If you fish regularly, say once or twice a week, you should change your monofilament fishing line at least two or three times a season. When out on the water, check the first two feet or so of line every hour, as well as every time you get snagged, catch a fish or rub your hook against a rock or log. Running the line through your lips is a great way to detect nicks or abrasions, which can then be cut off. Then splice on a new front section. That way a spool of line will last you an entire season.
Rods are another often overlooked minor detail in successfully landing the fish of a lifetime.
I see many folks trying to fish with rods that are much too wimpy. Just as there are specific clubs for different golfing situations, there are fishing rods designed for different fishing scenarios. Understand there s no one fishing rod that will suit all your needs, even if you fish for just one species. That said, if there s a single trap too many folks fall into when buying a rod, it s selecting one with inadequate strength, sensitivity and hooksetting power. Now don t misunderstand me.