This Is When You Should Replace Your Fishing Line
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: *Tackle & Gear, Fishing Tips, Line, Weekly Newsletter: 8-29-21
How often do you change out your fishing line?
Depending on if you’re using mono, fluoro, or braided line, you may need to change it out more often.
So in this new video, you’ll learn what to look for to determine if you need to replace your fishing line.
Check it out below!
When You Should Replace Your Fishing Line [VIDEO]
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Mono and fluoro lines become brittle over time and weaken when they’re exposed to saltwater and UV rays.
I’d recommend changing it out at least once every 6 months to 1 year.
And if you notice that it starts to coil, it’s time to go ahead and replace it.
For braided line, there’s no reason to replace it within a year.
A lot of it comes down to how much line you have on your reel.
If you’ve lost quite a bit of line (let’s say from a break-off or having to cut the line) and there’s a big gap between the edge of the spool and the outer edge of your line, it’s time to replace it.
This can affect your casting distance and with less line, you run the risk of getting spooled by a bigger fish.
Some anglers will splice on more line but I do not recommend that because that’s just another weak point in your line.
You only need 100 to 150 yards of braided line for inshore fishing so put on a mono backing and top with braid.
Another reason to replace your braid is if the braid is frayed or fuzzy-looking.
If it’s just color faded, you don’t need to change it.
Your line is your main connection to fish, make sure it’s strong and ready for a fight!
Here are the braided lines from our shop:
Have any questions about when to change out your line?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who is unsure of when to change out their fishing line, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Appreciate the video Tony! I have also reversed the braided line on the reel or put it on another reel. What I’ve done in the past is remove any suspicious line and then moved the line from one reel to the other. Then the line that hasn’t been doing the lion’s share of the work is effectively “new” and doesn’t have as much wear on it.
Thank you for the great feedback Paul! Always a great idea to flip the line!
Great video Tony! Thank you!
You’re welcome Mark! Thank you for the great feedback!
I replace my fishing line (main line) too often, four times this year. I did that just to find out which one is fit for my spinning reel and leader line also which one perform better wether when it use in salt water or fresh water. Thank for your nice post.
Yep I have done the same with new lines. On one of my reels it seemed as if a particular brand just didn’t work well with the reel. The lip on the spool can play a big role in that.
Watch Luke’s video to spend less money on respools.
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel-with-braid/
Thanks for sharing Richard!
Hi I change my line once a season I start off the season with new line if I see something is wrong then I will change it thanks
Good stuff Jeffrey!
How do you attach the backing line to the braid? I am a little confused as you said adding more line by attaching can cause problems.
Hey John!
I like to use an FG knot for attaching the braid to the backing. What I was referring to as causing more issues would be adding more braid to the existing braid (that knot would be more likely to be exposed and go through the guides).
The mono backing should never really see daylight unless you hook into something more than the equipment can handle.
Tony, I still don’t understand what you mean.
Hey Jim! I’m referring to connecting braid to braid. Some people will do this if they lose a large amount of braid instead of replacing all of it.
Thank you Tony you’re the best!
You’re welcome Gary!
Thanks Tony
My pleasure Jerry!
Quick easy test for mono in service or sitting on the spool. Pull 2 feet. Tie an over hand knot in the middle. Wrap the ends around your hands twice. “pop” the line. If it breaks junk it. If you want to know just how much strength is left tie your over hand knot – tie one end to a fixed item (post etc.) the other to your scale and exert a steady pull. Read the scale. The first test is my go to, you may find that reel you only used 2xs last year is spooled with no longer serviceable line. I also will take the reel off the rod and after cleaning store it in the “downstairs refrigerator” waiting for the next season.
Good stuff Louie!
The tiptop – that last guide on the end of your rod – is really easy to replace. That might be a good topic for one of these videos.
For sure!