Some Things May Be Forever--Braided Fishing Line Isn't One of Them

The braided line on most of my rods at the end of the current season was about three years old. I know that because they had been on the rods since I installed Lew's reels, which also was three years ago, with the exception of a couple.

As the 2018 season progressed, I started noticing some fraying in the braid (in some cases, a lot of it) on several of the rods. Then, near the end, I had multiple occasions when the line would break. In most of these instances, I would be tangled in some tough grass along the shoreline, and as I'd apply more pressure (causing the hooks to bury even deeper), several feet of the line would just snap off.

Don't mind telling you there was more than one occasion when I would set the hook on a decent fish and immediately start sweating bullets, wondering if I would be able get the fish to the boat. Fortunately, I never lost one that way.

So, why not just spool up with some new line? most of you are probably asking. The answer is because I knew I was going to get several of my reels serviced once the season ended, and I didn't want to spool on a bunch of new line, only to turn around in a few more weeks and have to toss it in the trash can.

Before starting this post, I went online and checked around to see what kind of mileage other anglers routinely get from their braided line. I found several who indicated they, too, usually have to or want to change their braid about every three years. At the same time, though, I also found some fellas who said they have used the same braid for 5, 10, or in a few cases, up to 15 years, and it supposedly still is going strong.

According to some online experts, "The only two things to pay attention to with braided line as you use it is discoloration and fraying. Over time, whatever color braided line you use will fade from sunlight and regular wear. That, combined with fraying along the line, usually easily visible, is a really good indicator of when to replace. Typically, two seasons is a safe bet, but if you fish harder than average anglers, you may want to replace once a year."

When it comes to monofilament line, these experts suggest that, with its ability to stretch, coupled with the degradation that occurs in the nylon when exposed to sunlight over long periods, users should change it out every season. And if you fish regularly many times a week, it might even be more beneficial to replace your line a couple times each season. "Use your best judgment, and be sure to inspect your line for nicks and stretching every time you're out," say the experts.

Finally, there is fluorocarbon line, which, because of its construction, lasts longer than monofilament. Some even suggest that fluorocarbon can last longer than braided line. "Its surface strength is strong enough to hardly fray or get nicks in it," say the experts, adding that users "should change fluorocarbon line every two years or more, depending on how hard you fish your equipment. As with all lines, be sure to visually inspect it before each outing to make sure you won't suffer any unnecessary breaks."

Fishing line, in general, is not something that you can maintain and extend the life of for years and years. But for some reason, whether it be ignorance or laziness, many anglers ignore obvious signs of problems and continue to use the same line year after year. Do yourself a favor and make it a habit to regularly check and replace your fishing line as needed, regardless of what kind you use.