How Often To Use Line Conditioner on Fluorocarbon

[kayaking_kev]

I don't use Fluorocarbon much, I always seem to backlash more often with it, unless I crank up the spool tension.

 

Recently, I bought a used Tatula that came with FC Sniper spooled on it, so I decided to leave it on and before I took it out for the first time, I sprayed some Reel Snot line conditioner on and had no problems with backlashes. I then took it out a couple days later and started getting backlashes, so the next time I brought the conditioner with me and sprayed some as I casted. It took a couple of cast before it seemed liked the conditioner soaked in, but then I had no issues.

 

So my question for you guys who have more experience with Fluorocarbon & Conditioner is, do you spray it before each trip, if not how often do you use it? I'm just trying to find out if this is normal or if there is an operator error some where I can address. Thanks!

[Team9nine]

Not the answer you’re looking for, I’m sure, but I never use line conditioner with fluoro, and I have it on almost every bait caster I own, and have for nearly a decade. The “operator error” would be to become a better caster, and I don’t mean that negatively. With more experience, you’ll save some time and money by never having to purchase and use conditioner again. In the mean time, if it seems to help you, keep using it. I believe most people spray on before a trip, often the night before to let it soak in good.

[kayaking_kev]

That's true! Maybe here in a month or so right before the water freezes I will do some practicing casting with that spool of Fluoro, since it was free and I won't be catching many fish. I've gotten a bit used to MGL, DC, SV reels with braid & mono and not having to thumb the spool that I haven't really had to take my casting to the next level.

[Team9nine]

There will be a lot more answers/comments coming as they (conditioners) are fairly popular, but here’s a good thread that has a lot of opinions on use: Conditioner use

[Jig Man]

Never.  I have from 6# to 15# on 9 setups.

[FishTank]

I have tried the KVD stuff and it does work but I found that I really don't need it if I use good quality line.  

 

Some heavier mono lines do benefit more from it, like CXX or Big Game.   I have since moved on and decided I am OK without it. 

[Lead Head]

I will use KVD on anything 15lb and above (sniper and yozuri mostly). Its not necessary, but it really makes a difference the first 15 casts or so before the line starts to loosen up on its own. Especially for setups that don't see heavy use. I typically apply it the night before. 

[WRB]

I used Punisher product called Tangle Free to manage FC dryness causing line spring.

KVD is supposed to coat FC so it wets and didn't work well for me.

Tangle Free is a 2 oz sqweeze bottle I keep in the pocket and apply a drop or 2 as needed throughout the day. We have dry hot air and wet line is a lot easier to make long cast with.

Tom

[iabass8]

I spray it on my reels /w fluoro or mono the night before in my rod locker. occasionally during the day but not often. I use very high quality fluoro. also spray a couple shots when re spooling out of habit. one of the small bottles of KVD lasts me close to an entire 8 month season and I have 16-20 setups usually in the boat. 

[Bluebasser86]

I never use line condition on any kind of line.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ive had 16# sniper on a tat sv for 2 years straight no conditioner no issues.

[Mike L]

If you use a quality line, and yes that means at a higher cost it really isn’t necessary.
 

I use flouro for all techniques except 2 and only use it for 20# and above, but not out of necessity. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[roadwarrior]

9 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I never use line condition on any kind of line.

All kinds of opinions from some pretty good sticks...

 

For me, I spray it on as I respool and before a trip. I use KVD Line & Lure Conditioner on

all line, all of the time. That includes FC, mono and braid.

 

[Fishes in trees]

I keep it KVD line treatment in my boat nearly all the time and use it when I need it.  Note that the KVD stuff is water based and in pretty cold weather, spring & fall, all it does is help the line freeze faster.   For cold weather I use Reel Magic which is a silicone based product.   I get that the silicone products do degrade the line over time and for the most part I'm OK with that if it happens to get cold out when I'm out fishing.

[J Francho]

I use KVD L&L after each trip when I put the gear away.

[fishballer06]

I use KVD line and lure. I try to put it on the night before a trip, but if I don't, I put it on right before I head out. On hot sunny days, I may have to apply it again mid day. 

[FryDog62]

I try to spray on all FC lines the night before, but always when re-spooling or on reels I use for skipping.  

[Sam]

Kayaking, I only use conditioner on my flouro and mono lines when I spool the line onto the reel.

 

To help balance a baitcaster rig set up please check out my post in this part of the Forum titled "Bait casting reel for 14 year old's first combo."

 

I think balancing the rod and reel works better than the line conditioning but you do what you have confidence in doing that works for you.

 

 

[GReb]

The only line I’ve personally used that absolutely required conditioner was 20lb Abrazx. That stuff is a nightmare without it. 

[kayaking_kev]

11 hours ago, Mike L said:

If you use a quality line, and yes that means at a higher cost it really isn’t necessary.
 

I use flouro for all techniques except 2 and only use it for 20# and above, but not out of necessity. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

The line is Sunline FC Sniper, but not sure how old it is.

8 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I keep it KVD line treatment in my boat nearly all the time and use it when I need it.  Note that the KVD stuff is water based and in pretty cold weather, spring & fall, all it does is help the line freeze faster.   For cold weather I use Reel Magic which is a silicone based product.   I get that the silicone products do degrade the line over time and for the most part I'm OK with that if it happens to get cold out when I'm out fishing.

Interesting, never considered that, I'll have to check what Reel Snot is.

7 hours ago, Sam said:

Kayaking, I only use conditioner on my flouro and mono lines when I spool the line onto the reel.

 

To help balance a baitcaster rig set up please check out my post in this part of the Forum titled "Bait casting reel for 14 year old's first combo."

 

I think balancing the rod and reel works better than the line conditioning but you do what you have confidence in doing that works for you.

 

 

I'm using it on a Conquest 843c with a Metanium MGL, so the balance is really good.

[GreenPig]

The night before a trip all reels going get a couple squirts of KVD L & L.  

[Tatsu Dave]

Night before fishing all reels and guides get a shot of KVD L&L, pull new line thru a wet cloth when respooling. It lubes the line roller and bail, keeps flouro limp and from getting dry (low humidity up here) and cost's little if bought in bulk.  

[pauldconyers]

On 10/12/2020 at 10:56 AM, J Francho said:

I use KVD L&L after each trip when I put the gear away.

Interesting. I've certainly heard of guys applying it BEFORE a fishing session but never AFTER it. What is your thought process with this?

[J Francho]

12 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

Interesting. I've certainly heard of guys applying it BEFORE a fishing session but never AFTER it. What is your thought process with this?

It needs to fully dry after application per the instructions.  This way, any rods I used are ready to go anytime, without any prep.

[pauldconyers]

18 hours ago, J Francho said:

It needs to fully dry after application per the instructions.  This way, any rods I used are ready to go anytime, without any prep.

Couldn't those conditions be satisfied by doing it prior to a trip too?