Thread: Replace Line After Shark Fight?

Had a 30-minute battle with a little black tip the other day on my Quantum R&R with 14-pound test mono. It ran me out about 250+ yards and then I brought it back to the pier for a cut-off. It was my first battle with one, and it was fun, but should I routinely replace the line after a fight like that? The line above the cut looks fine, but I was wondering what the pros recommend following a fight with any larger fish? Don't want to lose a fish because of a rookie mistake. Thanks folks, I know I'll get the right advice.

As long as you dont have any chips or cracks in your guides that would fray your line there is no need to replace it. Good rule of thumb is replace your line once a year. Usually winter is the best time for that.

As long as you don't lose a lot of line or get twisted up, you should be fine. I replace mine every couple or three trips, usually because the pop offs and break offs start leaving more spool showing than I like.

+1
No need unless you 'see' (or feel) the line has been overly stressed.

Always keep in mind that mono has elasticity (it stretches and returns to its original shape).
It is expected to stretch a fair amount during a long fight like you had, but as long as the line returns to its original consistency it is OK.
If it it looks or feels pale, dry, stiff or 'rough' then it should be changed or at least the end cut back to line of better quality.

Any time I have a fish run out a lot of line I watch the line as it comes back on the reel, checking for any weak spots that show wear.
In days past, we had to watch carefully for damage farther down the line on the spool.
If the line roller isn't freely turning as line goes out quickly under pressure, the heat can literally melt the plastic monofilament!
Most reels nowadays have good drags and line roller bearings (or sleeves) that prevent heat buildup on the line roller and ease stress on the line during a long run or sustained battle.

Congrats on your shark 'coup'!
How big was it?

Originally Posted by dublthret

As long as you dont have any chips or cracks in your guides that would fray your line there is no need to replace it. Good rule of thumb is replace your line once a year. Usually winter is the best time for that.

Add "and its not twisted real bad" and Yep, I agree.

A cheap scale will save you from guess work regarding the strength of your line.