How can you determine whether a high-performance monofilament has aged?
To determine whether a high-performance monofilament fishing line has aged, you can check it using the following straightforward and practical methods:
1. Observe changes in appearance
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Yellowing or darkening of the color: New high-performance monofilament lines are typically transparent or slightly tinted with original colors such as pale green or light blue. If the line visibly turns yellow, grayish-white, or loses its luster, it’s likely due to aging caused by UV exposure or oxidation.
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Surface roughness or fuzzing: If the originally smooth wire surface develops fine burrs, cracks, or a “whitening” phenomenon—especially at bends—it indicates that the material has become brittle.
2. Feel Test
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Hardening and becoming brittle: Gently bend the wire segment with your hand—new wire is supple and elastic; aged wire feels stiff and may even emit a slight “crackling” sound, and it could break with just a little bit of force.
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Loss of elasticity: If the material fails to quickly rebound after being stretched, or if it stretches unusually easily when pulled, it indicates that its molecular structure has deteriorated.
3. Knotting Test (Handle with Care)
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Cut a short piece of thread, tie a simple knot (such as an eight-shaped knot), and slowly pull it tight with steady force.
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Normal line: Although there is a loss of strength at the joint, it can still withstand significant tensile force before breaking.
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Aging line: It breaks easily at the knots, and can even crack with just a gentle pull.
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4. Abnormal behavior during use
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Frequently making circular motions, bouncing, or “snapping the line” during casting;
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The wire suddenly broke without any obvious external force;
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The fish took the bait clearly, but the line broke as soon as I set the hook. After ruling out factors such as fish teeth or obstacles, the likely cause is that the line has become aged.
5. Use time references
Even if the appearance is intact, high-performance monofilaments are recommended for replacement under the following circumstances:
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Freshwater frequent use: 6–12 months;
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For saltwater or high-intensity fishing: 3–6 months;
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Prolonged exposure to sunlight or high-temperature environments (such as inside a car or on a balcony) significantly shortens the lifespan.
