If your passion for fishing is newfound, one of the earliest decisions you’ll have to make is what sort of fishing line to use. Many turn to the trusty braided line since it’s durable and strong, but for how long does it remain this way? And given how expensive it can be, should you be worried about frequent replacements?
Braided lines are the most resilient fishing lines, with a shelf life of over ten years if properly cared for. These lines need to be replaced only when they get damaged or when you’ve run out of line on your spool (for heavy fishers, this could be once or twice a year, whereas, for moderate and weekend fishers, it could be once a year).
How do you know when your line is damaged, though? What factors could possibly damage it? And how do you prolong your braided line’s life and get the maximum usage out of it? Read on for these answers.
Changing Your Line Due to Damage
Braided fishing lines can fray, get cut, or have their polymers broken down by frequent usage and exposure to sunlight, UV rays, saltwater, and moisture, among other reasons.
These can significantly weaken the line.
Additionally, any debris or corrosion on the reel can also cause your line to fray.
Improper storage (storing in direct sunlight or wet conditions) can also cause your line to become rigid and lose its elasticity.
Any visible fraying, discoloration (only if it’s intense; light discoloration is normal as some lines don’t retain the dye very well and also due to external exposure), and mildew are all signs that you need to replace your braided fishing line.
How to Check for Damage
If you suspect that wear is behind your braided line’s retirement, you can confirm your suspicions by simply running your fingers (pinch the line between the forefinger and thumb) down the line and feeling for any worn-out areas or excessive smoothness.
If you feel like fraying and damage are the culprits, look for fuzzy or thinning strands along the line’s length by holding it up to the light.
You can also run your fingers down, as mentioned above, and feel for any cuts or nicks.
If you’ve had a spool of braided line lying around for years and want to check if it’s still fine, just check the first few layers for discoloration.
Since it hasn’t been used, you don’t have to worry about fraying, cuts, or nicks, so you may only have to worry about whether the line is still strong and supple.
You can check its strength by simply forcefully tugging the line.
Changing Your Line When It Runs Out
Actions such as cutting off frayed sections, constant knotting, cutting out wind knots, and tying on new leaders will cause your line to shorten.
When the line shortens, you lose casting distance and run the risk of your line getting spooled when you hook into a big fish.
The distance between the outermost layer of the line and the edge of the spool will tell you how much of the line is left—if the gap is too big, it might be time to change your line.
Generally, heavy fishers run out of line and replace it every 6 months or 3 months, while moderate and weekend fishers typically replace their line once a year.
How to Prolong Your Braided Line’s Life
Here are some tips that you can use to prolong your line’s life and ensure that you get the maximum out of it:
- Prevent mildew growth by wiping down or washing your reel, with a little bit of soap and cold water, after every fishing trip to prevent any harmful buildups. When you store it, make sure that you’re storing it in a dry, cool, dark spot where there’s no chance of direct sunlight. Mild mildew growth that’s already on the line can be cleaned off by wiping down the line, but if it’s been there for a while, ensure that the mildew doesn’t remain by replacing the entire spool with a new line.
- Don’t leave your line out in direct or harsh weather conditions for long periods. Extreme heat, especially, can permanently damage your line by causing warping that no amount of rewinding or reshaping can set right. Direct sunlight will weaken the polymer chains and make the line brittle.
- Make sure that the humidity levels are low when storing your fishing rod and line. Moisture can accumulate and cause corrosion in the fibers.
- Don’t expose your line to any harsh oils or chemicals.
- Assess your line regularly. This way, you won’t be caught by surprise at any point.
- Ensure that if you’re fishing in saltwater, your line is saltwater rated. The right line for the job will reduce the risk of breakage and corrosion.
- If you see that some part of the line is frayed, cut off at least ten feet to ensure that you’ve got all of the frayed parts.
- Ensure that the line is properly tightened and don’t over-braid it. Overbraiding can cause long-withstanding kinks in the line.
- Using a strong construction gear braid will help reduce unraveling and fraying and let your line hold up for longer periods in the water without damage.
- Check your rod’s guides for chips, as these could cause fraying in your line. Use a Q-Tip to check if anything snags; if it does, there’s probably a chip or some damaging debris there.
- Some anglers flip the line on the reel. This involves transferring the line to a spare reel and then once again to another before spooling it back onto the original reel. This can be done at a tackle shop too.
READ MORE: How Long Will Braid Fishing Line Last?
How Long Does Braided Line Last in Saltwater?
A braided line can last a long time in saltwater, but the lifespan of the line depends on various factors such as the quality of the line, the frequency of use, and the conditions in which it is used.
In general, a braided line is more durable than a monofilament line and can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing.
However, it’s still important to take care of the line to prolong its lifespan.
Rinsing the line with fresh water after each use, and storing it in a cool, dry place can help prolong the life of the line.
On average, a high-quality braided line can last for about a year or more of frequent use in saltwater.
However, it’s a good idea to regularly check the line for signs of wear or damage and to change it if necessary.
It’s worth noting that saltwater can cause the line to deteriorate faster than freshwater, so the lifespan of the line will be shorter in saltwater.
Ultimately, the lifespan of a braided line in saltwater can vary greatly depending on the conditions and how well the line is taken care of. It’s always good to have a spare line on hand, and regularly check the line to ensure it is still in good condition.
Does Fishing Line Have an Expiration Date?
A braided line does not have an expiration date in the traditional sense.
However, the lifespan of the line depends on various factors such as the quality of the line, the frequency of use, and the conditions in which it is used.
In general, a high-quality braided line can last for a long time if it is well taken care of, but the line can deteriorate over time due to factors such as UV exposure, abrasion, and saltwater exposure.
It’s important to regularly check the line for signs of wear or damage and to change it if necessary.
Rinsing the line with fresh water after each use, and storing it in a cool, dry place can help prolong the life of the line.
It’s always a good idea to have a spare line on hand, and to change the line at least once a year or every 100-200 hours of fishing, especially when using it in saltwater.
It’s worth noting that, a braided line can be stored for a long period of time, but it’s always best to check the line before using it, and if it shows any signs of deterioration or damage, it should be changed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the frequency at which braided fishing lines should be replaced depends on various factors such as the quality of the line, the frequency of use, and the conditions in which it is used.
It’s important to regularly check the line for signs of wear or damage and to change it if necessary.
Rinsing the line with fresh water after each use and storing it in a cool, dry place can help prolong the life of the line.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to change the line at least once a year or every 100-200 hours of fishing, especially when using it in saltwater.
It’s always a good idea to have a spare line on hand, and to use the appropriate knot strength test to determine if the line needs to be replaced.
By following these guidelines, anglers can ensure that their braided fishing line is always in top condition and ready for the next big catch.
It’s worth noting that, braided line can last a long time if it is well taken care of, but the line can deteriorate over time due to factors such as UV exposure, abrasion, and saltwater exposure.
So, it’s important to be vigilant and take care of the line to prolong its lifespan.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!