It's a "reel" thing. Coiling stinks - but I hate to think that simply respooling fresh line is the only good solution. There is no doubt that stretching can be effective in short lengths (e.g. leaders). But...

Assume the flouro is 10-20 lb test, been spooled for one to two years and kept indoors.

Is stretching lengths over 100' effective?

Does the stretching last any useful period of time?

Does line conditioner help and how for long is actually effective?

Budget aside, is it just easier/better to buy fresh line?

Any other lessons to share on the topic are welcome.

Stretching FC is not suggested because unlike Nylon-Mono - it doesn't rebound and you've now weakened the line.

2 years without a replacement is beyond what I'd suggest...I replace the line on FC mainline reels every year. I put backing on (Berkley Big Game) so that I'm only spooling 70-75 yds of the expensive FC

Suggest a line treatment to help with the coiling issue - KVD is my treatment of choice. Drench it when spooling up, then a quick spritz the night before you go out.

There's no better way to shorten the life span of fluoro than to stretch it.

KVD L & L does help. I do not stretch my FC and it's changed annually if not needed before.

Can you use something like Sufix Siege instead?

Makes sense. Stretching flouro materially compromises the line's integrity. Beyond some light stretching and use of line conditioners, just swap out the line while not wasting it by using a thoughtful amount of backing. All logical.

I dont know how stretching works, but putting the spool in hot water for a while before spooling it up has always helped me.

KVD line treatment helps. I don’t know if stretching helps or hurts. My line gets stretched a lot because where I fish break offs are frequent.

For convenience and economy I buy my line in 1000 yd spools.

I don't stretch my FC but I do use KVD line conditioner.

Just tie on a lure and go fishing. It will naturally get stretched into fishing shape. Might have to make a few random false casts to start just to avoid a big mishap. I routinely go 2-4 years on reels spooled with fluoro without issue.

2 hours ago, Team9nine said:

Just tie on a lure and go fishing. It will naturally get stretched into fishing shape. Might have to make a few random false casts to start just to avoid a big mishap. I routinely go 2-4 years on reels spooled with fluoro without issue.

I am about the same. Certain lines last longer than others but just fishing helps.

There are few things to consider though. How the line is stored. How much is left on the spool. What pound test it is. And what specific line is it?

To me, if you buy quality line, you don't need line conditioner. If line memory is an issue, take a bucket, fill it with warm water, let the line out in the bucket and reel back in. That should help some with the coils.

6 hours ago, Jig Man said:

KVD line treatment helps. I don’t know if stretching helps or hurts. My line gets stretched a lot because where I fish break offs are frequent.

For convenience and economy I buy my line in 1000 yd spools.

500yds and up for me. Im tired of messing with smaller ones.

Maybe all the "non-stretchers" never catch a fish. They stretch my line.

I don't buy all the "ruins your FC line" ideas. Every time you cast, every time you wind in a lure, every time you catch a fish (if you do), you stretch your line.

Take the first 50 feet or so and stretch it gently. It will help and won't hurt your line. Or you can let it out behind the boat and drag it for a while. Or you can spray conditioner on it, or water and Dawn. Or soak it in hot water. I personally hate FC line. Except for a couple applications, I use braid on everything. Various sizes and lengths and materials for leaders. Solves all the problems.

All you guys that go multiple years on FC line deserve what ever problems you have. Twice a season for me, or more if I'm fishing hard. Another reason to use braid.

Stretching can help some, but usually only short term. I’d look at spool fill, line size, and line brand first. If the coils keep coming back, I’d switch line before fighting it all season.

Line memory often occurs on cheap lines. I'd recommend Seaguar BasiX, which a budget-friendly, high-quality fluoro that is less prone to memory. Tatsu or R18 is the best, but they're also pricey. You can get R18 in the single-refill size, so that helps with cost. You'll get little memory issues with that stuff.

Note that fluorocarbon line doesn't absorb liquid, so spraying on line conditioner basically gives it a slick coating, which can help with casting....until it washes off. I wouldn't waste my money on line conditioner.

Intentionally stretching line isn't recommended. Spooling new line at least every year is definitely recommended - with any line. Storing your rod/reel and spools of line a dark, dry place (like a rod locker or closet) helps with longevity.