G'day Russ and Sandy.

I found this link. It looks quite useful.

http://www.wikihow.com/Spool-New-Fishing-Line-Onto-a-Reel

that link is for mono - theoretically you should replace mono yearly.

Braid will pretty much last forever. The time to change is when you bust off a lot of length through snags etc (ie you have 300m spooled and you snag up and bust off 150m leaving you a lot less than what you started with) or as you mentioned if it is frayed or breaking a lot when knotting. But even when it is frayed, I'd be more inclined to spool off the frayed bit and cut it off (provided you have enough meterage on the spool).

I have some braid that is over 5 years old and its still going strong.

OH. I didn't check that LOL. I found it searching for braid.

One habit I have with my LB reels is to take the line off and reverse it so new line comes to the fore. There is a bit of work involved but it seems to turn out OK. I have 2 spools for the 3 favourite reels here. I don't use much backing so I carry quite a bit of line on the reels. Like most people I hate spending money so the longer I can make the stuff last the better.

when it starts fraying you take it of your reel and then put the frayed end back on your reel first it lastes twice as long thats wat my local tackle shop told me

I replace mine when it's starting to show signs of wear. Sometimes just strip a little off depending on how much this leaves on the spool.
On my lighter reels this may be once a yearish (they get more use) and three years or so on the heavier outfits which see less use. I sometimes respool prior to a big trip.
Reversing it on the spool is an option for saving money but I don't do it just in case i get the fish of a lifetime - wouldn't want to get down to the bottom of the spool knowing the line there is suspect myself.

Cheers
Paul

I think I'd be broke if I replaced my braid every year! at a guess it would cost me in excess of a grand to respool all my braid. Even if it was just the small reels I reckon it'd be pushing $400 - $500.

Scary when you add it up, and I have a fairly small collection compared to some! (10 reels and one spare spool with braid)

Huggy - tell that to my missus she would tell you otherwise. (The small collection bit, but please don't mention the $400-500 bit).

Have at least ten reels that see use - and looking to sell a couple which haven't seen much use lately (may still be a small collection compared to some on here) - probably spool 2-3 a year mainly my 6 and 10lb lighter outfits usually before my main two week (ish) annual trip. As mentioned they cop more use throughtout the year (and are usually the 'slightly' cheaper ones to respool). Some of the line on the other heavier outfits may last me 3 maybe 5 years depending on the use they receive.

Cheers Paul

If ya relaced fireline when it starts to frey, it would only be used once or twice. Can ya tell i'm not a big fan. Plus its too stiff for my liking. Turning a good braid around on the spool is a good idea as long as its not damaged just well used. Rob

do people still use that fused rubbish?

to each their own I guess......

It took a while for me to convert to braid mainly because I stopped regular fishing some time back. Since converting I just DONT spare a quid at all. I walk in the shop, ask for best advice and just go with it. I will never look back and will always use quality stuff. Having said that of course I do stick by the habit of reversing the line. Why wouldn't you if the line is quality line?

Anyway, the 4x4 is loaded, the dog is driving me nuts so it's time to get out of here and do some fishing. Headed up north of 2-Rocks for an overnighter. See you up there in the morning Stu and Rgabag... I may well have brekkie on the fire for you when you get there :)

good to know my 3 year old braid is still useable. when i can get out that is. the way its going it will be good for another 10. big rods havnt hit the water since may

if you dont use an outfit to much then braid will last for years....

use it all the time then change it every season

I've had braid fro years and it still holds up 

price also plays a part