Spring Time Fly Fishing Gear Tune-Up - Part 2 - Clean Those Fly Lines

Spring Time Fly Fishing Gear Tune-Up - Part 2 - Clean Those Fly Lines

There are an almost endless array of fly lines available, some which cost extraordinary amounts. If you have invested money in a quality line, you will want to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

The single most important thing you can do is keep it clean. After each trip, take a little time and rinse your line with soap and water. Stay away from detergents and use a mild handsoap. Detergents tend to dry out the line and could result in your line developing cracks in the outer layer. This of course will hasten damage to the inner core of the line.

For some years, there has been a debate about the use of Armorall® and other similar products. Fly anglers who have used it discovered that it seemed to make their lines slicker. Others I have talked to have suggested that this is just a short term advantage and over time the chemicals in Armorall® will damage lines with regular use. I am not a chemist, and neither have I conducted any personal studies on the matter so I can't advise you one way or the other. Bob Kloskowski of the International Fly Fishing Association interviewed Bruce Richards of Scientific Anglers and asked him specifically about using Armorall®. Here is what Richards had to say on the matter:

"Armorall and 333 contain some plasticizers and lubricants and will lubricate the lines surface, temporarily. They also contain a small amount of detergent that theoretically would reduce line life, but the affect would be minimal. These products can be used without noticeable negative affect, but the positive affect of lubrication is very short term as the product washes off quickly." - 1997 Interview on NBC

Before you do head out for the first time this season, you might want to inspect your line for signs of cracking or even cuts. I remember some years ago, while casting on a windy day and getting into one of those cursed tangles where my leader caught my line and discovering that the leader had actually cut through the outer layer of the line. I was still able to fish the line that day, but replaced it before the next trip out.

Regardless of what sort of dressing you use on your line, the main thing is to keep it clean! Your fly line(s) is a very important part of your fly fishing equipment.

Ian Scott is a free lance writer who spends much of his time when not working and writing about a variety of topics, with a fly rod in hand. He is a frequent contributor to About Fly Fishing.