Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message
locked post

Braided Line - How often do you change/maintain yours?

Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:40 am
Posted by Woody
Member since Nov 2004
2452 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:40 am
I took the time to re-spool some offshore spinning reels this weekend to prepare for summer. I have 4-5 large shimano spinning setups that are spooled with 80 lb powerpro for jigging snapper, AJ's, cobia, etc. I usually have to re-spool them every couple of seasons, but since the line was in good shape on a few over a long period, some have had the same braid for close to 4 years. I regularly wash the reels down after trips, and break them down for cleaning once a season. Internally, they are as smooth as new. Since the line was is good shape, I only rinsed the spools down over that period. When I stripped the line, there was tons of salt buildup that had absorbed into the braid down at the base of the spool. Here's what I found underneath:



As you can see, the spool has some pretty good corrosion. I sanded the corroded areas down with a dremel tool and coated the areas with epoxy to protect the bare metal. Re-spooled and now good to go. I will now probably remove the spools at the end of each season and give a good warm water soak to prevent this.

Question for the OB is, how often do you change or maintain braided line on your offshore gear that sees heavy salt abuse? Do you re-spool regularly, or only as needed due to breakoffs, fraying, etc?
Posted by KingRanch
The Ranch
Member since Mar 2012
61590 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:41 am to
I change mine once a year usually
Posted by pooponsaban
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2008
13494 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:42 am to
quote:

I change mine once a year usually


+1
Posted by Woody
Member since Nov 2004
2452 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:44 am to
quote:

I change mine once a year usually


Even on larger setups? I pack 300 yards of 80lb braid on these. That's $30-$40 per reel.
Posted by KingRanch
The Ranch
Member since Mar 2012
61590 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:48 am to
I don't have huge offshore set ups
Posted by Who Me
Ascension
Member since Aug 2011
7090 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:48 am to
I see no reason to change braid every year. Mono Yes, but not braid.
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:50 am to
I don't fish a whole lot of salt and no offshore. I'll go a few years without changing. Yearly for mono though.
Posted by Woody
Member since Nov 2004
2452 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:53 am to
The braid on my inshore gear lasts forever.

I may have to start changing out my offshore gear more often though.
Posted by Who Me
Ascension
Member since Aug 2011
7090 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:54 am to
quote:

Woody



I understand exactly where you are coming from. I have around 10 reels spooled with braid. The stuff is expensive and I don't replace it as long as it is holding up.

I would try it out and see. If it holds up keep it. If you start noticing line breaks then it's time. Maybe get a backup spool with some new stuff in case you need to make a quick change on the water.
Posted by pooponsaban
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2008
13494 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:01 pm to
I only have inshore gear(4 Shimano reels to be specific) that gets well used. It's $10/reel to switch it out. I usually get 2 serviced in the spring and 2 serviced in the fall at which time I get them respooled.
Posted by Langston
Member since Nov 2010
7685 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:05 pm to
With fresh water stuff, I reuse my braid. The inside always looks like new so I just reverse spool it onto another reel.
Posted by computerguy
Orlando
Member since Oct 2007
1236 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:09 pm to
No offshore setup for me so i don't have that problem.

For inshore / freshwater I can go at least two years before switching. The only thing i do is remove 3-6' every so often to remove frayed sections.

After a couple years I usually "reverse" the braided line. Basically if you tie your line to another reel and spool it up you will have the old line on the bottom of the spool and the top of the spool will be the fresh untouched braid at the very bottom of your current spool. Works well and you can get some extra time on the line.
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:15 pm to
Good idea. Will try
Posted by Who Me
Ascension
Member since Aug 2011
7090 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:15 pm to
That is a good idea.
Posted by Bleeding purple
Athens, Texas
Member since Sep 2007
25315 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:34 pm to
quote:

I see no reason to change braid every year. Mono Yes, but not braid.


I change braid when it gets too bleached in color or too short to cast. The corrosion could have been prevented by simply pulling the line off in a bathtub full of water rinsing the reel and then reeling in the ling through a wet towel. If you really want to go all out you can also strip them down and then reel back up through a "Reel Magic" soaked towel.


great idea on the braid reversal BTW.
This post was edited on 4/16/12 at 12:35 pm
Posted by KingRanch
The Ranch
Member since Mar 2012
61590 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:39 pm to
quote:

After a couple years I usually "reverse" the braided line. Basically if you tie your line to another reel and spool it up you will have the old line on the bottom of the spool and the top of the spool will be the fresh untouched braid at the very bottom of your current spool. Works well and you can get some extra time on the line.

I'm stealing that idea
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24960 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:51 pm to
I have a few reels that have had the same braid on them for 5-6 years.

Do you have a mono backing underneath the braid? I would think that would help with corrosion on the spool.

I will put 30-50yds on mono as a base before I put the braid on the reel.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram