Tighten the nylon nut just snug enough so that the hook is not loose but can still be rotated fairly easily. Do not over tighten. Note: Make sure you install the keeper hook with the hook opening as shown.
Step 7: Add the Main Line
The main line is #12 twisted nylon twine. One thing to remember with nylon twine is to seal the ends with a flame after you cut it to keep it from unravelling. I tie a 3/0 barrel swivel every five feet and end up with a 3/0 snap swivel on the end. Overall length is around 30 feet. Just depends on how deep you want to be able to fish. The snap swivel allows you to remove the 2 pound weight for easier storage. To attach the main line to the spool you tie a loop on the end of the main line and slip it over the spool as shown. The line is wound clockwise around the spool. This is important as will be shown later. Once youve wound all the line onto the spool then youre done with the noodle assembly process.