Slickness is one of the most important features of a fly line. To cast smoothly, friction of line against guides should be minimal. Fly line manufacturers strive to reduce friction by incorporating slickeners into the material surrounding the line core and by applying slick finishes to the line. Airflo and Scientific Anglers have also introduced lines with texture, on the theory that less line in contact with the guides means less friction. No matter which line the fisherman chooses, dirt will eventually build up on it, creating more friction and weighing down the line. Periodic cleaning and dressing will keep the line casting smoothly and extend its life.
Cleaning Products for Fly Lines
The goal of cleaning is to remove dirt without sacrificing the slipperiness of the outer finish. Therefore, soaking the line in hot water with some sort of cleanser to loosen debris is necessary. However, too harsh a cleanser, or too much of it, will ruin the slippery coating on the line. A few drops of a mild dish detergent in a sink full of hot water should do the trick.
Wipe the Line with Cloth or Manufacturer’s Fly Line Cleaning Pads
After allowing the line to soak until the hot water has cooled to lukewarm, the line should be rinsed in clean water. If a line winder is used, the line can be wiped as it is wound from the coil onto the line winder. Otherwise, the line can be neatly recoiled as it is wiped. A clean, soft cloth or manufacturer’s cleaning pad is recommended. Some cleaning pads are mildly abrasive, but this type of pad does break down the surface of the line. If the detergent and water have done their job, wiping the line without scrubbing will remove any remaining dirt as well as dry the line and prepare it for line dressing.
Using Fly Line Dressing
Most fly lines come with manufacturer’s suggestions for cleaning methods and products. Specific fly line dressings are available, but some anglers use products such as Armor All or other water-resistant coatings that are labeled as safe for use with plastics. Although fine products, these are not intended for use on fly lines. As with detergent, dressings should be used sparingly. Too much dressing of any type will cause more dirt to adhere to the line. The dilemma of fly lines is that lubricants provide slickness but also result in greater dirt adhesion, while hard, impervious surfaces don’t pick up dirt as easily but have a greater tendency to crack. If the line’s finish feels slick and clean after washing, dressing may not be needed.
Clean Lines, Rods, and Reels Will Fish Better and Last Longer
The rod and reel should be cleaned at the same time as the fly line. The angler should take special care to clean the line guides, as much of the dirt the line picks up is deposited there as the line passes through. A warm, wet cloth is best for this cleaning, pushed into the line guides and rotated gently. This should be repeated until the cloth comes away clean. This is also the time to wipe excess oil and dirt from the reel. The cleaned and conditioned line and tackle will cast like new and give longer service.
Brenda Layman - I grew up in eastern Kentucky in a family that hunted, fished, hiked, and camped regularly. Although I moved to Ohio to become a teacher ...
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