When do you replace your braid?

[SorryCharlie]

Simple question for all you braided line users..... when do you decide it has had enough and needs replacing?

After each big fish I check the top 50 yards or so of the braid, but used to let little tiny imperfections slide, and only cut it back if the braid was significantly frayed or worn. I feel it is easier to decide with mono, if there is a knick replace it. Do you feel the same about braid?

I think this method bit me in the a&& this weekend because my 50lb braid gave way on a solid (unknown) fish.... I betting at least a 1,000 lb wsb

Thanks everyone!

[ful-rac]

For me as long as it doesn't have any severe frays I usually let it slide. Spectra can look rough after being used for awhile, but it should be just fine, just as long as you don't have any major bad spots. What does a bad spot look like...? You'll know when you see it.

Now if you are continually losing fish due to the spectra parting....I would replace it if I were you. But if it was just one time...hey shit happends...

[Iceman]

I used to use, 30, then 40, then 50, too many line failures in the middle of the fish running. Settled on 65# have not had a loss since.

[benichi]

I never run straight braid rocks or n sharp teeth will go right through it.. run a 4 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader and then you have an awesome set up. The no stretch in the braid is awesome and the fluorocarbon leader can take abuse. Just like with mono you can see if the flouro needs replacing... my set up is 30lb braid 20lb flouro. And 50lb braid 30lb flouro. I never lose fish to break offs

[captnblood34]

Originally Posted by ful-rac

You'll know when you see it.

X2.

[addicted2sp33d]

I don't know... I'll let you know when I replace mine. I might replace it soon, only because it's starting to look really light and I'm getting concerned about increased visibility in the water.

As for line strength, it's been 3 or 4 seasons on my current lines and I haven't had anything break off from line-failure.

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by Iceman

I used to use, 30, then 40, then 50, too many line failures in the middle of the fish running. Settled on 65# have not had a loss since.

I also only use 65 pound braid. Easier to manage, easier to cast. I mean come on guys, most of your reels are set up to wind on monofilament. And with 65lb braid being the equivalent to 16-17 mono, why would you not put that on. Unless your targeting marlin or YFT you do not need 350 yards of spectra and if I had to guess I would say your bottom half of the spool never gets used. Just the top 1/2 and when you change line, you change the whole spool. You see what I'm getting at. On a low pro or smaller bass reel I guess I could understand a little more. But there is no need for 30-40 lb braid on any conventional reel. Especially if your argument is line capacity.

To answer the OP, I fish frequently and only change every 2-3 season. (If needed)

[h2ofishfo]

I go full spool of 65# then get it flipped when it starts to have heavy fray spots at squidco Joey will do it for free atleast he does it for me for free

[easyday]

Originally Posted by h2ofishfo

I go full spool of 65# then get it flipped when it starts to have heavy fray spots at squidco Joey will do it for free atleast he does it for me for free

I do the same thing when my braid Starts to look sad(it takes a while) then I flip it. and I also learned 65lb braid is basically what I run with on everythig.

[Cadillyak]

65lb braid all my serious reels. Strong enough for what I target and haven't had to change it out yet. (3seasons). 30lb braid on my spinning reels used on my float tube or while shore fishing.

[skrilla]

When breakage becomes common. I went 11 years on the same braid backing ( transfered it to 4 different reels during its service ) before chucking it. I've also changed out braid after 1 season. It just depends, if it still works use it.