How to straighten a curled up fly line

There’s nothing more frustrating than a curled-up fly line. It can make casting challenging, and it’s not the best feeling when you're not getting the results you want. Fortunately, straightening out a curled-up fly line is a pretty easy fix. In this article, we’ll guide you through some steps to help you straighten your fly line.

Understanding fly line memory

Fly lines are made from different materials, but most are made from PVC. This material has what they call 'memory', which means that it will hold its shape even after being coiled or stored in a particular way and under certain conditions. So, if your fly line has been stored or coiled in a particular shape, it will maintain that shape until you straighten it out. While manufacturers try their best to create materials with as little memory as possible, it's difficult to completely avoid it. 

What causes a fly line to curl up?

Several factors can cause fly line to curl up. Some of the most common factors include:

• Improper storage: storing your fly line in a coiled manner for an extended period can cause it to take on that coiled shape.
• Temperature: extreme heat or cold can cause your fly line to become stiff and retain its curled shape.
• Humidity: humidity can cause your fly line to become sticky, and if it's not stored correctly, it can cause it to curl up.

Steps to straighten a curled-up fly line

Straightening out your curled-up fly line is easy, and it doesn't require any special equipment. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Remove the line from the reel: the first thing you need to do is remove the fly line from your reel.
2. Uncoil the line: once you have removed the line from the reel, uncoil it, and let it lay straight on the ground.
3. Apply some heat: you can use a hairdryer or some hot water to apply heat to the curled-up sections of the fly line. Heat helps to soften the line, making it easier to straighten.
4. Stretch the line: with the heated section of the line in your hands, gently stretch it until it straightens out. Repeat the process for all the curled-up sections of the line. An alternative is that one person holds one end of the line, and then you hold a few metres of line and stretch it, then move to the next few metres. Don't try to stretch the full fly line at once, it's way too long and the straightening won't be as effective.
5. Test the line: once you have straightened out all the curled-up sections of the line, test it by casting it in the water. If it's still not straight, repeat the process until you get the desired results.

Safety tips

It's essential to follow some safety precautions to avoid accidents;

• Don't apply too much heat to your fly line as it can damage the line
• Don't use an open flame to heat your fly line as it can cause it to melt or burn
• Avoid stretching your fly line too hard as it can damage the line

In conclusion, straightening out a curled-up fly line is a simple process that anyone can do. By understanding what causes fly line to curl up and following the steps outlined in this article, you can get your fly line straightened out and back to enjoying fly fishing!