It is imperative to have all of your fishing equipment in working order and to purchase only the highest quality if you have ever experienced the annoyance and frustration of having your line snap when you least expect it, such as when you are trying to pull a beautiful trophy fish out of the water. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to fishing line when you’re out fishing.
Table of Contents
What types of fishing line are available?
There are three types of fishing line that you need to know about, as each one is suitable for supporting various weights and forces applied to it.
Mono line
If you pick monofilament line for your reel, you should know that the maximum weight or force admitted is 12 pounds; trying to fight a fish that can put more pressure on the line than what it can take, will cause the line to break.
You may notice the line starting to stretch before snapping. That is one characteristic of the mono line. Another thing you should know is that the monofilament type is the weakest of all available. Wear and tear will cause damage, too, so it will not last very long.
Fluorocarbon
Another option readily available is fluorocarbon line. Made from a single strand, just like mono, it does come with its fair share of advantages. For instance, it is made from a material that makes it more rigid than what you can expect from mono. Another advantage is that it is not easy to see in the water by fish, so you might gain the extra edge you need when dealing with cunning species.
However, you should bear in mind that this type of line will maintain the curls created when wrapped around your reel. Nonetheless, because it doesn’t suffer damage from UV rays, like mono, it is an anglers’ favorite.
Braided
The last type we will talk about is the braided line. As its name indicates, it is made from multiple strands. These strands are woven into a line that is sturdier than the types we explained earlier. This variety of fishing line is recommended for its many benefits. Resistant to UVs, it is the most resilient of all the types of line you can find.
Another thing about it that anglers like is that it doesn’t stretch, as mono does. In case you’re planning to fight some large, heavy fish, you can count on this type, as the others may easily break or snap. An advantage that is not as apparent as the others is that the braided line is thin and you can spool more of it on the reel. That means that you can cast your line further than with the other two.
How often should you change your fishing line?
There are no set-in-stone rules when it comes to the fishing line and how much it lasts. But there are things you can do to avoid accidents such as your line breaking just when you’re about to land a trophy fish. If you are the type of angler who goes fishing every day, you will have to check your line carefully for signs of wear and tear.
Also, the conditions you’re facing at your fishing spots count. A lot of sun, keeping the line for long times in salty water, and other climate and weather-related aspects influence how much your line lasts.
Ideally, you should check your line for signs of damage every day if you go fishing daily. Otherwise, each time you plan a fishing trip, make sure that you evaluate the condition of your fishing line, as you should do with the rest of your gear. That brings us to the next section of this article.
The checklist
For those who don’t mind shelling out cash for a new fishing line every time they go fishing, this checklist is superfluous. However, if you are a dedicated angler who does not want to waste money and wishes to get the most out of the line you have, the following are some considerations to keep in mind.
For starters, check to see if the fishing line has any nicks or other similar signs of superficial breakage before proceeding. Having a large number of creases may also indicate that your line isn’t in the best possible state of repair. Another sign of wear and tear is the fading of the color of the leather. That can be caused by a lot of UV ray exposure over a period of time.
The first thing you should do is replace the line in question. It is possible, however, to choose to cut off the portion of the water that no longer appears to be suitable for holding fish if only a small portion has been affected. For those who are unsure about whether or not they can use the line, you can put it through its paces by tying it to the knob of a door in your home and pulling on it. Make sure your face and hands are well-protected at all times. A line that snaps could result in some unsavory outcomes if it is not repaired.
How to care for your fishing line
There are a variety of methods for keeping your fishing line in good condition so that you don’t have to replace it more frequently than is absolutely necessary. The first step is to store it in an area that is both cold and dry until needed. Make sure that your line does not become damaged by sunlight before you have the opportunity to take it out fishing.
Look for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis when inspecting the line. Also, when you’re tying your knots, take extra care to avoid tripping. Whenever you are attaching the lures to the line, wet it first and make the knot slowly so that there aren’t any overlappings. When not in use, the line should be spooled to provide the greatest amount of protection.
Last words
Before you go fishing, check to see how well your fishing line is holding up. Learn about the various types of investments available and make informed decisions. By following the proper storage and maintenance procedures, you will avoid having to spend a small fortune on fishing line in the future.