If you are new to fishing, you may have wondered whether you need to soak a fishing line before spooling. This is commonly practiced in most fishing circles. However, some do not practice this at all. What are the reasons behind soaking a fishing line, and do you need to do it? Let’s find out!
Soaking the fishing line in water helps correctly spool it. If the fishing line is poorly spooled, your fishing performance will be affected. Soaking helps relax the line and prevents twists and tangles that could affect casting performance. The practice is a personal preference, and not every fisherman follows it.
Since there are multiple views on whether one should soak the fishing line before spooling it on the reel, it is important to understand in detail the purpose behind it. This article will break down everything relevant to the topic so that you can take the right decision—should you soak the fishing line? Why or why not?
Why You Should Soak a Fishing Line?
Every fisherman has a different way of doing things. Some like to soak their fishing lines, while others are completely against the practice.
Most fishermen that soak their fishing lines say it helps prevent line twisting that can happen while unwinding from the spool.
Others are of the opinion that soaking the line helps lay it better on the reel.
This helps with casting and retrieving. Soaking is also beneficial in extending the lifespan of the fishing line since it prevents wear and tear.
Yet another group of anglers believe soaking is completely unnecessary.
You only need to wind the line correctly.
Overall, soaking a fishing line comes down to what type of fishing line is being used and of course, personal preference.
Based on personal experience, soaking the spool in water assists control how you unwind the line from the bulk spool.
Once the line softens, it will become more pliable and come off the spool straight.
The relaxed line will get on the reel evenly and allow for a smooth exit when casting.
Types of Fishing Lines You Should Soak
There are various types of fishing lines in the industry.
They have varying characteristics and qualities since they are made of varying materials and through different processes.
You can soak braided lines, monofilament lines and fluorocarbon lines.
Let’s take a brief look at the different types of fishing lines:
- Braided Fishing Line: These lines are made by weaving multiple strands of man-made fibers. They are abrasion resistant. They are lighter and stronger than the other lines.
- Monofilament Line: These lines are available in different diameters and colors. They contain a single strand of plastic material. They are cheaper and easier to produce compared to other lines.
- Fluorocarbon Line: These lines are made of low-refractive index plastic. Their transparent nature is useful when dealing with fishes that spook easily. They are denser and sink more quickly than monofilament lines.
Most anglers prefer to soak fluorocarbon and monofilament lines more than braided lines.
Braided lines tend to be more flexible.
They are easier to manage since they do not have high memory, unlike fluorocarbon and monofilament lines.
How to Soak a Fishing Line?
Soaking a fishing line is a simple process.
Warm water is better to help relax the line. However, it is not necessary to use extremely hot water.
Some fishermen are of the opinion that cold water can also do the trick.
In order to establish what is the best option for you, try doing both.
Soak the fishing line in warm water as well as cold water.
The results will vary depending on the type and quality of the line you are using.
Cheaper lines do better in warm water, whereas cold water is sufficient for higher-quality lines to relax.
While some anglers advocate overnight soaking, fishing lines are susceptible to absorbing water.
They will expand and become waterlogged. It is not recommended to keep them in water for a long time.
Just a few minutes of soaking the fishing line before beginning the spooling process is sufficient.
If you are soaking for longer, make sure you do not extend the time limit over 30 minutes.
Do You Need to Soak Braided Fishing Line?
Soaking braided fishing line before using it is not necessary for all fishing situations, but it can be helpful in some cases.
As mentioned earlier, braided line is often coated with a protective wax or lubricant to help it resist fraying and tangling.
This coating can make the line feel stiff and difficult to handle, especially when it is first taken out of the package.
Soaking the braid line in water can help to dissolve or remove some of this coating and make the line more supple and easier to work with.
However, soaking braid line is not always necessary, especially if the line is already soft and pliable.
In general, it is a good idea to test the line before using it and to make any necessary adjustments based on the specific fishing situation and the type of fish you are targeting.
Can You Soak Your Reel in Warm Water?
It is generally not recommended to soak a fishing reel in water, including warm water.
Soaking a reel can expose the internal mechanisms to excess moisture, which can lead to rust and damage.
It is generally better to clean a reel by wiping it down with a dry cloth or a cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution, and to lubricate the gear system with oil to provide a layer of protection.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintaining the reel, as different reels may have specific care instructions.
Why Do Some Anglers Prefer Not to Soak the Fishing Line?
Some anglers may prefer not to soak their fishing line before using it because they believe that soaking can remove some of the line’s protective coatings or lubricants.
These coatings and lubricants are applied to the line to help it resist fraying, tangling, and water absorption, and some anglers may feel that soaking the line can remove or weaken these protective layers.
In addition, some anglers may prefer the stiffness and sensitivity of a freshly-packaged line, and may feel that soaking the line can make it feel too soft or limp.
Finally, some anglers may simply prefer not to soak their line because they feel that it is unnecessary or inconvenient, or because they have had good results without soaking the line.
Ultimately, whether or not to soak fishing line is a matter of personal preference, and different anglers may have different opinions on the matter.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need to soak the fishing line before spooling depends on the kind of line and personal choice.
Every fisherman has their own set of rituals that they follow.
The main purpose of soaking the fishing line is to help the line lay better on the reel, thus reducing twists and kinks. Line twists eventually lead to severe line damage.
Try soaking your line before you spool it to help better understand what works for you.
Braided lines do not require soaking.
However, fluorocarbon and monofilament lines have high memory and do better with soaking. It is also important to know how to spool the reel to prevent problems.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!