How to Condition a Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Stiff lines and memory coils can be issues for many anglers who use monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing lines. Fluorocarbon fishing line in particular can oftentimes prove difficult to work with, as it tends to me stiffer in nature and retains a memory when stored. These problems can often be reduced if not completely eliminated with the use of a line conditioner. With line conditioner also acting as a lubricant, line-casting distance can also be significantly improved in many cases.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Hold a synthetic cloth such as an eyeglasses cleaning cloth in the palm or your hand. Spray line conditioner onto the cloth, so a 2- to 3-inch circle is wet with the conditioner in the center of the cloth.

Step 2

Lay the end of the fluorocarbon line across the center of the cloth, so it is in the center of the synthetic cloth. Fold the cloth in half over the fluorocarbon line. The line should be positioned, so the line conditioner makes contact on both sides.

Step 3

Attach the fluorocarbon line directly to the reel as a main line or connect to the end of a main line as a leader. Turn the handle of the reel to begin spooling the line and hold your hand around the synthetic cloth to hold it and the line, as it passes through your hand. Apply slight tension to the line to help transfer the conditioner onto the line.

Step 4

Stop every 20 yards or so and reposition the line slightly in the synthetic cloth. This will help ensure even distribution of the conditioner on the line. Continue spooling the fluorocarbon line and then stop and reposition the line after another 20 yards.

Step 5

Apply a quick shot of line conditioner to the sides of the spool and the line guides. This will help reduce the amount of line conditioner that is transferred from the line to various parts of the reel and rod while you are fishing.

Tips & Warnings

Allow the line conditioner to completely dry before fishing.

Apply another coat of line conditioner as needed.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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