Change Line Or Not? Please ,need Advice.

[Kabar]

I don't go fishing all that much (maybe 10-15  days every year) so there isn't too much wear on the line......

on my 3 baitcasters i got 50LB Power Pro ( all over 2 years old)

my spinning rells are 8-10lb fluro and 1 spool with 20lb Power Pro ( all lines about 2 y old)

 

Soon I'll go for 1st real fishing  adventure (pike , walleeye and jumbo yellow perch)...gonna rent a cabin with boat over 1000km NW from Toronto....etc 10 days of pure fishing.

Should I change the line on my reels...will it make a difference?

 

Thank you.

[Catch and Grease]

I would change it just to be safe.... If you pick up a spool of the line you want and get a bigger spool of cheap mono and use backing you could fill more than one reel with that one spool of good line....

If you don't know what backing is or a knot to tie it to the main line just Google it haha

[jtharris3]

Change it!

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

For the braid just flip it around put the used portion on reel first. This way the un-used end will now be able to use.

I have braid that is 5 to 10 years old and still strong. 2 years is just getting broken in.

[tcbass]

For the braid just flip it around put the used portion on reel first. This way the un-used end will now be able to use.

I have braid that is 5 to 10 years old and still strong. 2 years is just getting broken in.

Smart.

[Pinoy_Basser]

Since your going to your first ever big fishing adventure and expecting to battle with monster fish

I suggest to change it so you will have the "confidence thing" that you have brand new line but...

 

Don't throw away the old lines you can still use them for your normal fishing or other future reels (or use them as backup during the trip).

Test the new lines you will use during the trip for any defects or the dreaded bad batch of spool issue.

 

Also check all your terminal gear Hooks, lures, split rings, swivels etc.  Its your first major fishing trip so make the most of it.

 

Contact the guide or charter on what gears you need to prepare so you be well equipped for the trip.

[Sam]

Some suggestions to consider for mono and flouro line:

1.  Use braid as backing for all baitcasters and spinning reels. By doing this you do not use as much line and you can easily change out the line.

 

2.  Check your line while fishing for knicks, abrasions, cuts, etc. and cut out the damaged portion.

 

3.  Retie your knots after two or three fish.

 

4.  Always put fresh line on your reels before a tournament or when going on vacation.

 

5.  Put fresh line on your reels every month, if not more.

 

6.  Keep all spools and your rods and reels in your home to avoid high and low temperature extremes.

 

7.  As for braid, if you do not abuse braid it can last a long time. You should not have any problems with your Power Pro braid  but as stated above for flouro and mono you need to check the line as you fish and also make sure your knot is in good condition.

 

8.  Change out your Power Pro if you believe there is any weakness in the line due to age.

[Felix77]

For the braid just flip it around put the used portion on reel first. This way the un-used end will now be able to use.

I have braid that is 5 to 10 years old and still strong. 2 years is just getting broken in.

Agree with this.  

[Preytorien]

What's an easy way to flip braid? I thought spooling it onto another reel would do the trick, then I realized it would just spool back onto the original reel the same way.

 

What do you guys do?

[new2BC4bass]

Change your line if you want to, but as far as I'm concerned it is unnecessary given what little you fish.  I had to change my 40# braid on one spool after 5 years only because I spent 6 hours throwing a spoon tied direct, and line twist became extremely bad.  I've got mono on reels with 5 years of use.  I don't get to fish a lot either.  As long as you didn't store the reels where it would get hot, the mono will also be in good shape.  Just feel the line for the first several several feet to check for nicks or abrasion.

 

The biggest fish I ever caught was on 8# Trilene XL that was several years old.  Maybe if I fished as often as Sam and many others, I'd be changing my line more often.  Started fishing at 5...I'm 66 now.  Never had a problem fishing mono that was several years old.  Maybe I've been lucky.  If so, it would be a first. 

 

Most people err on the side of caution....worrying about losing that fish of a lifetime.  If you are one of those guys that couldn't live with themselves because of a lost big fish, then spend the money on new line.  At least you shouldn't be blaming line for a lost fish if you keep an eye on the knot and the first few feet of line.

 

[new2BC4bass]

What's an easy way to flip braid? I thought spooling it onto another reel would do the trick, then I realized it would just spool back onto the original reel the same way.

 

What do you guys do?

 

When I switched ends on my braid, I walked it off in the yard until I came to my Alberto Knot.  I clipped the line, walked back to what had been the lure end, tied another Alberto, and reeled up the line.  New line was then at the rod tip.

[Fishes in trees]

If you are going to spend the money to take a 10 day fishing trip, don't skimp on essentials.  Me, I'd be going with new line.  I would bring several replacement spools of line as well, just in case.  If you are going with a bunch of guys, consider going in together and buying a bulk spool of braid, it is a lot cheaper that way, but a higher initial investment.

 

The same advice goes for the rest of your gear.  Make sure all your reels are in good shape.  Leave all the used/dull hooks at home.  Be certain about the sharpness of the hooks on your hard baits.  If you are going 1000 KM NW, there will probably be toothy fish present.  I'd spend some money on steel leader material.  It is always better to buy the leader material and make your own custom leaders than it is to buy generic over the counter steel leaders.  If it is ultra clear water, you might want to go with 80 or 100 lb Fluorocarbon leaders than steel -  I don't know - your call.

 

If there is a way to call ahead and get a very clear idea of what kind of gear is necessary, I'd do that.  I'm not saying that you've got to go out and buy all new gear - although the bait monkey would love you for a while if you did, but I am saying that you should make every effort to have the right gear for the job.

 

You are going to need Walleye gear - Pike gear and perch gear.  This isn't necessarily all the same gear.  Don't short change yourself.  How does that old timey phrase go, ?  "Don't be penny wise and pound foolish"

 

Back to your line question, if there is ANY question about the quality of your line, you should replace it  - OR - start working right now on your "one that got away" story.

[fishballer06]

My philosophy is, if you're going to spend the money to take a fishing trip, wouldn't you like to go and know that you can trust all of your equipment?

 

Spend the $25 and get yourself some fresh line. 

[kikstand454]

Flip your braid. Change your mono and flouro.

Call it a day.

[roadwarrior]

You will have some lingering doubt if you keep the old line.

I would recommend changing it out for your trip.

[Kabar]

Thank you...great advice here.

So I'm close to keep braid line on bc reels....and get new fluro on my spinning reels....will change the 20lb braid on one of my spinning.

[Jar11591]

Certainly can't hurt to change the line. If you don't, there's a possibility you will wish you did due to something going wrong. But that being said, I've had line on reels for 2+ years with no issue. I would change the line to be safe. Northern Pike will always put your gear to the test.

[EmersonFish]

It's hard to say on the braid without seeing it. It's probably fine. At least strip off the line that's been exposed before you tie anything on. The old fluro that's been on that spinning spool for a couple of years though? I'd part ways with it.

[5fishlimit]

Change it, but more importantly bring a few spools with you on the trip, too.

[F14A-B]

Change.... Please!

[Kabar]

Thank you....

done..well partly... old braid stays...only new fluro , will take a new spool of braid  and fluro with me.

[adam lancia]

I'd take enough lin to respool at least half of your reels, just to be on the safe side. You know as long as you have it with you, you won't need it LOL  

[OkobojiEagle]

There is entirely too much pressure on you about this fishing trip.  Stay home and go to a water park.

 

 

oe

[F14A-B]

Enjoy you're trip! Post some pics when you can!!