I’ve been asked many times. “How long does fly line last?” “When should I change my fly line or get new fly line” As always my answer is, “well, that depends”. Yes, it depends. Has the fly line cracked or split? Or is it dirty and you can’t clean it with soap and water?
Ok, I say if the outer “plastic” coating is cracked or split then you need new fly line. Water can get into the inner core braid and cause your floating line to sink. So time to get new fly line! But if the plastic coating is dirty and just doesn’t have the slickness or floating capabilities it once did – don’t buy new fly line. Try this first!
Since the plastic coating on the outside of the inner core braid is uniform throughout, you can clean it using a Scotch Brite Pad. Yes, those green, rough scrubbing pads that you use to clean pots and pans. Gently, fold it over your fly line and pull your fly line through it. Just enough until a very small amount of the coating appears on the Scotch Brite Pad. Since the coating is the same and uniform throughout the fly line you will return your fly line to it’s new condition by getting all of the dirt and gunk off your fly line. Just don’t take too much of the coating off. Try this technique before throwing your fly line away. (it’s approved by the guys who make the fly line at Scientific Anglers).
