"Gene C" wrote in message
om...
What can one expect in the way of life expectancy of fly lines. I
know that if you use them a lot or abuse them a lot (leaving them in a
hot vehicle all summer or dragging them over concrete will shorten
their useful life).

I have a 4 weight Cortland 555 which I've had for one season and took
reasonable care (no long term heat exposure or concrete). I fished
with it yesterday and it looks brittle with tiny cracks in it.

I thought lines should last at least a couple of years under "normal"
circumstances?

I've been able to get a least two seasons from most fly lines, and sometimes
more.

The 555 line has a special coating that is not supposed to be treated with
anything. From what I've read, the 555 line should only need to be cleaned with
mild soap and water, though I've heard a little silicone doesn't seem to hurt
anything.

Is it possible that you mistakenly sprayed some insect repellent on the line?
That will make it brittle like you described and damage the line beyond repair.
Also, check your guides for wear and roughness. I made a similar post here a
while back, this was recommended and was the culprit.
--
TL,
Tim
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http://css.sbcma.com/timj