Storing the fishing line may seem like a simple thing to do, but if it is not done correctly, it can lead to a worn-out and brittle line that easily breaks. The last thing you want to do is use a fishing line that hasn’t been stored correctly and have it cost you the fish of a lifetime. So how do you store your line to avoid this? There are a few simple tricks to remember!
Keep It Dry
Moisture and humidity is the enemy of all fishing line, so do your best to keep it as dry as possible. Using a waterproof container will help to avoid outside humidity from getting to your line, but there will still be some air that gets trapped inside every time you open and close it. To combat this, you can simply throw in a few small silica gel packs that are made to soak up moisture. The same small packs you find in a new box of shoes can be thrown inside your box of fishing line to ensure that they all stay dry.
Keep It Dark
In addition to moisture, the other enemy of the fishing line is sunlight. This can be challenging with an extra line in your tackle box, but if you have a dedicated, waterproof container to store your line, then it won’t be as much of a problem. If you are fishing from a boat, you will also most likely put that same container in one of the compartments in the boat, which will keep it even darker. Keeping your line out of direct sunlight keeps it from dry rotting and becoming brittle. While a little light while opening the container or switching lines is not a problem, prolonged storage should be done in a dark place away from any sunlight.
Keep It Tidy and Organized
The last tip is to keep your lines as clean and organized as possible. Keep any dirt or debris out of your storage containers, as this can cause problems down the road. You can also secure your tag ends so that you will not open your container to find a giant bird’s nest when a spool or two has come unraveled. While most spools of line come with something built in to secure the end, some do not. In this case, you can use something like a small piece of tape or rubber band to hold it down, avoiding any potential tangles or messes.
Final Thoughts
Storing your extra fishing line is a lot more than just tossing it in a corner or at the bottom of your tackle box. If you take the time and extra steps to store your line correctly, you can ensure that you will be able to use it whenever you need it and not have to worry about it breaking at the worst possible time!
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
