how to test if fishing line is still good

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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19-01-2025

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Fishing line, whether braided, monofilament, or fluorocarbon, degrades over time. Exposure to sunlight, water, and even just being stored improperly can weaken it significantly. Using old, degraded line can lead to lost fish, broken tackle, and even dangerous situations. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to test your fishing line and ensure it's up to the task.

Why Test Your Fishing Line?

Using old, weak fishing line is risky. Here's why you should regularly check and replace it:

• Lost Fish: A weak line will break at the worst possible moment, costing you a prized catch.
• Broken Tackle: Snapping line can take out expensive lures, hooks, and even your rod.
• Safety Hazards: A sudden break in your line can lead to injuries, especially when dealing with larger fish.
• Reduced Sensitivity: Old line can become stiff and less sensitive, hindering your ability to detect subtle bites.

Visual Inspection: The First Line of Defense

Before performing any strength tests, visually inspect your line. Look for:

• Discoloration: Faded, brittle-looking line is a bad sign. Sun damage is a major culprit.
• Kinks and Knots: Excessive kinking indicates wear and tear, significantly weakening the line. Even small knots can be problematic.
• Surface Damage: Scratches, abrasions, or a fuzzy texture show that the line's integrity has been compromised.
• Stiffness: Old line loses its suppleness and becomes stiff and brittle.

If you notice any of these, it's time to replace the line. No further testing is needed.

The Knot Strength Test: A Simple, Effective Method

If the line passes the visual inspection, you can perform a simple knot strength test:

1. Tie a knot: Choose a reliable knot appropriate for your line type (e.g., Palomar knot for monofilament, Albright knot for braided line). Tie the knot tightly.
2. Attach weights: Securely attach weights to the line using the tied knot. Start with a lighter weight and gradually increase until the line breaks.
3. Compare to the manufacturer's specs: Note the weight at which the line breaks. Compare this to the advertised breaking strength of your line. A significant difference indicates weakened line.

Note: This test is most effective on relatively new line. Very old or severely damaged line will show significant weakness even with smaller weights.

The Pinch Test: Assessing Line Condition

Another quick way to assess line condition is the pinch test.

1. Pinch the line: Gently pinch a section of your fishing line between your thumb and forefinger.
2. Assess the feel: New line will feel smooth and round. Old line will feel rough, stiff, or even gritty.
3. Check for weakness: If you can easily pinch the line until it feels noticeably weaker, it’s time to replace it.

This test helps assess the line's overall condition, especially regarding stiffness and brittleness.

Testing Braided Line Specifically

Braided line is different from monofilament or fluorocarbon. Its strength is distributed along multiple fibers, making visual inspection more difficult. However, testing the knot strength remains crucial. Additionally, look for:

• Fuzziness: Fraying or fuzziness along the line is an indicator of damage and reduced strength.
• Flat Spots: Significant flattening of the braid points to damage that significantly reduces strength.

How Often Should You Replace Your Line?

The frequency of line replacement depends on several factors including:

• Line type: Braided lines typically degrade more quickly than monofilament.
• Fishing conditions: Rough terrain, abrasive surfaces, and saltwater accelerate degradation.
• Use: More frequent use means more wear and tear.

As a general guideline, it's wise to replace your line at least once a year, or more often if you notice signs of wear or have experienced unexpected line breaks.

Conclusion

Maintaining strong and reliable fishing line is crucial for a successful fishing experience. Regularly inspecting your line and performing simple tests like the knot strength test or pinch test can help you avoid costly mistakes. Remember, replacing your line is cheaper than losing a prized catch. Always prioritize safety and ensure your line is up to the task before casting your line!