A passive, automatic cable winding system is coupled by a cable to a seismic source or streamer and automatically adjusts a payout of the cable connecting the seismic source or streamer to a float. The passive, automatic cable winding system includes a tensioning system configured so that when the seismic source or streamer is deployed during a seismic survey the water exerts force on the seismic source or streamer and the passive, automatic cable winding system pays out the cable so that the seismic source or streamer is at the desired depth for the seismic survey. When the seismic source or streamer is pulled out of the water during recovery, the passive, automatic winding system reduces the length of the cable between the float and the seismic source or streamer, and thus reduces the chances of the cable becoming tangled during recovery.