Old line, dull hooks, or the reverse midas touch?

[jd1585]

You ever have one of those fishing trips where you just can't stop loosing fish? I have been out with my buddies three times this weeks and it seems I just can't win. I am on an epic streak for loosing fish after fish. Multiple knot break offs and crappy hook sets. I find myself wondering if my line is bad. I am using Stren Flurocast that is about a year old. It does look kind of cloudy but I keep hearing fluro lasts a long time. Either way I am trowing on some of my friends P-line to try but I am interested in hearing how long fluro lasts for everyone else. Of course it could just be an off week.

Appreciate it my friends!

[Polaris425]

Do you store inside or outside? If left outside a year is probably max life. Because of heat. Then, a lot of your pros re-spool after every tourny. Which is every week.

I've got some floro on some of my reels that's been there a year, and I would not hesitate to go fish with it today and trust it. But then, I'm just a weekend for fun angler. Not trying to put fish or money in the pocket.

[Dark3]

I may be mistaken but I believe stren is some of the cheapest and weakest line available. If you dont tie knots properly with flouro the line will cut right through itself. I use a trilene knot, through the eye twice, 3 wraps on main line and back through making sure it is thouroly wet prior to cinching down and always giving it a tug while ensuring the knot is seated. Leave an 1/8 inch security tag

[jd1585]

Stren was 9 bucks for the box at best. At the time I couldn't pull myself to spend 20 bucks for a reel of the good stuff. Of course I am rethinking the 20 bucks now as I tried a different brand this morning and we were back on track.

[Polaris425]

I use Seguar with success. Usually pay 10-12 dollars a spool.

[Dark3]

I will let you in on a secret. I paid way less than retail the last time I bought line a couple months back. I think Ron at valley sports steals the stuff and sells it. How else would he be able to give such good deals?? Just kidding but he will suprise you. I use seguar invisx lately. Has great knot strength and descent abrasion resistance. The heavier stuff like 17lb and up is a bit stiff and develops memory pretty fast after line conditioner needs to be reapplied. Im gonna give sunline sniper a try next. With seaguar i dont see much different between red and invisx.

[Polaris425]

^^ you'd be surprised. Most places like academy, only mark Seguar up $1-$2 per spool (the 200yrd spools)

[Smallie_Stalker]

I may be mistaken but I believe stren is some of the cheapest and weakest line available.

I agree with you on this one. I have tried lots of different lines by Stren over the years and have had nothing but problems with them all. They quickly became relegated to my cooler full of lune to use for backing.

I know there are people out there who use Stren and like it, so I don't mean any offense by what I said. Only that it has not worked out for me personally.

[tim4081]

Stren was 9 bucks for the b at best. At the time I couldn't pull myself to spend 20 bucks for a reel of the good stuff. Of course I am rethinking the 20 bucks now as I tried a different brand this morning and we were back on track.

Try Seaguar red label.  Its about 6 to 7 dollars a spool less than Invizex and works great. I use it on my crankbait rods.  It has good knot strength and abrasion resistance.  As for changing your line, i fish two to three times a week and change line about twice a year. That is of course unless a professional overrun requires a change out