Line Age...

[n8cas4]

Does fluorocarbon line slowly deteriorate over time on the spool in it's original packaging?  I have an old spool of 6lb seaguar abrasix that I did not use last season (purchased probably December 2012).  It has remained in my basement out of the sun and has not been exposed to any drastic temperature changes.  Can I confidently use it this spring?  I can understand that the longer it stays on the spool the worse the memory becomes, but I could probably stretch the line to solve that issue.  Do spools list the date when they were originally packaged at the factory?  Has anyone experimented with breaking strength using the same line just different 'ages'? 

 

If I'm going to use such a light line, I want to make sure it's in top shape.

[roadwarrior]

I think the line will be fine. Fluorocarbon is an inert crystal and never deteriorates.

However, all lines have other components, resins?  So I don't know how long these

lines will last, but I would guess several years.

[Scott F]

It should be OK. I would not stretch fluoro line much if I could help it. Fluoro does not return to it's original shape after it has been stretched. Stretching it would cause more damage than letting it sit for a year.

[WIGuide]

It should be fine. I've had some for just about as long and I haven't had any issues with strength issues. Also, I don't think you'd have any issues with memory either since you'll be winding it around a smaller spool than what it's on so it's not going to come off the spool in a bunch of short little loops.

[new2BC4bass]

Use with confidence, but....as with any fluoro of any age....use a line conditioner on it when spooling.

[Stingray23]

Its definitely good to go. I have been using the same 20lb Invizx on my reel for 3 seasons in a row and I have zero issues with breaking, fraying, or memory. KVD line conditioner makes a difference.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

I read somewhere that fluorocarbon lines (and fluorocarbon material in general) does not "age". I would not worry about it at all.

[Mike L]

I worry more about kinks in the line, and making the best knot I can than the age of the line.

That being said I always change it out after a year or so.

Mike

[n8cas4]

I change pretty often. I don't want to waste line with how much it costs. This includes left over line from last season (even the season before last).

[CWB]

Keep all unused line out of direct sunlight and it should be good for a few years or more, especially Flouro. Braid should last forever.

[BobP]

I use fluoro that's 5 yrs old with no problems whatsoever.  Fluoro takes many times longer to degrade from environmental causes than nylon line.  It also doesn't absorb water and is largely unaffected by UV exposure.  I use it until it has been abused or it has gotten lower on the spool than I like.  I know guys want to treat it the same way they are used to treating nylon line - warily - but it is something entirely different.

[Wbeadlescomb]

I change mono and flouro every night before a tournament. The braid stays. It gets expensive replacing it all the time but it's worth it. I'd be sick if I broke off a 1500-3000 dollar fish

[n8cas4]

I don't fish the higher prize tournaments - just local clubs and B.A.S.S. Nation tournaments.  But I replace my spinning fluoro once every 3 to 4 days worth of fishing.  If I start to use more braid on my spinning set-ups, that'll save me some money - but I want to use good quality line which is still expensive.  I couldn't even think of buying the top-of-the-line products like Tatsu or whatever.