Fly Line Care & Maintenance

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Fly lines, like leaders and flies, tend to be a more "disposable" part of your fly fishing tackle than are rods and reels.  They are a component that is most susceptible to deterioration.  Whereas fly rods and reels might last a lifetime, the "lifetime" of a fly line under active use is a couple of seasons.  At $50 a crack, the longer we can make these lines last, the better.

Fly lines should be given more care and attention than your rods and reels because they get the most "wear and tear."  They are in constant use, and with every cast are subjected to a number of effects which can diminish their capacity to perform well.  So it is a good practice (and investment) to take frequent "preventive maintenance" measures with your fly lines.

Clean lines = performing lines

Many modern lines have a built-in silicone ingredient and/or hydrophobic chemical to keep them supple and to enhance casting properties.  In order for such lines to perform as designed, they need to be kept free of dirt, grime, algae, salt, and other contaminants. The simplest way to keep fly lines at optimum performance is to clean them frequently using a mild soap and water.  Even simply "wiping them off" is helpful.

Cleaning lines is not a tough job, but here's some suggestions:

• Know the difference between "line dressing" and "line cleaning" products; many so-called "line cleaners" (some that come with the fly line when purchased) are actually "line dressing" products.  Rather than cleaning the line, they add stuff on top of it, over any existing dirt and grime; over time, this build up will seal in the dirt and prevent the silicone in the line from doing its job.
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• "Line cleaning" on the other hand, is where you actually wash your lines; this can be done with a very mild ("Ivory") soapy solution in water, or, better yet, use a product made specifically for this purpose.   Scientific Anglers, Cortland and other fly line manufacturer's have liquid cleaners that are the best bet, regardless of the line manufacture.
• Clean your fly line regularly . . . after each fishing trip is not too frequent, and in the worst of waters, a daily cleaning may be necessary to maintain peak performance.
• Dress your lines as needed . . . once or more a day is OK, particularly in hot, windy conditions.  Clean, dressed lines cast much better, and just give you overall better handling.
• Full sinking lines need not be cleaned at all, though it doesn't hurt them.
• Sinking tip fly lines should be kept clean and dressed on the floating portion particularly.
• Lines of whatever type used as "shooting/running line" should be cleaned frequently and dressed to enhance their "castability."
• Saltwater lines dissolve salt build up at each use, so they don't require as much attention as freshwater lines.  However, as a general rule, we prefer clean lines over dirty ones.
• Do not use the "old reliable" dressing/floatant, "Mucilin", on fly lines; it used to be the standard for use with silk lines, but it eats through modern plastic coatings.  (We continue to use it for a dry fly dressing, however.)

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"DO's & DON'TS"

DO:

• keep lines clean using cleaners designed for fly lines

• dress lines frequently

• store lines loosely coiled in a cool, dark place

• look for cracks & tears in your line, and replace lines as needed

DON'T:

• allow lines to get dirty

• use abrasive cleaners on lines

• store lines exposed to heat or sun

• allow lines to come in contact with gas, repellent, suntan lotion, etc.

• use "Mucilin" on modern lines

One of the newer fly line dressing ideas is a "micro abrasive pad" (currently available from Scientific Anglers).  This is a small pad that sort of "sandpapers" the line surface, removing the dirt & grit, without harming the finish.