When To Change Fishing Line: Some Helpful Tips
Fishing is an outdoor activity that is suited for both adults and children. People who go fishing often describe their experiences as filled with different emotions. They get the feeling of pleasure and excitement every time they catch a fish.
On the other hand, they also feel frustrated and sad when they missed catching the big fish. Nevertheless, fishing is still considered as a great recreational activity for individuals, couples, families, friends, neighbors, and workmates.
That is because they can stay away from the typical stressors of life. Likewise, they will also be able to travel to different areas, either within or outside of their town or city.
The good thing about fishing is that the success of catching a fish does not rely tremendously on a person’s experience or skill level. In fact, there are already a lot of beginners who were able to catch large fishes.
The number one factor that contributes to successful fishing is the tools that people use. Fishing tools should have good quality because they are the ones that will hold and pull up the fish that will be caught.
As a general knowledge, the fishing rod is the tool that fishing enthusiasts should have in their fishing arsenal. However, it cannot perform its function in the absence of a fishing line.
As an overview, it is a long thread that is attached to the fishing rod. It is the one that holds the hook, which carries the bait. Thus, in a simpler and more understandable term, it is the one that “connects” the fisher to the fish.
Since fishing lines are the tools that are being rolled up and down the bodies of water, they are prone to wearing and tearing. With such in regard, they should be replaced once in a while.
However, fishing line products do not have expiration date labels. Thus, people should have good knowledge and judgment skills when to change fishing line.
Signs That It Is Time to Change Fishing Lines
Although fishing lines are designed to stand the different stresses and strains of fishing, it will also weaken and break down over time. Some factors that contribute to decreasing the quality of a fishing line are the sun’s UV rays, fish’ teeth, rocks, timbers, and the force exerted by the fisher and the fish.
Taking such into consideration, the actual wearing and tearing period of fishing lines cannot be fully determined and standardized.
According to experienced fishers, the best way to determine when to change fishing line is to always inspect or examine the item before even heading to a fishing adventure. This is true for fishing lines that are regularly used, as well as those that have been stored in the garage or storage room for some time.
Users should look into any irregularities in the fishing line like cuts, creases, threads coming off, and abrasions. People who have colored fishing lines should also check if the color has faded. The signs as mentioned earlier are good indications that the fishing line already needs replacement.
When to change fishing line
As mentioned earlier, a definite timeline as to when to change fishing line is not determined. Nonetheless, the regularity as to when it should be changed, as well as when signs of tearing present, depending on the frequency of fishing and the way the item is used.
Evidently, the more frequent a fishing line is used; the number of times it should be replaced or changed. Likewise, if the product is mostly used in rough conditions, like bodies of water that is rocky, then, the fishing line will more likely tear quickly, as well as require replacement.
Also, the changing of fishing lines also depends on the type of fishing line used. Most monofilament fishing lines are recommended to be replaced every fishing season.
At times, they are even replaced at the half part of the season, especially when all-day or long fishing sessions are done. That is because this type of fishing line is made with a single strand of nylon polymer material. Although it is a strong material, it can easily be tarnished by UV light and heat.
A braided fishing line, on the other hand, can be replaced after two or more fishing seasons. That is because it is made of two or more types of fiber materials.
What contributes more to its long lifespan is that the materials used have been intertwined tightly together to the point that they look like just one straight line. Thus, it has a higher degree of tensile strength as compared to the monofilament line.
The modern and newest type of fishing line, called the fluorocarbon fishing line, is recommended to be replaced after every two years or even more. That is because it is made with a polyvinylidene strand microfiber material, which is strong enough to resist frays and nicks for a long time. Also, the rays of the sun also do not affect the properties of fluorocarbon fishing lines.
Final Recommendations:
A fishing line that is not in good condition can give fishers or anglers too much trouble. That is because the line may break once the fish bites the bait. It may also break while the fisher is pulling the caught fish.
Thus, to enjoy fishing, it is important that fishers change their fishing lines before the fishing season even begins. However, the common mistake of most beginners is that they assume that fishing lines last for several years because of the lack of an expiry date.
The reality is that as fishing lines aged and as they consistently come in contact with water, rock, and other things, they begin to weaken and break down. Unfortunately, the wearing and tearing of the item cannot be controlled because it is mainly caused by natural, environmental factors.
It also depends on how often the product is used, how it is used, and the type of line used.
With regards to the standard time when to change fishing line, sadly, there is still no guideline for it. However, recommendations include every season for monofilament lines, every two seasons for braided lines, and every two years for fluorocarbon lines.
Nevertheless, fishers should immediately replace their fishing lines once they see any irregularities and discolorations.
