If you have ever lived through the annoyance and frustration of having your line snap when you least expect it, such as when you just wanted to pull a gorgeous trophy fish out of the water, you know how important is to have all your fishing gear in order and to purchase only the best quality. When we’re talking about the fishing line, there are a few considerations to bear in mind. Let’s start.
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
If you don’t mind spending money on a new line each time you go fishing, you don’t need this checklist. However, if you are a passionate angler who doesn’t want to waste any cash and wish to make the best out of the line you have, here are the things to bear in mind.
First, see if the fishing line presents any nicks or other similar signs of superficial breakage. In case there are plenty of creases, that may also be a sign that your line is far from being in the best condition possible. Another symptom of wear and tear is the fading color. That can be caused by a lot of exposure to UV rays.
The first thing you can do is to replace the line. However, if only a small portion is affected, you can choose to cut off the area that no longer looks like it could hold a fish. If you’re not too sure you can use the line anyway, you can test it, by tying it up to a knob on a door in your house and pulling at it. Make sure that your face and hands are protected. A line that snaps might cause some unpleasant accidents.
How to care for your fishing line
There are various ways of keeping your fishing line in proper conditions to avoid changing it more often than needed. The first thing to do is to keep it somewhere that is cold and dry. Don’t let sunlight cause damage to your line before even having the time to take it out for fishing.
Examine the line on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear. Also, when you tie your knots, do so with extra care. While you tie the lures to the line, wet it first, and make the knot slowly so that there are no overlaps. When not in use, the line should be spooled for maximum protection.
Last words
Be aware of the condition of your fishing line before you go fishing. Know the different types available, and invest wisely. Apply the proper storage and maintenance requirements, and you will not have to spend a small fortune on fishing line.
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