When it comes to fishing, there are a lot of factors that can affect your catch, and one of the most important things to consider is the quality of your fishing line. A strong, durable line can make all the difference in landing that big fish, and many anglers swear by a simple trick to improve the performance of their line: soaking it after spooling.
So, what exactly does soaking your fishing line entail? Essentially, it just means immersing the entire spool of line in water for a period of time before using it to fish. The idea behind this practice is that it can help to reduce any excess tension or memory in the line, making it more supple and less likely to tangle or break.
There are a few different methods that anglers use for soaking their line. Some simply fill a bucket or sink with water and let the spool sit in it for several hours or overnight. Others prefer to add some kind of lubricant or conditioner to the water, such as a few drops of reel oil or a specialized line treatment product. Some even go so far as to freeze their spooled line before use, claiming that it helps to further reduce any residual memory.
Of course, as with many aspects of fishing, opinions on the effectiveness of soaking your line can vary widely. Some anglers swear by it, saying that it has improved their casting distance and accuracy, reduced tangles, and helped them to land bigger fish. Others are more skeptical, arguing that any benefits are largely psychological and that there is no real scientific evidence to support the practice.
So, is it helpful to soak your fishing line after spooling? Ultimately, it depends on your personal experience and preference. If you find that your line is prone to tangling or breaking and you haven’t tried soaking it before, it may be worth giving it a try to see if it makes a difference. On the other hand, if you’re already satisfied with the performance of your line, there may be no need to mess with a good thing.
As with any aspect of fishing, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Soaking your line may not be a magic solution, but it’s one more tool in the angler’s arsenal that can help to improve your chances of success on the water.