Replacing line

[SalmonSlayer]

I was just curious as to how often you guys replace your line. I know the old stand-by of once every year, but with todays lines don't they last longer? I have used 17lb stren mono on two of my downrigger poles for 2 years now and have never had a breakoff. I will be replacing them this year though. If I use 'fusion' or 'spiderwire' will it last longer than regular mono?

Ben

[msiebers]

I'm really bad at keeping fresh line on my reel's. Ill even swap the line end for end before replaceing the whole wad. I do notice if you store your equipment in a cool/dry place the stuff lasts alot longer. I have let some of mine go several years without changing. I'm sure I'll pay for this eventualy.

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Mike

[Erik]

I think that for trolling rods you can go a little longer without changing your line. But for spinning rods I think its a differant story. In order to make longer casts and to avoid the bird nest syndrome, I recamend at least some new line every time you go out. I always strip the last hundred yds or so of line from my reel. Then I splice the remaining old line to my new line and fill the spool back up. I also have a trick I learned somewhere from someone, can't remember who, but it works really good. When I fill my spool I use a wet wash clothe to hold the line with the one hand and crank with the other hand. I squeeze the line tight with the wash clothe so that the line on my reel is very tight. The wash clothe keeps me from burning my fingers as well as the line. It also helps take out any memory so that the line doesn't come unwound every time I open the bail. This system works very well for me, I've been doing it this way for probably 20 years now. My friends even ask me to do theirs now and then.

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Phish

[msiebers]

Hey Erik, that washcloth thing sounds like a good idea. Maybe the reason I dont change my line as often as I should, was the grove that I get cut in my thumb and fore finger from holding the line tight while reeling on the new stuff. Thanks!

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Mike

[SalmonSlayer]

Great idea Erik! Another tip to help relax the line that I've used for a while now is to soak the line in a bucket of water overnight after spooling up. This process helps erase the memory from the line.

Ben

[trout]

I like to change line about halfway through the season and at the beginning.My light line gets changed out more often.The 17#-20# gets changed less.I will let out 50 ft. or so and feel for any nicks to check the condition.Loseing a good fish to bad line is heartbreaking.

[toto]

I always change line twice a year minimum. It gets expensive I know, but you do what makes you comfortable. For me thats twice a year.