I'll usually continue by repeating the step, pulling back from the leader end until the line path on the rag is clean, then pull the line through a fresh rag with clean water to remove any soapy residue. A fter cleaning, the line should be treated with a commercial line dressing to protect it, and prevent accumulation of contaminants. During the cleaning process, the line should be examined for cracking, nicks and abrasions. If damage is noted near the leader end, a short section can be cut and removed without noticeably affecting the casting performance of the line. If general overall wear or cracking is noted, the line should generally be replaced, although a double taper can then be reversed.
Some lines are more susceptible than others, but all lines are affected to some degree.
Memory can be, at least temporarily, reduced by stretching the line. Have one person take the leader end of the line and walk away with it, pulling at least a casting length of line away while the other person holds the reel. When the desired length of line is off the reel, both people should hold the line firmly in their hands and pull, stretching it for several seconds. Line can also stretched by a single person afield by wrapping the line around an immovable object, but care should be taken to avoid damage of the line. Examination of leaders and tippets should be performed often, observing for nicks and abrasions, while strongly testing all knots.