Take Care Of Your Fly Line
By Leon Chandler
The modern fly line is a remarkable product that has evolved over a
period of several decades by utilizing a blend of space age materials,
efficient taper designs and manufacturing know-how. The fly line
you buy today can be expected to provide you with many hours of pleasant
fishing - but a fly line is not indestructible. By following a few
reasonable precautions, you can insure that your line will last longer.
The appearance of small radial cracks in the finish coating will offer
the first visual clue that a fly line is reaching the end of its useful
life. Cracks occur because the plasticizers within the finish formulation
have migrated or moved. The role of plasticizers can be compared
to the milk in bread dough - in simplest form, they are the liquids that
hold solids together and provide the suppleness that is so important in
fly line performance. Once cracks appear and water is admitted, further
deterioration is fairly rapid. Plasticizer migration will occur naturally
over a period of time. The chemical process can be accelerated if
the surface of the line is exposed to solvent base chemical substances
(such as are found in most brands of insect repellent, suntan lotion and
gasoline), to excessive heat, or prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet
rays of direct sunlight.
It is a well-known fact that most insect repellents are murder on fly
lines, they are equally destructive to rod finishes. If it is necessary
to use liquid repellents, be especially careful about handling your line
with repellent residue on the palms of your hands. Use the back of
the hands to spread repellent to the neck and face.
Keep your floating fly line clean! In normal use, even on clean
water, microscopic particles of dirt and debris will adhere to the surface
of a floating line, adding weight that may eventually overcome the natural
buoyancy built into the line itself. Because it contains a thinner
coating of the buoyant finishing material than does the larger diameter
body, the tip section of a tapered line will begin sinking first - an indication
that it should be cleaned. What is the best method to follow in cleaning
a floating line? Opinions vary. Some manufacturers include cleaner
saturated felt pads in the line package, with the recommendation that the
working part of the line be wiped with the cleaner pad each time before
starting to fish. In addition to removing surface residue, the pad
will leave a film of lubricant on the surface to assist the line in moving
efficiently through the rod guides. Another manufacturer recommends
washing the line with a mild soap and water solution and wiping dry with
a soft, clean cloth. Regardless of the method used, clean your floating
line frequently and you will be rewarded by a line that will give you better
performance and considerably longer life.
Heat. Never ever leave a line-filled fly reel on the dashboard
or rear ledge of an automobile parked in the hot sun. The level of
heat buildup from the sun coming through the windshield or rear window
can literally cook the line and start internal plasticizer migration.
Visible cracks may not occur immediately, but the damage will have been
done.
Most anglers are acutely aware of the importance of frequently checking
rod guides for wear induced sharp areas that will scuff or cut the surface
of a fly line. Most however, overlook the fact that the line guard
area of the reel actually gets more wear from stripping off line than do
the guides. A sharp projection on the reel line guard can slice and
ruin a line in short order.
Some fishermen use methods of retrieving and controlling line that do
little to prolong the life. For example, the procedure commonly referred
to as the "hand twist" retrieve can place an unusual amount of stress on
that portion of the line that is handled. Gradually, the portion
continually squeezed and stretched will break down.
Fly line manufacturers are frequently asked to identify the life expectancy
of their products - an impossible question to answer because of the variables
involved. Much depends upon the conditions under which lines are
used, the degree of care given and of course the amount of time a line
is in actual use. One manufacturer suggests that except for the most
avid angler the average user can expect his line to perform well over two
seasons. Another suggests that if his lines are used under normal
conditions and given normal care, one can expect to log 200 to 300 hours
of actual use. Beyond that time he should expect that the end of
useful life is being reached.
Most experienced fly rod anglers agree that the fly line is just about
the most important part of the equipment because it plays such an important
role in the effective presentation of artificial flies. Your line
deserves Tender Loving Care. It will respond by giving you much fishing
pleasure. ~ Leon Chandler, (comparadun) former
Vice President, Cortland Line Company
Have a question? Email me!
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