How Long Does the Fishing Line Last?

When choosing the right fishing line, you should consider not only how well it works and how much it costs, but also how long it will last before you have to buy another roll of it. Nobody wants to be the fisherman with a rotting line that can’t reel in his catch—nor does anyone want to run out of line mid-fishing trip because they didn’t consider its longevity when purchasing it. So how long does the fishing line last? Let’s find out!

Factors That Affect Your Fishing Line’s Durability

Does the line go bad? Despite what you might assume, the line doesn’t last forever. In fact, it’s far more fragile than you think.

If your line is exposed to extreme heat, extreme cold, and sharp objects – all the while under heavy strain – it can break down pretty quickly. So how long does a fishing line last before breaking down? It varies depending on a number of factors.

Let’s first consider some of the things that affect a fishing line’s durability.

Temperature

The temperature can have a huge impact on how long your fishing line lasts. If you store your line in a warm location, it will deteriorate much faster than if you kept it in a cool location.

As temperatures get warmer, every material is going to break down quicker. This means that if you left your fishing line out in direct sunlight, even during cold weather, it would break down much faster than usual.

For example, during the spring and summer months if you keep your line inside instead of under direct sunlight; it should last several years with only minimal fading in color and strength when compared to outdoor storage conditions over those same periods of time. Colder temperatures also help slow down deterioration as well.

If you live in an area where snow covers your line for multiple months per year, it may not fade or break down at all throughout those times (as long as there are no other factors such as UV light exposure). And some types of fishing lines such as braided lines will actually become stronger when exposed to colder temperatures!

So don’t just assume that because you live in a warm climate that your fishing line is going to rot away within weeks or months as many people think. Just be sure to store it properly before you ask how long does a fishing line last!

Dirt and Dust

Not all dirt and dust are created equal! Some will break down your fishing line much faster than others. For example, saltwater is very harsh on the line.

This is why most manufacturers recommend that you rinse your line off with fresh water after each use in saltwater. If you don’t do that, it can actually cause some serious damage to your line.

Water

It’s also important to know that your fishing line can be susceptible to excessive moisture. In as much as the line is made to be used in water, storing it in excessively humid or watery conditions over a long time will degrade it. Always store your line in a dry and dark box if you want it to serve you for more time.

Manufacturing Defects

After you first use the new fishing line, you should check it over for any nicks or breaks. The line should be intact, not frayed or cracked. If there are any problems with your line, you need to get rid of it before you fish another time.

Next, if your new fishing line has a coating on it, such as UV protection or lubrication, then make sure that the coating isn’t gone before using your line.

Some coatings wear off right away when exposed to water and others don’t last long at all even on dry land. So always check your line after using it once just to make sure everything is still in good condition and working as it should be.

How Long Does the Mono Fishing Line Last?

So, what exactly is a monofilament fishing line? Simply put, it’s made from one single strand of fiber that has been twisted together into a solid strand. The word mono means one, so monofilament literally means one filament. It comes in different diameters (the size of its diameter) and strengths (the weight it can hold).

The two most common diameters are .009 inches and .010 inches. These diameters correspond with pound test ratings: A .009-inch diameter with a 10-pound test rating will be stronger than a .010-inch diameter with an 8-pound test rating.

But why do they come in different strengths? Simple: They aren’t designed to hold just one weight or type of fish; they’re designed to catch many different species over many different conditions.

Monofilament fishing lines have great sensitivity and are decently durable. However, they are highly susceptible to UV light. In most cases, they won’t last as long as their fluorocarbon and braided counterparts. You can expect a monofilament line to last you 1 to 2 and half years or if you’re lucky, 3 years at most.

How Long Does the Fluorocarbon Line Last?

Fluorocarbon line is great for fishing in clear water, where light reflects off it and fish can see you. It’s also thin and virtually invisible when paired with a thin leader.

Fluorocarbon line lasts forever as long as you take good care of it – though it’s best to replace your line after 4 or 5 years.

This type of fishing line is great because it has low visibility, doesn’t excessively stretch, and can resist damage from abrasions. If used and stored properly, a fluorocarbon line can last for 6 or even 8 years.

How Long Does the Braided Fishing Line Last?

Braided fishing lines are by far the most durable lines on the market today. A braided line lasts longer than both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. The reason why braided lines last longest is because they are tough and able to handle more weight.

However, keep in mind that they don’t come cheap either. If properly stored in good conditions, a braided fishing line will last from 8 to even 12 years. It has the longest shelf life compared to other types of fishing lines.

Conclusion

The line you buy can last quite a long time if taken care of properly. As long as you take proper care of your fishing line, you should be able to get many years out of it.

So exactly how long is a fishing line good for? Well, some lines will last up to twenty years if cared for properly. If you’re looking for an alternative that is more environmentally friendly, there are options available such as soy-based lines.

These types of lines are biodegradable and great for catching small fish but may not be suitable when going after larger catches like tuna or salmon.

If you frequently use your fishing rod and budget reel, consider a higher quality line to increase durability which means more casts and fewer times of having to change lines before reuse.