I'm a newbie to bass fishing and was curious about something -- Allow me to explain  :

Normally when you press the thumb release on a baitcast reel and let some of the line out, the line is straight.  Well, now, on my rod when I release the spool the line has a nice pig tail curl to it.  I guess that's what people are talking about when they say line memory.  From the line being rolled up in the spool for so long?

Anyway -- question is, can I fish with the line in that condition, or is it best to change it?

I appriciate the help.

Personal preference....it will straighten out, but it will give you issues in the meantime.

BTW, You can probably expect your topic to be moved by one of the Mod Squad.

Wayne

Memory= Amount of stretch in the line

How long has this line been on your reel and what kind of line is it?

if you want no loops use sufix braid.if you want a mono line use a limp line like cajun red cast.

The line is Stren and it's been on there for about, I would say 3 weeks.  Give or take.

happens some what to all line except braid.the limper the line the less it happens.then again lines that are more abrasion resitant usually have more memory.

Another suggestion, is to get some KVD line conditioner or Reel Magic and spray it on the line.  Make a few long casts and put tension on the line when you reel it in.  The line conditioner will assist in reducing the memory and make the line a little more managable, but as been said before to all but eliminate the problem, use braid.

Welcome. If you have a boat or a buddy that has one go out on the water put a small swivel on the end and let all the line out while the boat travels at idle speed works for spinning gear or use a snap swivel and hook it to to a fence or pole and walk the line off the reel that works as well.

Chow