Take a close look at the fishing line left on your reels from last season. Monofilament line suffers in the sun and weakens with every knot, tangle, nick, crease, and scrape. Removing all that old line can feel like a chore, but here’s a simple trick: keep the reel in the rod seat and thread the line through the bottom guides. This way, the line peels off in a straight shot.

I grab an empty toilet paper roll, slide it onto my power drill, and, with a steady hand, spin it at medium speed to wind up the old line. Take care not to crank it too fast, or you might send the reel and rod flying your way.

Stay safe out there and have fun with this hack.