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February 23rd, 1998
A Few Lines On Cleaning
As I am writing this spring is about on me; but not quite here
yet. This is the time of year when I go through my 'stuff.' Rods,
reels, and lines. The rods are easy. Wash them down, clean the
cork, re-lube the ferrules, and check for wear. Reels are about the
same. Rinse them off, re-lube, and check for wear. But, the LINES
are the most work. I started fly fishing back in the days of silk
lines and they simply had to be constantly maintained. So, cleaning
lines is rather a normal thing for me to do.
With today's tremendous line coatings it may not be in
everyone's schedule to make sure it gets done. If you will take the
time to maintain them they will last longer, float higher, and cast
farther and easier.
There are many chapters in books, numerous articles in
magazines, and several 'secret' concoctions for fly line care. The
most important element — and about the only thing they all have
in common — is this. Do something to clean and lubricate the line.
If you are going to wash the line, use soap not detergent. After
that, they all seem to disagree. At least on what you should use to
preserve the quality of the finish.
Some line 'cleaner-finisher' products suggest you apply them
three times. Others, just once. They all imply they are the best
ones on the market. I suppose they all work ... I have not tried all
of them. I can say I have found out I should follow the directions
though. If they say let dry and buff well, do it.
You should be willing to try more than one. Give's you
something to fool around with, and can be an interesting
experience. I have a line that I use for demonstrations that is four
years old. Not as good as new, but I will use it again this year. Last
week it got a good soak and wash. Then well dried, cleaned with
one of those Scientific Anglers abrasive pads and carefully dressed
with a line product.
Here you probably hope I will tell you what I use for a dressing.
Ok, but, remember, this is just my personal choice. There may be
far better ones out. But, for me I use 'Tite-Line' Fishing Line
Maintenance & Accelerator. Just keep in mind it
is a matter of personal choice — what I like, you may not.
To wrap this up I will strongly caution you on the use of
'this-stuff-my-brother-in-law-heard-about-at-the factory.' Most
lines have an ingredient in them to keep them soft and pliable.
These carcare products, etc., leach the element out of the lines and
will shorten the life considerably. Stay with an approved line
dressing, it could save you many dollars. ~ JC
Feel free to post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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