fishing line life

[Got Fish??]

How long will unused  line last? I have fishing line that's been on a shelf  for 20 years. In my den in the dark, is this line safe   to use ? I have braid, fluorocarbon,and mono.

[bob o]

you could use for backing your (hopfully) newer line. as a main line no way it might look good but the only way to tell is see if it breaks under some stress. spool some up and lift something heavy with it see if it breaks. might be kind of curly tho

[Manxfishing]

I myself would draw the line at a couple years. Not 20
I try to use nothing older then 1 or 2 years
with braid I might go a little longer

[Waterfoul]

I myself would draw the line at a couple years. Not 20
I try to use nothing older then 1 or 2 years
with braid I might go a little longer

You should replace your line every year.  Braid you can go longer (I will actually reverse it on the spool and get about 3 years out it).  But Floro and mono have definite shelf lives.  Why chance it?  Losing the fish of a lifetime or that tournament kicker because of old line isn't something I am willing to risk.

[TCook]

A tip to extend the life of your fluorocarbon is to keep it refrigerated at all times. Some pros go to the extent of transporting their fluoro in coolers when on the road.