How I Set Up My Reel System

How I Set Up My Reel System
Per request this is the way I set up my reel system for use.
/ lakehickoryscuba
Lake Hickory Scuba Center & Marina
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www.lakehickoryscuba.com
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420 Taylorsville Beach Ct. Taylorsville, NC 28681
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[@kentac1911]

Great video. I LOVED the idea of the fishing swivel!! I never thought of that. I'm doing that to mine today! Thank you for the advice!!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Kenneth, glad you liked our video. Let us know if it works for you.

[@leevail3308]

I watched a lot of videos before I got to yours, and yours was hands-down the very best. Some people who make these videos think divers know more than we do. When I went through Advanced open water, dive master, And instructor development surface marker buoys weren't covered. Thanks for great video instruction.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad you liked the video lee vail.

[@Firas-R]

Love the detailed step by step. Easy to follow and great how-to tips. Thanks a lot!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome

[@dean_murray]

Great tip about the swivel at safety stop depth! An extra idea that I like is small piece of heat shrink tube over the small loop. Stiffens it up and makes poking it through the holes on the spool a lot easier.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Dean Murray Great idea, Thank You

[@mebmock]

Great instruction. Going out ocean diving for the first this summer and this part of what i need to learn before then.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Matthew Brown Glad the information was helpful. Have fun ocean dive nc and be safe.

[@mrchriscarleton]

I love videos on reel/DSMB set up. I don't think I've ever seen two that were exactly alike. Everyone has their own style/preference/method/philosophy. I learn something new every time! I love the fishing weight at the 15' mark. I just have a figure-eight knot tied in my line at 15' but a good solid weight would be way more obvious to feel in dry gloves!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Chris, glad to hear you liked our video.

[@rickflippin1]

I set my reel up per your tutorial awesome stuff, your work is much appreciated

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks rick flippin

[@albertbell7120]

Like you I don’t throw away any line left over ... I also have a swivel at5 Mtrs but use yellow coloured line the the top 5 Mtrs is bright orange easy to identify and of course if poor visibility you can feel the swivel also thanks fo your videos very informative 🇬🇧

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Albert Bell, glad you liked the video.

[@fabioolaechea]

Thanks for a very useful video! I'm using a small knot to mark the safety stop but loved the idea of the fishing swivel. Thanks!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome fabio olaechea, glad you liked the video and found it helpful.

[@stuarteaston1961]

Awesome advice as usual. Thanks Brian 👍

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Stuart.

[@markfindler]

Thanks a ton for the thorough tutorial. VERY helpful!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You’re welcome, glad you found our video helpful.

[@andreac.58]

Very well explained... Personally, for recreational diving I recommend to keep SMB and reel always together and I clip both of them to one of the reel's holes in order to have a double and thus more secure connection.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Andrea C. Keeping the reel and SMB together definitely makes things easier and more convenient.

[@martialgerolami2192]

Great videos keep up the good work. Great explanations

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad you liked the video Martial Gerolami.

[@derekkilbride9510]

Thanks for this video, so many little tricks I wouldn't have thought of!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Derek Kilbride, glad you liked the video.

[@jimbobsquarepants1765]

Great video, great advice. Thank you.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thank You.

[@johnraymond7189]

Awesome Brian. Thanks a million for the tips

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad you liked the video John Raymond.

[@brianm3352]

Great video. I am a beginner diver and these tips are super useful. Please keep them coming

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Brian Mazza, glad you like our videos and find them helpful.

[@lisasprite3322]

Beauts!!! Did this recently. Makes it a better tool for me. Thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome.

[@slyderace]

I recently bought a SMB with reel and had these exact problems! Thanks for this video!!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad you liked the video Slyder Ace. Hope it helps.

[@jhkleinberg2]

I typically just add a knot at 15 feet. But I like the swivel idea so the line doesn't twist. Good video

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Joe Kleinberg I've used this method for years.

[@jackfrost3596]

You have a lot of good ideas, thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Jack, glad you find our videos helpful.

[@bombousboy]

Excellent and thank you.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You’re welcome, glad you liked it.

[@nicholasfrost7829]

Thank you so much for showing us what you know

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Nicholas, thank you for being a viewer.

[@unclemilton815]

Mate, thank you so much for that informtion.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're Welcome

[@khalidalaudin616]

Great video ... thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Khalid Alaudin You are welcome

[@Pekannuss]

Good hints, thx!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You are welcome.

[@WeiseGuy91]

I know this is 6 years old but I'd love to see more detail on how you attached that fishing swivel at 15 feet!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello WeiseGuy91, I will try to produce a video for you. In short though, you pull out 15 feet of line and cut it. Then, tie each cut end to the side of the swivel and you are done.

[@mau8093]

Hello. I couldn't find the video where you show what you do with the excess line that you cut off. Please share the link. Thank you

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Here are a few videos for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iai8iHaHrLV1sLs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHe9hYJ7hrJ-jKM.

[@patrickdesjardins2514]

THAKS THIS HELPED!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome

[@Baderbq]

Thank you for the easy to follow and detailed setup. I got a question, how does threading the line twice add extra security to the set up? Thank you

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I don't think it is any more secure, but more so to keep the reel hanging straight. I have changed my typical setup since this video. I will make an updated one to this very soon.

[@Baderbq]

@@LakeHickoryScuba thanks

[@timlipinski2571]

Great video, but maybe put a second small loop in the Big Loop first as another KZbin video shows ! Thank you for the video ! tjl

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Yes the second loop definitely helps with thick gloves. Thank You for commenting.

[@jackgrant4795]

I'm glad I watched this, and the swivel reminded me of: smooth, bump, bump back to the pump....LOL, but I have a question and I've asked some of my dive buddies and they were clueless, I was thinking about changing out the line on my reel to paracord, is this possible or advisable, or should I just keep the line the way it is. The reason I was thinking paracord is well, because of the durability it has, and if it were to get snagged on something wouldn't snap like the line that's on my reel now would do. is there a line that I can purchase that has the same durability that paracord has? any suggestions are welcome, Thanks.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jack Grant, though paracord is a lot stronger, it takes up more space, thus, less amount of line that is available to use. I would stick with the cave line.

[@jackgrant4795]

@@LakeHickoryScuba thanks for the clarification...... I appreciate it

[@gee4526]

Hey Brian, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to mark my spool line at 10' intervals for measuring distance underwater. I have tried different markers, and they either aren't visible underwater or the marking simply wash off. If I tie knots in the line they can't be rolled back onto the spool. any advice?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

George I plan on making a video in the next few days on how to mark a spool. Stay tuneds.

[@superformOG]

Use knots, 1 knot for 10 feet 2 knots for 20 etc

[@KB-gd6fc]

Honest question. Why do you not carry the SMB with the girth hitch already attached so that employment underwater can be done in fewer steps? Honest question.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Kyle B. Great question, and to be honest, now days I do. Depending on the application, I use different methods all the time. I try to practice different setups, so no matter what situation I find myself in, I can handle it. In most of our recent videos, you can see that my SMB's and reels are pre-attached.

[@lindabruno2532]

How do you attach the swivel so it's nice and secure?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Linda Bruno, a couple of half hitches does the trick.

[@rickkinney7830]

I've never used a SMB. How do you know when it has reached the surface if you can't see the surface? (as it relates to the swivel actually being at the correct depth for your safety stop)

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Rick Kinney, when you real quits spinning, this is an easy indicator that it has reached the surface.

[@leevail3308]

That doesn't make sense. What is the wind catches it and the real just keeps unspooling?

[@aevans692]

hi .. is there any reason not to have the reel and the dsmb already attached pre dive .. ?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello arvans692, that is a great question. A lot of divers will choose to keep them pre-connected for easier use. About the only time now days that I will keep them disconnected is if I carry multiple reels, for primary overhead environment dives.

[@jwp8363]

Why do you use a finger spool versus a spool with a crank?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jeff Pettigrew, excellent question. Depending on the purpose of the dive, finger spools tend to be more versatile and practical for SMB's, jumps, etc. Crank reels work great for penetration diving, such as caves, caverns, and wrecks.

[@johnwilliams2014]

Do you have a link for the newer or updated dSMB youtube you mention in this youtube?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

It will be coming out very soon. Several videos are in the making and editing process. Stay tuned.

[@johnwilliams2014]

@@LakeHickoryScuba Thank you

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome.

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

Hello Sir. Getting water into my DSMB when releasing it. I’m thinking it’s coming in through the exhaust valve, not sure why. Any help/suggestions? Thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello C. Patrick Sadowski. All SMB's collect water when deploying them underwater. This is why we like the ones with a dump valve. We simply unscrew the dump valve once back on land and drain the water. The struggle is real sometimes.

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

LakeHickoryScuba Thanks Bryan. Yes, it is, especially dragging a water filled ballon to shore.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome.

[@charlesclements4350]

What is the tensile strength of that line? Do they have it in different strengths?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Not sure I have an answer for that, but will definitely make a note to make a video on it. Thinks for the suggestion.

[@charlesclements4350]

You do not have to go through all of that trouble. Just hang a bunch of weight on a line until it breaks and send me an email and let me know. Thank you.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

We can do that as well.

[@charlesclements4350]

Great!

[@ThePolary_TPY]

Personally, I don't like that way of setup, because ur SMB should be ready to go in a possible emergency situation, where u don't have that time to de- and connect all that stuff together. In my mind, u should always keep the reel of the SMB fixed to the SMB self. Best regards, Skip. Polary.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Depending on what you use your SMB for, having it already set up is a good way of doing it as well. There are times when I use just my reel and not the SMB. Whether I use it for a jump line, search line, or a simple tie off, it ends up being an hassle having to remove the SMB during those times.

[@391wombat]

Why not just use a single end bolt snap to attach reel line to DSMB rather than “loop” it on?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello 391 wombat, that is always an option.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

An extra little loop half way on one side of the big loop will help you pull the line out of the hole with gloves. Using a bit of heatshrink on the little top loop will make it easier to thread through the hole in the spool or the D-ring on the dSMB. When tying the reel to the double-ender, clip it, twist it around above the spring lever, and run it through the clip again. That way it won't come undone while clipped off, and you'll still have your spool and dSMB when you're going to deploy it.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello @bloodymarvelous4790, that way will work as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Some interesting points but I do mine even simpler. To secure the line on the reel using the bolt-snap, just pull it tight and clip into a hole. Sure if you leave the line slack it will unspool itself. As for marking a 15'/5m safety stop point on the line, I use a permanent colored marker. Sure I can't use my hands to "read" the line but even in the worst vis, one can certainly pull the line close enough to the face to see the mark (also don't have two potential failure points using the swivel).

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us @jonnieinbangkok. We have another video, where we show different methods that we use as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH_NoX-Za7N3aNE

[@nicholasgalliano8541]

It's a great video... but I wouldn't recommend the swivel. It's a failure point that can be avoided.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Failure Points are always a hot topic between divers. We tend to base our way of diving more on facts than hypotheticals. 1000's of dives later, and we have never once had an issue.

[@nicholasgalliano8541]

Well, the purpose really is to minimise the possibility of an accident. In this case, the swivel is designed for fishing, not for scuba diving. In the event of an emergency.. upon deploying the dsmb, the last thing you want would be to loose it altogether. Especially when strong currents are pulling at the small metal loops where the swivel attaches to the life line. The thin hoops in the swivel could cause the life line to tear.. that would be a bad thing. The line used in the spool is a lifeline... in an emergency you don't really care as much of the comfort/ minor inadequacies of a twisting life line. On another note... completely forget using such a swivel when laying a lifeline in cave diving. That could spell a recipe for disaster. I'm not trying to criticise you in any way for the sake of it. This is a life saving device, adding a swivel not designed for the purpose (for fishing not scuba) is not very wise at all. Thank you

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You make great points. The swivels are used for fishing, where they withstand 100 times more force that what any scuba diver would ever have. In regards to cave diving since you specifically mentioned it, our professionals here at Lake Hickory Scuba use different reels for any type of overhead environments, whether we are in caves, caverns, or under the ice.

[@nicholasgalliano8541]

By the way.. I've seen other videos in your channel and you provide very useful info. I'm a diver fron Gibraltar (Europe) we have great wrecks here by the way. You should come and visit

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I would love to come over there and dive. Thank You for the invite. I would really like to go dive in Silfra, Iceland

[@andreac.58]

Very well explained... Personally, for recreational diving I recommend to keep SMB and reel always together and I clip both of them to one of the reel's holes in order to have a double and thus more secure connection.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Andrea C. Keeping the reel and SMB together definitely makes things easier and more convenient.

[@danflaherty1132]

That is my preference also. I get the benefits of having the spool and SMB separate, such as the need to use the spool line for other purposes, but I really only use the spool to deploy an SMB. Therefore I eliminate the step (and the risk of dropping one LOL) of connecting the two underwater. BTW another great video Brian - keep 'em coming!