Is a large spool of fluorocarbon line still good after 3-5 years? Is there a set time limit for using it? How often do you change your line? I lost three really good fish to a snapped line at LBJ.

I change mine every couple months usually depending on usage

It is largely impervious to water, it is unaffected by radiation and UV light to a greater degree than most lines, and it isn't sensitive to heat (like being left in a hot car) or extreme cold (popular for ice fishing).

It ties a bit differently so that can be a source of losing fish. And, it still gets nicked up when it comes in contact with underwater structure so it can certainly pop.

I only use it for leaders and I definitely re-tie before I fish each time. I re-tie knots a few times during each trip.

Hey! Those could have been some really big fish!!!

Brad

Older fluoro will be extremely weak. I say swap after a few months or more depending on use. As for the spools on how long they are good for I'm not sure...

I have heard numerous times Fluoro weakens with age, I think you found out the answer the hard way.

so it is a bad idea to buy the large spools of flouro?

Flouro is over hyped, use braid or copoly.

Also depends on the brand, Vanish is terrible

It's fine if stored in a cool, dry place out of the light. I store mine in a closet.

Sure, there are quality differences that might account for some of the anecdotal responses. For everything made, someone makes it crappy.

But, for top quality "pure" fluorocarbons, the first requirement should be that they shouldn't absorb any water. If they absorb water? Well, it likely is a first warning that they are not high quality or perhaps they've been modified for some specific reason.

Seaguar is the only fluorocarbon manufacturer claiming to control the entire process from sourcing raw materials to final extrusions. Seaguar Invizx is impervious to water.

Anyway, a good place to start to "cull" this type of line.

Here is a Tackletour.com test on water absorption and other things as a resource.

Brad

Fluorocarbon water absorption

Yep, Vanish starts decentigrating and failing within 24 hours of production! On a good quality product like Seaguar I have not noticed any difference in quality on spools that were one or two years old but I do leave my line in a climate controlled closet(in the house). I do believe lines do not degradate in a 100 degree garage but they do develope memory. As far as only keeping line for not more "than a few months"? Crazy. Even from a busy reputable supplier you don't even know if it's a few months old when you get it!

LOL

this guy, speaks the truth...

Flouro carbon stinks, period. Too expensive, for the line breaking I and my fishing partners have had on ,

Throw Braid, I will throw mono, over FC.

Invizx and P-Line Halo work very well for me. When I use copolymer lines I use P-Line CXX and McCoys Mean Green. I only use braid for throwing top water frogs and on spinning tackle with a leader attached.