I’ve got some line (Wulff Triangle Taper) that I’ve used only a few times (because I just haven’t managed to get out fishing with this outfit as much as I would have liked), but is probably 7 years old. Does age alone cause deterioration in the line, or just the wear and tear of actually using it (and stepping on it, etc.)?
Or, put differently: what should I look for to tell whether I need to replace this line?
Thanks.
Barracuda
I believe it is mostly usage. I have some “new” lines in the box that or several years old. When I use one of um their condition seems to be as new.
Keeping your line clean will add to its life.
The late Leon Chandler once said in the chat room a line should last 3-400 hours of usage.
You didn’t do anything wrong. The TT line I fished was a piece of junk.
Signs that say you might want a new line:
Cracks in the outer coating.
The line seems stiff.
The line looks dirty even after washing with mild detergent and water. (probably because of the dirt in the cracks of the outer coating)
The line does not feel slick when you pull it through gently pressed finger tips.
If you line continues to coil even after stretching it around a log.
When you can cast your buddys line a mile and you have to work to throw yours 30 ft.
But if you are only casting 30 ft. Don’t worry about your line unless you step on it with your cleats.
I too will replace my TT lines just as soon as they wear out.
Ooooh Barracuda,(sorry couldn’t resist):
That old TT line wouldn’t happen to be a 2wt?
By talking to the manufactures at the trade shows everyone seems to say the same thing. Thier lines are designed to last for 200 hours of fishing. That being said I replace all my lines except my silks every winter and start each year fresh with new lines. I would think an old line that is just sitting around or in a box should be fine, even after 7 years (I wouldn’t use it myself!).
Sorry Ray, do not agree and have never heard that from any line maker but I am sure you have or you wouldn’t have said it.
One of my local fly shops has been in business for more than 35 years. They have a few old items around. Over the years I have needed some flylines but didn’t necessarily need the best and most current products.
I have picked up some Cortland and S.A. lines that were 8-10 years old or more but “new” in the box. These lines have all performed fine.
I have some lines that date to 1994 that still work fine today. These lines typically get 5 to 10 days of use a year. They have much more than 200 hours of on the water time.
I replace lines when the coating cracks, or the coils cant be removed, or for floating lines, they don’t float any more.
My aunt handed me 2 graphite rods last summer that she said had been in her closet since 1985, the lines worked great and they still floated. No, they weren’t Wulff Triangle Taper. Come to think of it, even the old red mono leaders were still good… Go figure.
If it ain’t broke then use it 'til it is. 
Ray, nothing personal, but I think somebody’s got you by the short ones. 
JC,
You said you’d replace your TT lines when they wear out. I’m in total agreement.
My most used rod is a Sage 4711LL lined with a Wulff LL. It’s only About 10 years old and still working like a champ. Luv it! An annual cleaning seems to keep it “healthy”.
I’ll be using it next week on the upper Manistee in northern Nichigan. :-)!!
Bill