1. Use only the bottom half section of your rod.
2. Sit the spool on the ground.
3. Get a wet towel.
4. Feed the line and tie to the reel.
5. Grip the line between the wet towel.
6. Hold the towel and the line as far up as possible from the foregrip and reel in.

This method will allow you to feel and to adjust the tension.

Good Luck.
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Know fish or no fish.