How Strong Are Nylon Fishing Lines?

Lots of people use nylon fishing lines, but what is the appeal? How will using nylon fishing lines make someone a more effective fisherman? These questions are addressed below because, after all, who wants to lose the catch for which they worked so hard?

History

In the olden days, nylon was not used for fishing lines. Fabrics like cotton, silk and linen were all used for lines, but proved time and time again to lack the proper strength and give. Although DuPont announced the invention of a synthetic fiber called nylon in the late 1930s, it was not until the 1960s that nylon fishing lines really cornered the market.

Strength of Nylon

Nylon is 10 times stronger than steel. In fact, the strength of nylon fishing line has garnered attention from the musical world and is recommended as an economical but sturdy replacement for broken instrument strings.

Using a braided nylon line or a nylon line treated with additional chemicals can further increase the strength of nylon lines, pushing the strength up to 12 times that of steel.

Benefits Beyond Strength

Nylon fishing lines are lightweight and not nearly as rigid as other types of line. This tiny amount of elastic prevents breakage should a fish start struggling after being hooked. Also, nylon is thin and usually clear, which makes it almost invisible once it hits the water.

Nylon Gone Bad

Nylon fishing lines have a shelf life of only two to year years. After that time, there is a good chance that a person could lose their catch for the day, so it is best just to replace the spool. A few suggestions are to check for a date on the bottom of the spool, and also to purchase line from a more popular place since the line probably has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.

Warning

It is important not to leave nylon line in the water; one should pick up their line after a long day of fishing so that the wildlife will not be harmed. Waterfowl can get stuck in leftover line, and because nylon is so strong, there is no means of escape for the animal. Carelessly leaving any fishing line in the water or on the beach can be detrimental to the local wildlife.

Resources

• What Is Nylon Fishing Line?
• Fishing Line Confusion
• Tips: How Strong Are Nylon Fishing Lines?