Temperature

• Store fishing lines in locations that don't get too hot or cold.boat and boat houses image by Inger Anne Hulb?|kdal from Fotolia.com
  
  Most often people store their fishing equipment in a garage, boat or an outdoor storage. While these areas may be fine in your climate, it is important to understand that cold temperatures may make line less flexible and very hot temperatures can begin to melt your line, making it weak in some areas. Line is best stored in temperatures that range from 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

Storage

• Keep spools out of direct sunlight.Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
  
  Store rods and spooled line away from direct sunlight. Even a spool of line that is exposed to UV light for any extended period should have the outer layers of line removed from it. To maintain optimal performance for stored line, Ultima - Ultimate Line Technology recommends that the humidity level be at or over 60 percent.
  
  

Strength

• Sunfish require lighter lines to catch.sunfish image by Lucid_Exposure from Fotolia.com
  
  Different line strengths are needed for different fishing. Heavier lines are appropriate for fish such as walleye or salmon, while fishing for crappie or sunfish could use a lightweight line. Moisture is also beneficial to fish line, although constant submersion can be detrimental. Once a line is severely stretched, it is best to cut away that section so as not to lose your next catch. Various lines are available; sources like the Get Ready to Fish website lists several comparisons.
  
  

Strain

• A snagged hook may lead to a broken fishing line.fishhook image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com
  
  When a line breaks, it is often due to a snag. The hook sticks to something underwater and the line snaps as you pull. This is usually due to a sharp rock or shell cutting the line or just pulling until the line becomes so strained it snaps. There needs to be enough elasticity to absorb any sudden stress at any point in the line. This is why a monofilament line is so common. Its strength does not come in its solidity, but in the fact that it can stretch.
  
  

Nicks and Scrapes

• Even the smallest nick or scrape can ruin your day. Before heading to the water, pull out a casting portion of your line and run your fingers along it. Any small flaws can usually be felt even if they cannot be seen. Cut away any bad areas to save yourself frustration later. The teeth of past fish caught cause some nicks; this is why using a leader line can also help prevent breakage.