How long does fly line last

[BMAC_ducks]

Got a couple of reels I was lookign at last night and started to think the lines been on there for quite some time. (prob around 6 yrs) Still floats with the "tub test" not sure whats going to happen on the water. What are yalls thoughts?

[BOGSTER]

Got a couple of reels I was lookign at last night and started to think the lines been on there for quite some time. (prob around 6 yrs) Still floats with the "tub test" not sure whats going to happen on the water. What are yalls thoughts?

If it has dry rotted and cracked, you need new line.

Have you casted it?

[stretcharmstrong]

when in doubt...change it out?

[BMAC_ducks]

It hasnt cracked or dryrotted, just needs straightening out. Im going to give it a test on the water this weeknd and make sure it floats

[boondoggle]

- Run warm (borderline hot) water in a sink and add some mild soap (Ivory).
- Strip the line into the sink and let it sit for bit.
- Then drain and rinse a couple of times.
- Put some line conditioner on soft cloth, gently pinch over the line and wind on the reel

I do that a couple of times year or when it doesn't shoot through the guides well. I've a 4 weight line that's almost 10 years old due to the above practice.

[Dook]

- Run warm (borderline hot) water in a sink and add some mild soap (Ivory).
- Strip the line into the sink and let it sit for bit.
- Then drain and rinse a couple of times.
- Put some line conditioner on soft cloth, gently pinch over the line and wind on the reel

I do that a couple of times year or when it doesn't shoot through the guides well. I've a 4 weight line that's almost 10 years old due to the above practice.

Line will last along time, and the tips above will keep it smooth. You can always cut away the first 20 yards, and add backing, to rejuvenate the old stuff.

[Professor]

You can always cut away the first 20 yards, and add backing, to rejuvenate the old stuff.

Only if it's a level line.
Professor

[boondoggle]

Or flip it around if it is a double taper.

[Sasha and Abby]

- Run warm (borderline hot) water in a sink and add some mild soap (Ivory).
- Strip the line into the sink and let it sit for bit.
- Then drain and rinse a couple of times.
- Put some line conditioner on soft cloth, gently pinch over the line and wind on the reel

I do that a couple of times year or when it doesn't shoot through the guides well. I've a 4 weight line that's almost 10 years old due to the above practice.

This is what I do but I make big loops and let it dry off the reel before i store it... it will have less "memory" this way.

[BMAC_ducks]

Thanks Boondogle. I wasnt even thinking about cleaning it but Ill do that before I test it this weekend and stretch it out for a couple of days aswell. Thanks for the replies guys.