What Shortens a Line’s Lifespan?

As an angler, you naturally want your fishing line to last as long as possible. In this article, I’ll share my insights on how to achieve that.
In ideal conditions, a fishing line can remain effective for many years. However, in real-life fishing scenarios, numerous factors can significantly shorten its lifespan. Let’s dive into these factors and explore ways to combat them.

Before we get to solutions, let’s inspect our old line. What are the signs of aging?

Identifying Signs of Line Aging

The first thing to check is the surface quality. A healthy line should be smooth and glossy. You can slide it between your fingers; it should glide easily. However, the real test is how well the line holds a knot.
Avoid testing by tying a simple knot and pulling hard—that can break any line and won’t reveal much. Instead, cut about 60 cm of line, tie a loop at each end using a figure-eight knot, and then pull gently. This method will help you determine if the line still holds up or if it’s time to retire it responsibly, following local disposal regulations.
Please never leave old fishing lines in nature! They pose a deadly risk to wildlife.
If your line appears cloudy, has lost its shine, or feels rough, it’s a clear sign of aging—and it’s time to replace it.

What Shortens a Line’s Lifespan?

To extend the lifespan of your line, you need to understand what shortens it. Here are five main culprits:

• Water Chemistry
• Water composition varies from one venue to another. Some waters are soft and clean, while others are hard and chemically aggressive.
• Lakebed Terrain
• Even the best lines face abrasion from sharp objects like shells and rocks on the lakebed.
• Deposits on the Line
• Suspended particles in the water settle on the line and dry, causing damage over time.
• Knots
• Improper knots weaken the line and make it prone to failure.
• Line Twist and Stretching
• Repeated twisting and over-stretching reduce the line’s strength and elasticity.

The thinner the diameter of your line, the faster it will age. Based on my experience, I divide lines into three categories:

• 0.215–0.255 mm – These lines age very quickly.
• 0.286–0.331 mm – These age moderately.
• 0.37 mm and thicker – These last the longest but still degrade over time.

Dealing with Specific Challenges:

1. Aggressive Water. You cannot fight water chemistry, but you can use co-polymer lines. These are made from dense polymers that don’t absorb water, making them more resistant to aggressive conditions.
2. Abrasion. The area near your shock leader often takes the most damage because it scrapes the lakebed during every retrieve. Regularly inspect your line for scratches and remove damaged sections immediately.
3. Dirt. Dirt accumulates gradually but can severely weaken your line. After each session, wipe your line with a clean cloth during retrieval. This simple action can significantly extend its lifespan. Also, ensure that your rod guides are clean and your reel’s roller spins freely. These small maintenance tasks are crucial.
4. Knot Weakness. A poorly tied or overstressed knot can fail at the worst moment. Regularly inspect your knots with a magnifying glass if possible. If you notice even minor damage, retie them. After any forceful fight with a fish, cut off the stressed section of the line and re-tie the knot.
5. Line Twists. Line twist is inevitable during fishing, especially when using the reel’s drag system frequently. Over time, this makes the line harder to cast and can cause tangles. To fix this, cast your line as far as possible (without a rig) and let it unwind by reeling backward with the bail arm open. This simple trick can restore the line to its original condition.

Final Tips
Follow these guidelines to keep your line in top shape and avoid sudden failures during critical moments, such as when landing a trophy fish.

• Always use a shock leader at least 8 meters long to ensure the knot isn’t near the rod tip when playing a fish.
• Select your line carefully.
• Think about your fishing goals and the conditions you’ll face.