Shelf Life for Fluoro

[gman2153]

I broke off a few fish at hookup using Seagar 6lb test fluoro quite a bit. Two were the result of knot failures, the rest clean breaks on the line. I started fishing with the Maxima Brown, but then went to 8lb fluoro then 6,

I was using Fluoro I had in my bag from last year. I know they say this stuff never breaks down in the river, but is there any date significance to when you should use it?

I even compared the line I had on the spool in my bag to other stuff I have at home to make sure I did not mix up 4lb with 6 lb. Figured I would rule out the obvious stupid mistake before asking you guys.

[FISHON!]

where did you get it from?


I have a friend who bought a spool from cabelas and couldnt keep it intact. Then when he tried what i had he was amazed at the difference. He contact Seguar and they seemed to think that it was from a bad run.

hope this helps


FISHON!!!

[Browntrout5]

I thought Seaguar was good until Toolie turned me onto Maxima Fluoro, that stuff is great!

[riptide]

One year old stuff shouldn't be a problem but fluoro does get weaker with age. I'm not a big fan of most Orvis products but I have had good results with their Mirage fluorocarbon. I use the 12lb. for salmon and 6lb. for steel and have had no problems with it. I noticed that they put little "best if used by" stickers on their spools. Usually seems to have a shelf life of about 3 years.

[toolmaker66]

Nice thing about the Maxima is if your car dies you can use it to tow it home after a day of fishing!!! lol... Some of the high end lines have expiration dates but if not submitted to direct sunlight should maintain their strength. Never used Seguar but I do know that there is a big difference between line brands and what they claim for breaking points. Tried the froghair in 6 lb. and that broke relatively easily. Maxima on the other hand can't possibly break at what they claim. I do like the P-line flouro too, it isn't 100% flouro so the knots and casting are much better. G to answer your question I would think the line is still good unless exposed to the sunlight for extended periods of time, 6 lb is stil a light line though and will break pretty easily. Bump it up to 10 b. and the problem will be solved

[ChaChing]

I thought Seaguar was good until Toolie turned me onto Maxima Fluoro, that stuff is great!


I hate that stuff. I actually tossed the rest of the spool into the trash and would never buy it again. Maxima is still my fav choice of line but just not the fluoro. Maybe i had 2 bad spools though.. LOL

[get the net]

I use nothing but drennan 3-4-5-6 lbs tests and never had a bad spool even after it sits for a year. I've used others, after a year they breakdown.

[floatfisher]

I am just finishing up a spool of Cabelas 6# that I bought like 4-5 years ago. Since I only use it like 2-4 feet at a time it has lasted me for a long time. Have yet to have a problem with it.

[thalweg]

toolie hit it right on....as long as it sits out of sunlight, it should be fine. along with that, there is no way i'm tossin' 100 yards of seaguar flouro into the garbage after spring steelhead/rainbows. not at $15 a pop...

[JStreamside]

Could it possibly have been the 10 wt Ugly Stik you were using??? :D LOL. I have used Seaguar, Cabela's, Vanish (junk) and the Maxima. I still like the Seaguar for salmon and the Maxima for steelhead. Now that I'm thinking of it, better get some more Maxima floro early Sat morning.