Line Reminders and Tips

I know we have been over lines before, but after reading a article in Bass Times Thought I better go over it again. Some might be extra tips or just a reminder about our line.

Most anglers/consumers Don't realize line isn't indestructible. It will break down over time and line makers know this.

Enemies of Line:
 

SUNLIGHT:
Over exposure to the UV rays of sunlight breaks down line and eventually will weaken line. A good example: you're on the lake and you have about five rods on deck, well you can only fish with one so the other four are being exposed to the uv ray right on your deck.

POORLY TIED KNOTS:
"A bad knot is your worst enemy," says Berkley (Tim Wiedow). "Take your time tying the knot; wet it and I do not cinch it down nicely." Here is another tip and that is always check your knot after catching some of the hogs. The line can get frayed and break at the worst time. Take it from me. I lost a mighty big hog this past fall not to mention a great Buzz Bait. Take time to RETIE.

HUMIDITY:
"Certainly, storage in garages with high humidity will have a effect on line." That is from Sufix ( Ben Miller) and I feel like the same goes for rods stored in rod lockers for a extended time.

AGING:
Even when kept in dark, climate - contolled areas, lines tend to weaken after three to five years of storage, this came from HI - SEAS (Steve Miller).

I can not see a rod sitting up for three to five years...at least at my house. If you think the line has been on for a while and maybe exposed to the UV rays, here is a trick: tie the end of the end of the line to a new reel spool and wind away. More than half the line you have on your reel has never touched the water, it gives you a little more life out of the line. This is a good tip for line like power pro (Braid). What I like to do is after each season take the power pro off and start off with new line for new season. The avid fisherman / PRO will change line daily or weekly, you're talking money to them.

Extreme cold can reduce the performance of the line:

• Monofilament becomes brittle after it absorbs water and starts to freeze. 
• How about nylon? Well, I hear it does the same as monofilament; again absorbs water and freezes. 
• Fluorocarbon has the best resistance to extreme water temps, and that is due to the Chemical Properties. It has virtually no effect in extremely hot or cold waters. 
• Braid also withstands the heat well. Superline products are made out of gel-spun polyethylene, so extreme heat and extreme cold don't have much of a effect on it. 

What it boils down to is to use the line that makes you feel like can handle a hog and go with it. After all, you have been fishing with it for years, and I do not have to worry about my line freezing. I do not go out of the house unless it is 50 degrees or better.

Keep The Hooks Wet!

Steve McGoldrick