Monofilament Line Storage
by Ron Crandall of Ron's Reel Repair ( May 1997)
by Ron Crandall of Ron's Reel Repair ( May 1997)
What ruins monofilament line? UV light. Example: back window of your car. Florescent light. Example: open bulk spools in stores. Heat. Example: car trunk, rafters of a garage.
How to prolong life of line. Avoid UV light, florescent light, heat, exposure to airborne chemical hydrocarbons. As with wine, store in a COOL, DRY, DARK PLACE. Example: closed cardboard box like a shoe box. Do Not store in plastic. This applies to line on bulk spools as well as the line on your reel and your spare spools.
How to store a reel after you've cleaned it: Do Not store your reel on your rod. Corrosion can build up on the rod's reel seat as well as on the foot of the reel. After the reel is cleaned and dried, and since the reel is already off the rod, LEAVE IT OFF. Let the reel thoroughly dry. Store the reel in a BREATHABLE cloth bag, like cotton, or flannel or muslin. Avoid plastic or nylon bags. Store extra line spools in a cloth bag as well. Clean old socks work well and are the right size.
Line Twists. You know you've got a twist in your line when it forms loops rather than laying on flat, and casts in clumps rather than casting out straight and evenly.
To avoid Line Twists. After you've cleaned your reel, do a long (100 yards) cast onto grass or another unobstructed surface, using a 1 or 2 oz. weight. Remove the weight and any tackle on the end. Rewind the line while applying gentle tension by holding the line with a rag as it goes onto the spool. Do this whenever you suspect a problem.
Bulk Line versus Name Brand. You've bought an expensive rod, attached an expensive reel, and loaded the reel with cheap line. Which is going to break first?
Things to consider when buying line. (1) Strength consistency: is the line 10# throughout? Or will the barred surfperch break your 10# line? (2) Diameter consistency. Is the line a consistent diameter over the length? A smaller diameter is the weak link. (3) Abrasion resistant? How easily does the line get knicks and scratches in it? How often do you change line because of this? (4) Pliability: Does the line spring off the reel or kink easily? (5) Longevity: How long does the line last before it becomes chalky and brittle. (6) How is the line stored where you buy it? In a closed cardboard box or on bulk spools exposed to florescent light? (7) How often do you change line? How often do you want to? Weight these factors before asking HOW MUCH! Buy the best line for you.