Published Sep 29. 2018 - 5 years ago
Updated or edited Sep 29. 2018

Reviving a flyline

Bringing life back into a flyline is tricky and all dependant upon how 'cracked' or dry the line is. If you see micro spidering cracks or can peel away the flyline with mild pressure from you fingernail, you've got a flyline most useful for tying up grapevines or stringing onions and popcorn to dry...

However, if the line has been stored in a dark, cool place for 2 years, you have a chance of restoring it.
Here's my 4-part method:

#1: you'll have to stretch the line out again to remove the coiled memory. Do this by stringing ot out between two trees or posts in the backyard on a warm sunny day. Be sure to apply mild tension as you string it out... but not too much as to induce 'stretch' into cracking the line prematurely.
#2: while it is stretched out, clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent and then dry it with a lint-free cloth.
#3: while it is stretched out, and when the sun sets (avoiding direct heat of sun), apply a coat of RainEx, ArmorAll or flyline dressing to revitalize the line.
#4: allow it to set a little bit, wipe any excess dressing clean and then wind back onto the reel. Viola! A new floating fly line.

Now, I have been part of invigorating discussions in the past whether or not ArmorAll or RainEx will deteriorate flyline. I had the opportunity to talk with one of the originating chemists of ArmorAll a few years back and he said resoundingly DEFINITELY NOT! No damage will be done to the fly line whatsoever.

Hope this helps, I'm sure there are other methods, but this is the one I use.

First published: 
Aug 8. 2001

Comments

repairing fly line...

I use armor-all, it cleans great and the line really zips when casted.

.

 

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