Line Condition

• The quality of line decays as it takes damage from water, stretching and the sun. When this occurs it can leave line brittle and prone to breakage, even if it appears in good shape. This is a good reason to regularly strip the line off the reel and replace it. If you've been using the same line, it is a good idea to replace it every other month. It's also a good idea to keep the reel in good shape and well oiled. A better-working reel reduces wear and tear on fishing line.
  
  

Location

• Location also plays a role in the need to strip line off of a reel. For example, strong current, such as that found in a river or the ocean, can put more tension than normal on the line and cause stretching and lead to decreased line integrity. Some locations also have rocks, weeds and other snags, all of which can be bad for a fishing line's strength. It is a good idea to strip and replace the line if it is getting a lot of abrasions.
  
  

Target Fish

• Different fish come in different sizes. Panfish, for example, seldom get bigger than 8 inches or weigh more than a pound. A lighter line is required for these fish. Rainbow trout, on the other hand, can range greatly in size. A young, 6-inch rainbow can be caught in the same stream as a trout weighing more than 10 pounds. You may need to swap your fishing line to a weight appropriate for the type of fish that are biting. You may have to strip the line once or twice in the same day to keep your line in fighting shape or to be properly set up if there is a change in the type of fish that are active.
  
  

Use Your Drag

• Most reels have a drag feature which allows line to be pulled out even when the reel is closed when a certain amount of tension is applied to the line. The drag allows a fish you're fighting to take line out while still putting pressure on the fish. This tires the fish out and prevents lines from snapping. Most drags are labeled on reels. They are located on the bottom or the handle of the reel and look like a dial. Adjusting a reel's drag can help you land fish and preserve your line's vitality, lessening the need to strip and replace it.
  
  

Line Setup

• Which tackle you're using may also determine the need to replace line. For example, using 20-lb. test with a small panfish lure can have very negative results. The lure will not swim properly and its performance in catching fish will decrease. Heavier line is also more visible in the water, and pickier fish may not bite a hook that has a largely visible fishing line. Also, using heavier lures on lighter line will put too much stress on the line and degrade it. Selecting the correct line for your lures can save your line's integrity, which means you'll have to strip and replace it less frequently.