I'm sure we all know that it is recommended to change our mono line , or at least reverse it on the reel , at the end of each season . I never bother , only get around to it when I've lost enough to notice .
I had also assumed that unused line would keep forever on the original spool . Have just found out that this definitely isn't the case .
Following several suspicious snap-offs I've just tested the "new" spool which has been in the box for a number of years . Original BS is rated as 30 lb . On 8 out of 8 attempts to lift a bucket with it ( ie without a fish jerking about ) it snapped at weights between 16 and a max of 21 lb .
Predictably it always sheered at the knot but strangely it was always at the top one of the two swivels . I can't think why . Anyway , it has gone straight into the bin ............. or strictly speaking into a bag for incineration so it doesn't entangle any creatures .
It could well be a false economy to save the few euro which new line would cost if you're going to spend money on an outing .