Apr 07 2008
The Bottom Line
Every year, it seems that there are a number of reoccurring problems that every fisherman faces when fly fishing. One of the most common problems is in relation with the lines. Besides the problem of windknots and ‘birdsnests,’ there is an even greater problem that can arise to to dirt, dust, and other foreign substances adhering to the line.
When line gets old, and is used more and more, it becomes dirty, and a layer of grime builds up on the PVC surface of the line. This layer of dirt causes the line to become less easily flexible, and therefore will result in the line not laying flat on the water. The waves in the line will cause the line to more readily disturb the water, and will spook the targeted fish.
Furthermore, this layer of buildup will cause the floating line to sink, making it harder to fish with dry flies.
Although dirt and grime are, for the most part, inevitable, there is a very easy solution to this problem. The best way to clean a line is to wipe it down with a paper towel that is dampened with deluded window cleaner. It is very important to not use straight cleaner due to the fact that the PVC coating on fly line is easily worn away.
After wiping down the line, it is best to them wipe of any excess cleaner with a damp papertowel. This will ensure the safety of the line. When the line is entire cleaned off, I like to straighten my line using a small piece of leather. By folding the leather over the line, and then pulling the line through the pinched leather, the line will become straighter, and will more easily lay out on the water when fishing.
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