Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post discussing fishing line conditioner. Now in full disclosure, this is not a product I had ever used – or even really knew about – until very recently. My introduction came as usual from a fishing trip I was on where one of my fishing buddies suffered the horrendous experience of having his line snap whilst reeling in a big catch.
After lot of x rated conversation he exclaimed that this wouldn’t have happened if he had remembered to administer his fishing line conditioner prior to coming out like he had planned – my thoughts are that he messed up his drag but anyway… “What is fishing line conditioner?” I asked. And after more x-rated commentary on the days events, he explained all….
What is fishing line conditioner?
In short, fishing line conditioner is a product that helps to keep fishing line in good condition. It can help to prevent breakage and also make the line easier to cast. Most come in spray form which is sprayed onto the fishing line while on the reel and apart from preventing breakage, they will also:
- soften the fishing line – which leads to longer casting
- reduce line memory
- provide extra protection from the elements such as the sun (UV rays) and saltwater
- reduce the chance of the line icing up if fishing in cold conditions (such as ice fishing or winter fishing at night)
There are many different types of fishing line conditioners available, and each one works a little bit differently. Some products work by adding a coating to the line whilst others fill in any nicks or scratches, which helps to keep it strong. There are also options for lures and tackle as well.
When should you apply it
No matter what type of fishing line conditioner you use, it is important to apply it regularly. The best time to apply it is after you have cleaned your line and before you put it away. This will help to keep your line in good condition and will help to prolong its life.
Note: Fishing line conditioners are used for the purpose of looking after the line only and should not be confused with fishing reel oils or rust reduction sprays.

What type should you choose?
When it comes to fishing line conditioners, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are many different types of fishing line conditioners available, and the best product for you will depend on the type of line you are using and the way you fish. Some of the most important factors to consider include:
- The type of line you are using
- The way you fish
- The climate you live in
It may sound obvious but if you are using a type of line that is known to fray or break easily, you will need a conditioner that can help to prevent this. If you fish in a climate that exposes you to the cold, heat or sun – which let’s face it, covers most fishing exploits – then you will need a conditioner that can protect your line from the elements. And for the beginner angler, you may want a conditioner that is easy to use and does not require a lot of effort.
So then let’s just look at some options for both line types:
- Braid: Of course there are always exceptions but for braid you would generally be looking for a conditioner that will coat the line making it smoother which leads to longer casting and easier spooling. Some also credit these conditioner types with a reduction in the dreaded backlash as well.
- Mono: Although mono is already quite smooth, then the most common need here is as option that will fill the little chunks and nicks in the line to keep it from snapping. That said, conditioners for braid can assist in the reduction of line memory in the mono leading to smoother and longer casting as well.
What are some options?
As above, each line type comes with their own unique set of features, but they all work in a similar manner. Essentially, each one adds some level of protection or performance enhancements to the line itself. Depending on the problem you are trying to solve, here are some of the line conditioner types to look for:
Graphite Conditioners – work to reduce friction with the line, which makes it easier to cast and retrieve. It also works well for keeping your lines in good condition after they have been exposed to moisture. These conditioner types are generally easy to use and can help you improve your catch rate when you are out on the water.
Oil-based conditioners – these work predominately as moisturizers in the line improving its resistance to wear and tear that comes from exposure to humidity. If you live in an area where there is a lot of moisture in the air, using this type on your fishing lines can help to improve their lifespan and make them last longer. I have however noticed a few comments in my research here that some don’t like the oily residue that some leave however.
Fly line conditioners – Fly lines are generally thinker than normal fishing line and conditioners here work predominately as a tangle inhibitor via the addition of a slick coating. They work very well in both salt and freshwater to protect against line degradation as well. For beginners however, these work well on most types of fishing lines, so it is worth trying out if you are looking for an all-purpose line conditioner.

How do you apply it?
Applying fishing line conditioner is a simple process. First, make sure that your line is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Then, apply the conditioner to the line then give it a rub using your hands or a cloth – it is usually sprayed on. Be sure to rub it in well, and be careful not to get any on your reels. Finally, allow the line to dry before using it.
It is important to note that you should only use a small amount of conditioner at a time. If you use too much, it can make the line difficult to cast and can also lead to tangles. A little bit of conditioner goes a long way, so be sure to use sparingly.
Conclusion
And there it is – my outline on what it is that is fishing line conditioner. I have purchased some myself so I will update this post with my outcomes for sure. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences or any other tips you may have.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
