Best Way To Check If Braided Line Needs Replacing?

[TMF89]

What do you guys think? I have some PP on my musky reels that's probably around two years old, but it looks fine to me. I'm planning my expenses for sturgeon fishing this spring, and I'm trying to figure out how far up/down the list to put new line. Since it's 65lb PP, and I'm a college student, I'm trying to find out if I can get away with using it for another year, or at least a few weekends chasing sturgies. I was thinking about taking one or two of the reels home for spring break (next week) and just tying them on to some weights from our work-out machine back home, and seeing if they'll hold. That's about the most scientific test I can come up with lol. Do you guys have any guidelines for how to check if your braided line needs replacing? I know the general rule is 1-2 years, and a lot of guys replace every season, but like I said I'm kinda strapped for cash, so I'd like to see if I can use mine for this spring. Thanks for the help in advance guys!

[goose89]

If I were in your shoes, I'd stick with your current PP. I'm pretty picky about my line (mono, flouro, hard line, ect), and I've got 3 year old hard lines rigs that I'm not worried about at all. I'm not rich, but a changing my hardline setups every year wouldn't break the bank, although it would be a pretty good dent in fun $ account! I've got trolling rigs (10/4) Fireline that are 3 years old and I"m gonna run them another year. 65PP...you shouldn't have any worries unless you've got frayed spot(s).

Mono, I change every year, but hard line (PP, FireLine, ect), I clip off a section if it looks frayed or worn (very rarely), but other wise I keep using it 3-4 years. Save your $$ and happy sturgeon fishing!

[c0untryf1sh3r]

I wouldnt bother changing it out. Just check it to make sure its not frayed in any spots and it off if it is. I've had the same 60# Spiderwire on my trolling rods for going on 4 years I think. And like goose said I change mono every year even if its not needed because knowing my luck I'd get the big one on and the dam line would snap.

Have fun and good luck this spring.

[Friar_Tuck]

to stretch the life out of my spooled up braid, 1 thing i do is pull all the line off & tie the old/used end to the spool & reel it up etc...

[Wayne Ek]

to stretch the life out of my spooled up braid, 1 thing i do is pull all the line off & tie the old/used end to the spool & reel it up etc...

+1, just run out the line in the yard or street and reverse it on the spool.

[CAMAN]

+2

I replace my PP when it starts turning white or when I notice a good majority of the line has little strands sticking from it. I've got a couple less used rods that have 4-5 year old PP on them, but a couple of my daily use rods I may change 1, 2 or 3 times a year.

[dan z]

+3 flip it and call 'er good

[Stick in Mud]

Redundantly, +4.

[Northlander]

I just cut off as much as needed as I go. If its discolored and you pull hard on it and it breaks cut the next 2' to 6' off it. I have had the same power pro on some jigging and rigging rods for 5+ years this way.

[harvey lee]

I flip mine and then after 2 more years it gets thrown. Unless off course I am breaking line on big fish.