If you are like most anglers you probably have a fishing reel that has had the same line on it for a few years now. You might be asking yourself is it time to change the line and how long does fishing line typically last?
In general, most anglers should replace their fishing line at least once per year depending on the type of line they are using and how often they fish. Professional and die hard anglers should change their line every 3 to 6 months while casual anglers can get away with using the same line for a few years. There are many variables that factor into how often a fishing line should be replaced.
In this article, we share exactly when you should change your fishing line, how to identify your line needs to be replaced as well as many more tips and tricks that will help you with your line management.
Let’s get started.
How Long Does Fishing Line Last?
On average, a high-quality fishing line can last between 6 months to 1-5 years. However, some lines may need to be replaced sooner if they show signs of damage, wear, or weakness, while others may last longer if they are well maintained and used infrequently. It’s important to regularly inspect your line and replace it as needed to ensure it is functioning optimally.
Here is the life span you can expect to see out of each type of fishing line:
Braid
On average, a high-quality braided fishing line can last for several seasons of fishing, usually between 1-4 years and sometimes even longer. However, the line may need to be replaced sooner if it shows signs of damage, wear, or weakness. It’s important to regularly inspect your line and replace it as needed to ensure it is functioning optimally. Braided fishing line is known for its strength and longevity and will last much longer than other types of fishing line.
Monofilament
In general, a high-quality monofilament fishing line can last for several seasons of fishing, usually between 1-2 years. However, the line may need to be replaced sooner if it shows signs of damage, wear, or weakness. It’s important to regularly inspect your line and replace it as needed to ensure it is functioning optimally. I will typically replace my monofilament line every year depending upon use, wear and tear and exposure to the outdoor elements.
Fluorocarbon
On average, a high-quality fluorocarbon fishing line can last between 6 months to several fishing seasons, usually between 1-2 years. However, the line may need to be replaced sooner if it shows signs of damage, wear, or weakness. If you fish regularly you may need to replace your fluorocarbon line more often than someone that fishes occasionally. I find myself replacing my fluorocarbon line every 6-months to a year.
| Line Type | Expected Life Span |
| Braid | 1-5 Years |
| Monofilament | 6 Months to 1-2 years |
| Fluorocarbon | 6 Months to 1-2 years |
How Do I Know If My Fishing Line is Still Good?
Understanding when a fishing line needs to be replaced is something anglers at all levels need to know. The best way to determine if you still have good fishing line is by checking for:
- Visible cracks, frays, or cuts in the line
- Weak spots, knots, or thinning in certain areas
- A decrease in overall line strength
- Stiffness, kinks, or memory problems
If you notice any of these issues, it is probably time to replace your fishing line. Using a bad line will cause casting issues, lost lures and most importantly a weak fishing line will cause you to lose fish.
How Often Should You Change the Line on Your Fishing Reels
Fishing line is an essential piece of equipment for anglers of all levels. It’s the connection between you and the fish, and it’s important to keep it in good condition. But how often should you change your fishing line? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on a variety of factors.
Here are the factors that contribute to how often you should replace your fishing line.
- Quality of the fishing line
- Frequency and type of use
- Proper storage and handling
- Exposure to sunlight, saltwater and other elements
As a general rule, it’s recommended to inspect your line regularly and change it when you notice visible fraying, weakening, or discoloration. This can range from once a season to several times a year, depending on the factors listed above. Additionally, many anglers choose to change their line after every trip or fishing tournament to ensure optimal performance.
Which Fishing Line Last the Longest?
The fishing line that will last anglers the longest of all the line types is braid. High quality braided fishing line can last for several years before needing to be replaced. I’ve known anglers use the same braid for a few years while others have been using the same spool for over a decade.
On the other hand, monofilament and fluorocarbon doesn’t last as long as braid. In general, fluorocarbon lines will need to be replaced every 6 months to a couple of years depending on use and how the line has been treated. Monofilament fishing line lasts the least amount of time between the three lines and will need to be replaced every 6 months to a year and a half.
When to Replace Your Fishing Line
As an essential component of your fishing equipment, it’s important to recognize when replacing your fishing line is needed. After all, the last thing you would want is to have your line break when you have a fish on your line.
Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your fishing line:
Visible Wear and Tear
Fraying, discoloration, cracks and small nicks are clear signs that it’s time to replace your fishing line or leader. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to replace your line right away to prevent lost fish, lures and future issues.
Line Starts to Coil
If your fluorocarbon or monofilament line starts to coil up a lot and it’s not limp and straight I’d recommend replacing your line. This coil can impact your casting distance and can become frustrating to manage and fish effectively with.
Low Line on Spool
If you have been fishing with the same line for a while now and you have lost quite a bit of line it’s time to put on some new line. Over time as you tie on new lures or break off, your line will slowly start to get shorter and you’ll eventually see a big gap on where your line should be on the spool. This will impact your casting distance and can be an issue when fighting big fish when extra line is needed.
Line Twists
Another sign it’s time to either treat or replace your fishing line is when your line twists start to become a problem. As your line starts to degrade it becomes more bridle and coils more easily. Dealing with your line twisting while fishing can become super frustrating and it’s best to make sure you have some fresh line spooled up to avoid issues like these.
How To Prolong The Life Of Your Fishing Line
As we have discussed in the article, fishing line is a crucial part of any angler’s gear and its longevity can determine the success of a fishing trip. Here are a few simple tips that can help you extend the life of your fishing line:
- Proper storage: Store your fishing line in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep it wound tightly on a spool or in a line dispenser to avoid tangles and knots.
- Regular maintenance: Clean your line regularly, removing dirt, salt and other debris that can weaken or damage it. After fishing, rinse your line with fresh water and let it dry completely before storing.
- Avoid abrasion: Be mindful of your fishing line when fishing near rocks, weeds, docks and other abrasive surfaces. Contact with rough surfaces will wear down the line, reducing its strength and durability. If you do notice your line has begun to fray you should replace it to avoid potential issues.
- Keep an eye on knots: Pay attention to the knots in your line, as they can be a weak point that can break under pressure. Make sure to tighten your knots securely and replace them when they become frayed.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your fishing line lasts as long as possible, giving you more opportunities to land those trophy fish.
Final Thoughts
Fishing line is your direct connection to the fish and is a key component to every angler’s equipment. Having a high quality and fresh line that can meet the challenges of every condition will pay huge dividends down the road.
Some fishing lines might last you only a few months while others a few years. It all depends on the type of fishing line you are using, how much you use them and the quality of line it is. Regardless of how long you have been using your line it’s important to check it often to ensure it’s in good shape and that it’s ready for the challenges ahead on your next fishing adventure.