30 year old fishing line...

[General Zod]

So, I'm finally managing a fishing trip after over 25 years of no time/no license/too many excuses not to. So I'm finally heading out for a camping/fishing trip. About damn time!

But my reel still has the same line on it that it came with. Thirty years ago. So...a few years of use, a lot of years of storage, and I'm wondering if I can trust the old line to bring in dinner. Any opinions?

 

[rushthezeppelin]

If it's monofilament it's probably brittle trash by now, especially if it wasn't stored in cool, dry, dark conditions.

 

[dbgun]

No. When I use to fish (saltwater mainly) on a regular basis, Always heard to change the line on your fishing reels every year. I g your line 30 years old, you can probably break it very easy. Fish will do the same. Besides good fishing line isn't very expensive. Just my $.02

By the way, GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FISHING TRIP.

 

[40Arpent]

A third, and resounding "No!" At that age, it's really not even slightly debatable. And I'd highly recommend disassembling your reel for a good cleaning and lubrication.

 

[Dawico]

Even if it seems fine it isn't worth the gamble.

Good luck on your trip.

 

[texasnurse]

Nope; upgrade to spider wire


Sent with my IPhone with electronics and fuzzy logic...

 

[baboon]

You might want to inspect your rods too, depending on where they were stored.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I would think not. It's cheap enough to replace though. I imagine there even been some improvements in fishing line in the last 30 years.

 

[ROGER4314]

I agree with the others. Never trust old fishing line!

Have a great time. Fishing was my passion for a long time and I'm excited about your plans!
Can you share any details about the trip?

Flash

 

[Younggun]

Nope; upgrade to spider wire


Sent with my IPhone with electronics and fuzzy logic...

This, depending on the type of reel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ZX9RCAM]

And I thought it was a line to get 30yr olds....

 

[grasshopperglock]

I change mine yearly or if it's been stored. My reel of choice is a spinning reel. 8 to 10# mono. Comes on a big roll. Usually on the very bottom of the shelve. It does just fine.

I cast a lot of smaller weight lures. 1/4oz spinner bait stuff.

 

[JD9305]

Why even try it? If you haven't been in 30 years wouldn't it feel better to actually catch the fish than to break the fish off because of old brittle line. Spend the money and take the time so you can enjoy your trip!

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

 

[Amy Lynn]

I can't help but wonder if this is a serious question...and why you used the line it came with for 5 years without upgrading in the first place...

 

[Dred]

Just a heads up. When you replace the old line ... braided fishes entirely different from mono filament. It doesn't stretch so if you try to set a hook like you did 30 years ago, you will rip the hook right through the fish mouth. But they still sell mono filament.

 

[Bozz10mm]

So, I'm finally managing a fishing trip after over 25 years of no time/no license/too many excuses not to. So I'm finally heading out for a camping/fishing trip. About damn time!

But my reel still has the same line on it that it came with. Thirty years ago. So...a few years of use, a lot of years of storage, and I'm wondering if I can trust the old line to bring in dinner. Any opinions?

So how did it go. Did you catch anything?

 

[deemus]

Just a heads up. When you replace the old line ... braided fishes entirely different from mono filament. It doesn't stretch so if you try to set a hook like you did 30 years ago, you will rip the hook right through the fish mouth. But they still sell mono filament.

Yep. I pretty much only use braided line for saltwater fishing. For anything fresh water I use mono.

panfish (perch and crappie) I use 4 lb test.

bass 17 lb test

stripers 20 lb test with a 30 lb leader

 

[General Zod]

So how did it go. Did you catch anything?

Sorry for the delay. Rod was too brittle after such long disuse, and the reel is seized up (I'll be taking it apart and seeing about resurrecting it). I wound up getting a new rod & reel and...it was so windy nothing was biting.

 

[BRD@66]

So how did it go. Did you catch anything?

Well....he caught hell on this thread.