pillcaster,

I try to clean my line after every outing. Some folks will even take the time and give them a once-over during a long day of fishing. Not a bad idea. I have seen extreme damage done to rods and reels done by a fly line that probably was never cleaned. The dirt accumulated on a dirty line acts just like emery cloth and will put a groove in your guides as well as a groove in your fly reels line guide, or if your reel does not have a guide ,the dirty fly line will put a groove in the frame. Any time you feel your line speed is getting sluggish it may be time to give it a quick once-over. Remember too that that same line grime will be getting on your reel and your rod, so don't forget to check them also. Hope this helps.

Best regards, Dave S. (fishdog54)