Does tippet have a shelf life?

[TyroneFly]

About two weeks ago I was fishing up in the Sierras near the Sonora Pass. I went to add some tippet only to find it was brittle and broke when trying to tie onto the leader. Fortunately I always carry extra spools. My question is does tippet and leader for that matter have a definite shelf life? I think the brittle tippet was purchased 6 years ago. I store my tippet and leaders in a reel case in my closet when not in use.

[NoLuck]

Most tippets have a life expectancy. I believe that it depends on how it was stored and what type of material it is. I usually toss out my tippets that I have not used after a years use. Tippet doesn't cost that much to begin with for small spools. Why risk it?


Rich

[Lucky489]

Yes it has a shelf life. It can also be affected by the Suns UV rays and heat also.

[Kytroutbum]

I use Frog Hair tippet and noticed it had a "use before" date. I always " hand pull my tippets hard" to guage their strength. I would think it depends upon where and how you store them. I laid spool of Mono in my back window one summer and forgot it. It went bad! In the whole realm of things, I don't think tippets are that expensive that I would store them for several years. Tossed a lot of old stuff this summer. Stonger stuff went into my "Pond bluegill" bag. I wrote purchase dates with a sharpie on the inside of my spools and try to use the older spools first.

[Trout-Dawg]

It does and you should notice it after 6 months to a year on it's strength and shelf life

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I'm with NoLuck, After a year, I toss it all and buy new. I'd hate to have a great fish get off because of bad tippet.

REE

[Donat]

Does shelf life in the store count? If it does how do you know your getting fresh tippet?

[shorthaul]

Does shelf life in the store count? If it does how do you know your getting fresh tippet?

absolutely! and you dont!----if you are on a trip it gets interesting if you cant get new stuff---test it before you go!

[TyroneFly]

Looks like I have a legitimate excuse to go shopping.

[fcch]

Does shelf life in the store count? If it does how do you know your getting fresh tippet?

Oh yes. I bought a "new" spool, .... went fishing the next day, ... 3 casts, three hits, ... 3 lost fish (and flies)

I took the spool back and they exchanged it for me.