Fishing line can last for many years if stored properly and not exposed to elements that cause it to degrade. The lifespan of unused fishing line depends on several factors:
What Types of Fishing Line Are There?
There are several major types of fishing line that vary in durability and longevity:
- Monofilament – Monofilament fishing line is a single strand of nylon or plastic. It is relatively durable if stored out of sunlight and heat. Unused monofilament can last 5+ years if stored properly.
- Fluorocarbon – Fluorocarbon line is a single strand like monofilament but is made of fluoropolymer resin. It is more resistant to degradation than monofilament. Unused fluorocarbon can last 10+ years if stored properly.
- Braided line – Braided lines are made of multiple thin strands of fiber woven together. The braided construction makes this line very strong and durable. Unused braided line may last indefintely if stored properly.
- Copolymer – Copolymer fishing line is made from a combination of nylon polymers. It lasts longer than monofilament but not as long as fluorocarbon. Unused copolymer can last 7-10 years if stored properly.
Storage Conditions
The storage conditions play a big role in fishing line longevity. Here are some guidelines for maximizing unused fishing line lifespan:
- Avoid sunlight exposure – UV rays from the sun can degrade fishing line over time. Store line in a cool, dark place like a tackle box.
- Avoid heat – High temperatures can soften fishing line and accelerate breakdown of the polymers. Don’t leave fishing line in a hot car or storage area.
- Control humidity – Moisture causes some fibers to swell and damages the integrity of the line. Store line in a dry environment.
- Avoid grease, oil, chemicals – Sources of contamination like motor oil, sunscreen or cleaning agents can permeate the line and cause brittle spots.
- Store loose – Tight coiling or wrapping of fishing line can cause deformations over time. Store spools or lines loosely so they keep their shape.
Fishing Line Material
The inherent properties of the fishing line material impact maximum lifespan. Here’s how they compare:
| Line Material | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Monofilament nylon | 3-6 years |
| Copolymer | 5-10 years |
| Fluorocarbon | 10+ years |
| Braided fibers | Indefinite |
As you can see, fluorocarbon and braided lines last the longest, while monofilament degrades the quickest. The polymer chemistry and density of the line impacts durability.
Line Diameter
The thickness of the fishing line also contributes to its usable life. Here are some general guidelines:
- 2-6 lb test – 1 to 3 years life
- 8-12 lb test – 3 to 5 years life
- 15 lb+ test – 5+ years life
Heavier pound test line is thicker in diameter which makes it more resistant to breakdown. Light line degrades quicker because it’s thinner. Regardless of pound test, store fishing line properly to optimize its lifespan.
Replacing Old Fishing Line
It’s a good practice to replace fishing line at least every 2-3 years for monofilament and 5-6 years for braided/fluorocarbon, even if unused. Degradation can occur over time even in ideal storage conditions. Signs that unused fishing line may need to be replaced include:
- Color fading – Dark green monofilament line will fade to light green
- Surface cracks – Small cracks or pits indicate breakdown
- Brittleness – Line is stiff and cracks instead of stretching
- Kinking – Line doesn’t lay smoothly and kinks up
Always do a visual inspection of old fishing line and check the suppleness before using. When in doubt, replace it with new line for the best performance.
Improperly Stored Fishing Line
If fishing line hasn’t been stored well, its lifespan will be significantly decreased. Here’s what can happen if fishing line is improperly stored:
- Sunlight exposure – Direct sun causes UV damage, fading color, brittle spots
- Excessive heat – High temperatures soften line, cause stretching and deformation
- Humidity – Moisture causes swelling and cracks
- Grease/Oil – Petroleum-based products penetrate and weaken line
- Tight coils – Line stays deformed in tight coils
Fishing line exposed to any of these conditions for extended periods can degrade in just 1-2 years. Replace any line that hasn’t been stored in climate controlled, clean and dry conditions away from sunlight.
