Originally posted by Todd:
I change it out about every two or three trips
I do too. Ok, maybe not 2 or 3 trips but maybe every 4-5 times. But the trick I learned is to do like the fly guys do and use a backing or running line that you may only change out every other year or so. I usually use something tough and long lasting like Chamy as the running line and the attach approx. 100 ft of whatever line I want to use for my casting section. That way I'm not wasting so much line and I'm not as hesitant to change the business end of my line for the conditions (test, type and sometimes color) or just to keep it fresh. I like to use a double-uni between the two because it is strong and it doesn't hang up on the guides easily on a hot running fish. IMHO, there are alot of excellant lines out today, some of course are better for a particular reason over another. But overall the differences today are really more subjective than qualitative.
So whenever I start to question my tackle, I just think back to the most deadly steelheader I ever knew (no one I know today can consistently bang metal like he could). This guy could easily afford anything he wanted but he always insisted on using his trusty old fiberglass rod loaded with 25# test McCoy on a cheap Phleuger fly reel. Of course his leader material was always state of the art, but if and when he changed his main line (maybe every 2-3 years) he would reverse the line first before he would toss it.
I guess what I'm saying is:
Have you tried 25 # McCoy lately?
But now if you're wondering what " killer" would say? It'd probably be:
Don't worry mon', be happy!