does line have and expiration date?

[big bass]

i found a spool of berkley big game (large 1/4# spool of 10# test) from about 5 + years ago, and was wondering if line can expire. i know it can get brittle and have "memory" if you leave it on your reels... but does unused line go bad??

thanks all!

[cabela10]

I've read some place that it can go bad due to excessive heat while it's in storage in your garage or whatever.  I'm sure others will have better answers than I had.  I personally wouldn't use anything that's been sitting around for over 4 years.

[KenDammit28]

is there any chalky, powdery looking substance on the line?  If you crimp it, does it break or does it more or less "bend"?  Line CAN go bad but if it has been kept in good environmental conditions, it can last a good while.  Not too hot, not too cold, not moist, not a lot of UV light.

A quick test I would do is to tie a length off to a sturdy base of some kind..tie the other end to an object you can hold in your hand..then see how much pressure it takes before the line fails.  I know its kind of a "hillbilly" test(don't get offended, I'm from KY....hmm, maybe thats why I would use this test!) but it gives you an idea.

[burleytog]

Store in a cool, dry, dark area and it will last for a long time.

Let it get hot and let the sunlight get on it and it won't be good for very long.

I'm going to start storing my bulk spools using my FoodSaver.    I also do that with my blackpowder between hunting seasons.

[roadwarrior]

Line is cheap. When in doubt, throw it out.

I would definitely NOT use five year old Big Game that I just found.

[jdw174]

I have a shelf in the closet full of Silver Thread line that I got from PRADCO for helping them out with some filming about 15 years ago.  Some if it I carry in the boat.  That line is as good today as it was when I got it.  Incidentally, the only time I change/add line is when I end up breaking off enough that the spool gets low or if I want to change line size.  

[Bud]

Line is cheap.  Why take a chance?????

[justfishin]

RW expressed my sentiments exactly. I would not use that line. Line does not stay on my reels very long. I change my line for fresh pretty frequently. I buy bulk spools and have it stored in my " fishing closet". It depends on which reel but, I usually peel off and replace about 75 yards or so at a time instead of replacing the whole spool. For attaching old line to fresh I use a Albright knot with a lock.

[flechero]

I'd replace it.

But to your question, when trying to troubleshoot a problem years ago, I talked to Berkley and they said the shelf life was 3 yrs with propper storage.  After that or bad storage would gradually weaken the line... not sure how fast.

a 1/4 lb spool of big game is what these days?  $10?  Why rish a possible fish of a lifetime over a few dollars?

[bass_101]

I wouldn't risk it if it were me. Like flechero, why risk a fish of a life time over a few dollars?

[Catt]

Chunk it

Toss it

Can it

Throw it out

[hi_steel_basser]

I would lose it. Personally, I change line at least every couple of months, even if I haven't been fishing alot. Line on reels gets stiff and weak, causing your casts to be shorter and less accurate, as well as the risk of losing the trophy that has already been pointed out.