How often Should you Change Your Fishing Line?
Do you need to change your fishing line? How will you know when it’s time to throw out the old line and use a replacement spool?
If you don’t want to miss out on that big catch and have your line break at the most inopportune time, you need to know when you should make the change from your old line to a new line.
Consider the Type of Line
Different types of fishing line will need to be replaced at various intervals. The most affordable line should last you at least one full fishing season while more expensive lines can easily last you several seasons on the lake or out on the sea. Of course, the number of times you go fishing also has to do with how long it will last and when you need to make a change to a new line.
Monofilament Line
The most affordable type of line you’ll find is monofilament line. This synthetic fiber is what you’ll find in most stores and it stretches easily before reaching a breaking point. This is the most common line used but it can behave in uncertain ways when it’s wet and can become weaker when exposed to UV light. This type of line will need to be changed more often than any other.
FluorocarbonLine
Another type of line that’s made of one continuous strand is fluorocarbon line. This line is made of polyvinylidene fluoride and it’s popular with anglers going after fish with excellent vision. The reason for that is because it’s nearly invisible in water. This line can handle the damaging effect of UB light and resistant to abrasions. Even though the line is heavier and stronger it can handle sudden snaps and shocks when you’re bringing in the big fish.
Braided Line
Braided fishing line is made of several strands of synthetic fiber woven together to look a lot like a braided rope. This line is much stronger than the other two types of fishing line. This line is surprisingly thin and it withstands nearly everything from the tugs and pulls to the UV light that can damage other lines. Braided line comes in a variety of colors to give you a fishing line that is a color you love to see.
Can Fishing Line Go Bad?
You want to know when to change your fishing line and another factor to consider is whether or not the line can go bad. Fishing line doesn’t last forever and it can go bad from neglect, improper storage, and continued use. If you fish often, you’ll need to change your line more often than if you only fish once or twice a season.
What Are Some Signs Your Fishing Line has Gone Bad?
Three major factors to look for when you’re wondering whether or not your line has gone bad are fraying, discoloration, and mildew. Your line can get frayed and split and when that happens you need to cut off the part that’s been frayed. If the sun has bleached your line and turned it yellow or another color, you’ll want to change your line. If you find spots of mildew on your line, you need to change it right away.
How Often Should You Change Your Fishing Line?
Different types of line should be changed at different intervals. Most of the factors have to do with how often you fish. Let’s take a look at this factor for each of the three types of line:
Monofilament Line
• Heavy Fisher –Change line 3 to 4 times a year
• Moderate Fisher-Change line 2 to 3 times a year
• Weekend Fisher –Once a year should be enough
• When line hasn’t been used for 2 to 3 years change it out
FluorocarbonLine
• Heavy Fisher –Change line up to 3 times a year
• Moderate Fisher –change line 1 to 2 times a year
• Weekend Fisher –Change line once a year
• You can go 7 to 10 years without using this type of line before you have to throw it out
Braided Line
• Heavy Fisher-Change line 1 to 2 times a year
• Moderate Fisher –Change line once a year
• Weekend Fisher –Change line once a year
• Unused for ten years, toss it out
Take Care of Your Fishing Line and Never Miss that Big Fish
You don’t want to take a chance on missing the big catch when you’re out fishing. Change your fishing line when you’re supposed to and never miss out on that big fish that you’ll want to tell all your friends about later.