Signs of Fishing Line Going Bad
Here are some signs that fishing line has exceeded its usable lifespan and should be replaced:
- Stiffness – Line is brittle and no longer supple
- Discoloration – Color has significantly faded or yellowed
- Cracks – Outer surface has begun cracking or pitting
- Curled shape – Line doesn’t lay straight and retains curled shape
- Knot failures – Knots slip and fail under load
Once a fishing line demonstrates any of these properties, it means the material has started to break down. Continued use will result in catastrophic failure. Replace any line that shows these deterioration symptoms.
Does Coating Type Affect Lifespan?
Fishing lines are available with a variety of outer coatings that enhance properties like smoothness, abrasion resistance and sink rate. Some common line coatings include:
- PTFE – Dupont Teflon fluoropolymer coating reduces friction
- Silicone – Silicone oils reduce line noise and vibration
- PVC – Polyvinyl chloride plastisol coatings add stiffness
- Wax – Paraffin wax coatings increase knot strength
Most coatings will not significantly impact the underlying line’s lifespan if stored properly. However, some conditions extend or decrease life:
- PTFE coatings add abrasion resistance, extending life
- PVC coated lines last longer than uncoated variants when used
- Wax and silicone coatings can degrade over time with heat exposure
When storing lines for the long-term, wax and silicone coatings may need to be replaced sooner than uncoated varieties. But for active use, coatings generally improve durability.
Maximizing Shelf Life
To maximize unused fishing line lifespan on the shelf, follow these best practices:
- Avoid UV light – Keep in dark, climate controlled room
- Control temperature – Store at moderate room temperature
- Low humidity – Use desiccant packs to keep dry
- Clean environment – Keep away from chemicals and oils
- Loose spooling – Don’t tightly wrap lines in coils
With ideal storage conditions, monofilament line can last 5+ years without use. Fluorocarbon and braided lines 10+ years. Proper care is key for longevity.
Lifespan When Used for Fishing
When fishing line is used repeatedly, its lifespan decreases dramatically compared to shelf storage. Friction, abrasion, UV light, chemicals and stress impact the line each time it’s fished. Here are some guidelines for fishing line lifespan when used:
- Monofilament – 1-2 years of average use
- Fluorocarbon – 3-4 years of average use
- Braided lines – 4-5+ years of average use
Heavier lines and abrasion-resistant coatings extend these lifespan estimates. Regardless, replace line at least annually for critical applications like trolling and saltwater fishing where line failure can result in lost tackle and fish.
Maximizing Line Longevity When Fishing
To maximize fishing line lifespan when used, follow these best practices:
- Rinse after use – Remove dirt, salt, and debris
- Avoid knots and kinks – Use swivels and twist line on reel
- Minimize UV exposure – Use line topper floats and sinkers
- Inspect for damage – Check after each trip
- Lubricate – Use silicone sprays to reduce friction
Implementing these habits preserves line strength and reduces wear. While no line lasts forever when fished, you can get multiple seasons from quality line with proper care.
Cold Weather/Frozen Conditions
Fishing line becomes more brittle in cold conditions. Freezing temperatures impact lifespan when unused and fished as follows:
- Shelf life reduced by up to 50%
- Chance of cracking and breaking when handled in freezing weather
- Splitting or popping when knotted in frigid conditions
Avoid letting fishing line freeze when possible. If storing in cold weather climates, keep line indoors or in temperature controlled environments. Monofilament is particularly prone to cold weather damage.
Saltwater Effects on Lifespan
The saltwater environment is very damaging to fishing line lifespan. The effects of saltwater include:
- Oxidation and corrosion as saltwater penetrates the line
- Stiffness as salt crystals accumulate on the line
- Reduced strength and abrasion resistance
Always rinse saltwater lines thoroughly after each use and store away from salt air to maximize lifespan. Expect to replace saltwater fishing line annually for optimal performance.
Conclusion
With proper storage conditions, fishing line can last many years without use. Fluorocarbon and braided lines have the longest shelf lives of 10+ years, while monofilament degrades quicker at 3-6 years. When fishing, line lasts 1-5 years depending on quality and care. Following best practices for storage, rinsing and inspection maximizes the lifespan of fishing line both on the shelf and on the water.
