Line conditioner questions

[Swamp Girl]

I know nothing about line conditioner. Why do you use it? Are there any who used it and stop using it and if so, why? Does it work on braid? Which brand do you prefer?

[MeatHead1313]

I've never tried it on braid, but do use it with fluoro to help make the line more manageable.  

I have both the KVD line and lure conditioner, and The Professors Braid Aid and find both work equally well, although the Braid Aid seems to last longer for me. The KVD I find wears off around halfway through a trip, while the Braid Aid lasts at least for the whole trip, if not longer for me. 

[MN Fisher]

I use KVD on everything BUT braid. Dunno if it's real, but to me it makes the line more manageable by making it a bit limper. This is true for Siege mono, InvizX FC and especially YZH.

[Swamp Girl]

So far, it seems like a fluoro conditioner. I hate fluoro. Maybe I wouldn't hate it if I used a line conditioner. I assume it makes it limper, right?

[Jar11591]

I use it on all fluorocarbon, nylon, and hybrid lines. It does make a noticeable difference making the line slicker and reducing its memory. For me it’s a non-negotiable, in the same way having sharp hooks is. Gotta have my hooks sharpened and my lines conditioned. Always KVD L&L for the brand. 
 

I’ve heard people using it on braid with similar results but when I’ve tried it I never noticed a difference so I don’t really apply it to braid anymore. 

[NorthernBasser]

Definitely on fluoro. Ideally I'll spray some on the night before I got out. 

[MN Fisher]

  On 3/31/2025 at 4:39 PM, NorthernBasser said:

Ideally I'll spray some on the night before I got out. 

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I do a good soak when I first spool up, then a few spritzes the night before a trip.

[Swamp Girl]

I'm a card-carrying member of @T-Billy's Straight Braid Brigade, so I don't think I'll be buying it. 

 

FWIW, I'm angling for my first stripe this year. I'm hoping to have pulled enough bass out of the weeds with braid to have earned it.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

I use Reel Magic and apply it when first spooling up a reel with FC.

 

I also use it in the winter on my reel's level wind and rod's guides to prevent or help mitigate ice buildup.  

 

If you run straight FC or mono on a spinning reel it's also really beneficial to help keep the line manageable.  

 

 

[Skunkmaster-k]

Lews line conditioner is like Franks Red Hot to me. I put that stuff on everything. It makes a noticeable difference , especially with mono and fluorocarbon , but also helps with the dreaded first cast with dry braid. 

[JHoss]

I have always seen these conditioners and assumed they were just snake oil sold to fools, but maybe I'm the fool?

 

Someone fill me. How does it work? Does it weaken the line over time? Does it have an odor fish could pick up on?

[Jar11591]

@JHoss no idea how it works but I’ve never noticed my line weakening and I’ve been using it for a decade. If it has an odor, it isn’t perceptible to me and it seems like it isn’t to the fish either. It isn’t greasy, it’s the consistency of water for the most part. Doesn’t have a downside that I’ve found yet. 

[NorthernBasser]

  On 3/31/2025 at 4:47 PM, MN Fisher said:

I do a good soak when I first spool up, then a few spritzes the night before a trip.

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Oh yes, when I'm initially spooling I'll give squirts here and there..

[MiceNReets]

  On 3/31/2025 at 6:16 PM, JHoss said:

I have always seen these conditioners and assumed they were just snake oil sold to fools, but maybe I'm the fool?

 

Someone fill me. How does it work? Does it weaken the line over time? Does it have an odor fish could pick up on?

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Reel Snot makes scented line conditions.   Coffee scented and garlic scent.

[woolleyfooley]

  On 3/31/2025 at 4:39 PM, NorthernBasser said:

Definitely on fluoro. Ideally I'll spray some on the night before I got out. 

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Exactly this.

[cadman]

Been using KVD a long time. I believe it makes mono more pliable. I see it more on my spinning reel than my baitcasters.

[Motoboss]

Yes

when re-spooling

a shot night before a day on the water

 

Definitely makes fluro limper and more manageable 

[stk44]

I always coat each bulk spool of flouro with KVD line conditioner. I feel like that really helps spooling, ESPECIALLY on a spinning reel. When I remember between fishing trips I may spray a spinning reel that’s already spooled up.

I generally use invisx line which is pretty limp so I don’t feel the need to condition my line as often on bait casters. If you use something like Berkeley trilene flouro or a stiffer flouro, the line conditioner is definitely useful. 

[WRB]

I use DHT Tangle Free line conditioner that comes in a 2 oz bottle. Tried KVD on FC line but you must apply it a day in advance to have any affect. With Tangle Free for both mono and FC line, a few drops as needed directly on the spooled reel  line eliminating the line springing off the spool. 
Tom

PS, Reel Magic guns up lubricants.

[Bankbeater]

I use the KVD line conditioner on spinning reels with mono on them.  I spray it on a day or two before the fishing trip.  Then I put more on the night before the trip.

[king fisher]

I have never tried it.  I'm sure it works, but I would still get the same number of backlashes no matter how much it works.  I would simply try and cast further with less brake, until I get to that magic place where the line starts to fluff, but flies true and far.  Then I add that little extra, and it's like the last step off of a cliff.  The line conditioner will work, but I would still have to push the limits.  I just save my money and tangle a few feet shorter. 

[rangerjockey]

I use reel snot. Good stuff.

[Reel]

Line conditionner is excellent stuff to use when making knots... far better than spit.  

[Goby]

KVD is legit, Reel Snot works, but not any better than KVD and is way more messy...

 

I only use it on fluoro and mono...

 

KVD is water based so not ideal for freezing temps... Typically using braid when it's cold so a non-issue for me...

[greentrout]

KVD on mono and braid. For a long time ...