It’s finally summer, that time you, your family, and friends like going out angling. You get to the river, and the landscape is picturesque; you throw in your line and get lucky. It’s your first try, and you feel you have caught a fish. It must be a big one given the intense fight it’s giving to free itself. You celebrate, and all your friends and family are excited. Unfortunately, as soon as you start reeling in your catch, your fishing line breaks, and that’s the end of it. So, how long is a fishing line good for?
What type of fishing line do you have?
How long your fishing line will last depend on the type you have. If you possess a lower quality type fishing line like a monofilament line, you can expect it to last 1 to 3 years, depending on how well you store it. On the other hand, if you have a superior quality type fishing line, it can last up to 12 years with proper storage.
How long do the various types of fishing lines last under proper storage?
1. Monofilament
If you are a beginner angler, you probably have a monofilament fishing line because it’s the most affordable one. Under proper storage, this type of fishing line will last for 1 to 2 years. The better-quality options can go up to three years. Despite being decently durable for a beginner angler, a monofilament line can be highly degraded by extended UV light exposure and has memory issues. On the brighter side, the fishing line offers great sensitivity.
2. Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon fishing lines offer mid-level quality and durability. Unlike monofilament lines, they do not stretch therefore do not suffer from the same memory issue. Moreover, they have low visibility and offer moderate resistance to abrasion. When stored properly, a fluorocarbon line can last between 6 and 8 years. This type of fishing line is a good option for a beginner looking to partake in angling frequently.
3. Braided
Braided fishing lines offer the highest quality possible; thus, they can last longer than monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. As a result of this, they are also the costliest lines. When properly stored, they have a life span of 8 to 12 years. Moreover, they are much tougher than the other options and can handle more weight. You should go for a braided fishing line if you can afford and want to catch big fish.
What does proper storage of fishing lines involve?
As you are already away, proper storage plays a significant role in determining how long your fishing line will last. Here is what you should know about properly storing your fishing line.
1. Keep it away from UV light
The most common source of UV light is sunlight. If you store your fishing line where it’s exposed to sunlight, it degrades relatively quickly. You can expect it to lose more than half of its estimated life span after some time. It’s best that you store your fishing line in a dark cupboard or inside a storage box.
2. Keep in areas with low moisture
High moisture levels will degrade your fishing line over time. Therefore, when storing your fishing line, place it on a dry surface in a room with low humidity.
3. Keep it away from high temperatures
High temperatures will make your fishing line deteriorate in quality while in storage. You can use a storage box to limit the effects of extreme temperatures on your fishing line in storage. In some cases, people store their fishing lines in refrigerators and freezers to avoid high-temperature damage, but this can be a problem due to moisture damage.
Does brand affect the shelf life of a fishing line?
Line any other product; fishing lines are available in different brands. When choosing a particular type of fishing line, you might wonder about the brand to pick when looking for something long-lasting. Different brands can have varying qualities of the same kind of fishing line. A higher-quality monofilament line will last longer than a lower-quality monofilament line, and the same is true for fluorocarbon and braided lines. Keep in mind that higher-quality lines will typically cost more but having the most expensive brand doesn’t mean you are getting the best quality.
Bottom line
Go on and enjoy angling, and don’t be shy to invite others to enjoy the sport with you. Just like you can have more than one fishing rod, you can also have more than one fishing line. Keep trying the different fishing line types and brands until you find something that suits your needs.