Braided fishing line is known for durability and strength, but like any gear, it lasts longer and performs better with a little care. Here's how to keep your braid in top shape.
Inspect It Regularly
1. Check for frays and nicks
- Look over the last several feet of line, the part that sees the most action, for fuzzy spots, flat spots or nicks.
- If you find damage, cut it off and retie. It only takes a minute and can save a fish.
2. Watch for color fading
- Many braids fade over time with sun and use. Fading alone doesn't usually mean the line is weaker, but a faded line can look worn and be harder to see.
- If you want your color to last, try our No Fade braided line, made to hold its color longer.
Keep It Clean
3. Rinse after use
- After each trip, especially in saltwater, rinse your reel and line with a gentle spray of fresh water to remove salt, sand and grit.
4. Let it dry
- Let your reel and line dry in a ventilated spot before you put them away. Storing gear wet can lead to corrosion and musty smells.
Store It Right
5. Keep it out of the sun
- Store rods, reels and spare spools in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A tackle bag or storage case helps protect them.
- Use rod socks to keep line from tangling around guides during transport.
6. Back off the drag
- Loosen your drag before storing your reel. This takes pressure off the drag washers so they stay smooth and work properly next time.
Fish It Right
7. Use a leader
- In clear water or around sharp cover, tie on a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. It adds abrasion protection where it's needed most and is harder for fish to see. See Fishing Leaders 101.
8. Retie often, with braid knots
- Retie after a big fish or a snag. Braid is slick, so use knots that hold it well, like the Palomar or double uni. See our top 5 knots.
- Cut braid cleanly with braid scissors.
9. Spool it correctly
- Spool under firm, even tension. Braid can slip on a bare spool, so many anglers start with a mono backing or a wrap of tape on the spool.
- Fill to the reel's recommended level. Overfilling causes wind knots and underfilling shortens casts.
10. Flip it around
- When the front section is worn, you can reverse the line on the reel to fish with the fresh, unused end, especially with a backing setup.
With a little care, your braid will perform reliably trip after trip. When it's time for fresh line, shop Reaction Tackle braided line.
