How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

Wouldn’t it be nice if fishing line had an expiration date on the package?

Unfortunately, it does not. Even though it doesn’t have an expiration date, doesn’t mean it will last forever. Fishing line does go bad.

In this post, we will discuss the question: How long does fishing line last? We will also share some tips to make your fishing line last longer.

How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

The answer is that monofilament can last up to 2 or 3 years. Fluorocarbon can last 7 to 10 years and braid can last up to 10 years.

However, with that being said, there are many different factors to take into consideration before tying on a 10-year-old braid, let’s take a closer look.

How long will monofilament fishing line last?

Monofilament has some amazing properties that make it so effective when fishing. However, compared with braid and fluorocarbon, monofilament has the shortest shelf line. This is mainly due to the fact that monofilament is vulnerable to UV light and heat.

Long days fishing on the water can definitely take a toll on your fishing line and thus require it to be changed out more frequently.

My Replacement Recommendations:

• Heavy fishing:  3 or 4 times a year
• Moderate fishing:  2 or 3 times a year.
• Weekender: Once a year
• Shelf time: Throw away after 2 or 3 years on the shelf. If you don’t want to discard it. I would thoroughly test it out before tying on a fresh lure.

*Please keep in mind these are only my personal recommendations. Many fishermen have fished way longer without changing their line. It is very difficult to determine when you should replace your fishing line without knowing how often you fish, where you fish and how you store your equipment. For that reason, these recommendations are to give you a general idea.

You May Also Enjoy Reading: What Is The Best Fishing Line For Spinning Reels?

How long will fluorocarbon fishing line last?

One reason many choose to use fluorocarbon over monofilament is because it is much more difficult to see underwater. It is because of these properties that help to make fluorocarbon last longer than monofilament.

In fact, because it is nearly invisible,  fluorocarbon fishing line is not affected at all by UV sunlight.

In addition, because it isn’t affected by UV sunlight it tends to last longer than monofilament.

My Replacement Recommendations:

• Heavy fishing:  2 or 3 times a year
• Moderate fishing:  1 or 2 times a year.
• Weekender: Once a year
• Shelf time: Throw away after 7+ years on the shelf. If you don’t want to discard it. I would thoroughly test it out.

*Please keep in mind these are only my personal recommendations

How long will braided fishing line last?

Braided fishing line will last you the longest. Unlike mono which breaks down under sunlight, braid is not affected by sunlight. The truth is mono will break down whether you use it or not. However, braid will last you for many fishing seasons.

My Replacement Recommendations:

• Heavy fishing:  1 or 2 times a year
• Moderate fishing:  1 or 2 times a year.
• Weekender: Once a year
• Shelf time: Throw away after 8-10 years on the shelf. If you don’t want to discard it. I would thoroughly test it out.

*Please keep in mind these are only my personal recommendations

Note that I recommended that you change out braid 1 or twice a year. This is only because often times we use braid when fishing around heavy cover which can take a toll on your line. 

For that reason, I would recommend changing it out once or twice a year. If you don’t do a lot of fishing around heavy cover you can get by much longer.

You may also enjoy reading: Tying Them All Together –The Best Braided Fishing Line

How often should fishing line be replaced?

Fishing line should be replaced once or twice a year depending on how often you go fishing. However, with that being said, many fishermen use the same fishing line for years with no problems. 

The shelf life of the fishing line depends on your fishing conditions. how your store it and the fishing line itself.

For example, if you are fishing every day obviously you would have to change it more often than if you were only fishing once or twice a month. Also, if you are using it under rough conditions you would also have to change it more often.

Another factor to consider is the type of fishing line you are using. As we mentioned before braided fishing line will last much longer than other types. You can fish with braid for many fishing seasons.

Whereas, fluorocarbon and monofilament are weaker and need to be changed more often.

How to know when fishing line should be changed out?

Before heading out to go fishing take a few minutes to examine your fishing line.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it have imperfections?
• Are there any nicks in the line?
• Has the fishing line begun to fade?

Another common problem that is often overlooked are creases in your line.

Creases can be caused by a bad backlash, or being too quick to tie a knot. These creases can be a weak point in your line. The last thing you want is a weak point when trying to land a big fish.

If you notice any weak points, cut out the affected line or change out the line altogether.

How can I make my existing line last longer?

Storage. Besides the normal beating fishing line takes while in the water there are factors that can affect the longevity of your fishing line. They are heat and light.

Exposure to heat as well as light can shorten the life span of your fishing line. So when not in use, make sure to store your fishing line in a cool and dark place.

Proper Fishing Pole Set Up: One common mistake that I am sure has happened to every fisherman at least one time or another is improper pole set up.

The most common one is missing a guide altogether and stringing the fishing line through the small gap that exists between the guide and the fishing pole.

Having your fishing line rub up against the sharp edges can cause damage and compromise your line.

Remove and store. Let’s say you would like to change fishing line from braid to monofilament. Instead of taking off the braid and tossing it, it would be better to remove it, put it on a spool and store it.

This trick can only be done with braid because of the fact it has no memory and it lasts much longer than other fishing lines.

Respool: Another trick you can do with braided fishing line to make it last longer is to respool it onto another fishing reel.

Begin with my cutting off your lure and tying this end to your new fishing reel.

Next, begin to spool your reel. When you are all done, you will have the older line on the bottom and your fresher line on top of the new reel.

Use a starter line: Fishing line can be expensive. A way to save money on fishing line is to purchase a cheap braid and fill up half your fishing reel with this less expensive brand. Next, tie on your desired fishing line and finish spooling. Now you have a full reel at half the cost.

Regularly checking your line: The last thing we want to do after landing a huge monster is sit down and check our line for imperfections. Instead, we want to get out there and find another one. However, this is an essential step, not only in making sure your fishing line will last longer, but also that you won’t lose your next fish.

Make it a point to check your fishing line after each catch and retying your lure if needed.

How long can fishing line last? It really depends on many conditions such as: how often do you go fishing, what type of fishing line and under what fishing conditions.

FAQ’s About Fishing Line

Does fishing line expire? Yes, fishing line does expire. While you never will see an expiration date on the package like everything it does break down over time. This is true, even if you have left it in storage.

For that reason, before heading out on the water with some fishing line that has been in the garage for a while, be sure to test it out before you go.

Does fishing line dissolve? No, fishing line does not dissolve. In fact, it can take several hundred years for the environment to break it down. With that being said, always think twice about leaving any this stuff behind when fishing.

Now it’s your turn. Share with us in the comments below what you do to make your fishing line last longer.