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 |
