The subject pretty much sums it up: when do I need to retire my level lines? Also, are wind knots a big deal with size 4 flouro? I have heard that a wind knot pulled tight on mono tippet reduces strength by half!

Gavin I'm not sure, haven't had any trouble yet. You can see how long I've been fishing with my Tenkara rod by my start date here. I've also been able to untie my wind knots. The level lines seem good. I could see replacing if some abrasion happens though.

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom

I've got some that feel rough when you pull them through your fingers and I just keep on fishing them. I guess if a trout breaks a 3.5 or 4.5 line it's time to trash it. Till then I just keep on fishing with em. Even in bad shape there tougher than 5X tippet and I've never had one cast bad because it was rough don't worry about em they will last a long time.

Tom

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Wilderness Tarpon 120
and a Tenkara USA Amago
Good Combo!!!

never! when it breaks, you just have a shorter level line... and a scrap piece for.. something else.

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Yong
Amago, 11' Iwana I, 12' Iwana II

I've never broken one or have had to replace one. In fact, I have too many level lines now because their longevity far surpasses any damage I could do to them. Fluorocarbon is pretty tough stuff and far cheaper than replacing a western fly line every year or two. Another reason I like tenkara.

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My blog: Tenkara Talk
Tenkara USA Rods: Amago, Ayu, Ayu Series II, Ebisu, Ito, Iwana 11', Iwana 12', Yamame
Other Tenkara USA Gear: Tamo, Strap Pack, 3.5 & 4.5 Level Line, 10.5 ft. & 13 ft. Traditional Line, Line Spools

Like the others said, I've never replaced a level line. Although lines get a little scuffed and twisted, it still casts fine and it's the tippet that always breaks first.

- Jack

Fish it until it breaks. On small fish I would venture to guess that will be a long time from the first day you used it.

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Rick

テンカラ。小さなストリームのシンプルさ。
My Tenkara Rods:
13' Ayu, 12' Yamame, 11' with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

My Wife's Tenkara Rods:
12' Ebisu and 13.5' Amago, 12' Iwana with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

If it breaks you should get rid of it if it is that worn out it will break again. As cheep as the line is I would not fish a line that has broke in one place already.

Tom

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Wilderness Tarpon 120
and a Tenkara USA Amago
Good Combo!!!