Cabela's · Fishing Tackle & Gear
Cabela's Prestige Plus Sink-Tip F/S6 Fly Line
Skip, fly line coatings unspecified, PFAS common in waterproof textiles.
Fly lines typically use proprietary waterproof coatings that brands rarely disclose. Cabela's provides no PFAS information on this product, raising concern.
The better-graded swap
Rapala
Rapala PXR Jowler 127
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
PVC or plastic core with unknown waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Phthalate plasticizers in PVC core
PVC fly lines typically contain phthalates (DEHP, DBP) for flexibility. These migrate into skin oils and water, especially in warm storage or during extended use. Cabela's does not disclose which plasticizer formulation is used in Prestige Plus.
Unspecified waterproof coating composition
Fly line surface coatings are proprietary and routinely contain fluorinated compounds or Teflon-type coating to repel water. Without ingredient transparency, presence of long-chain PFAS or other coating hazards cannot be ruled out.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
PVC and polyurethane fly line coatings degrade over time with UV exposure and thermal cycling. Shed coating particles may be ingested if lines are handled before eating, or absorbed through skin. No quantitative data exists for Prestige Plus specifically.
Skin sensitization from degradation byproducts
As PVC degrades, it can release hydrogen chloride and other volatile compounds. Individuals with atopic dermatitis or reactive skin may experience irritation or contact sensitivity with older or poorly maintained lines.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or public testing for lead, cadmium, or chromium in Cabela's fly lines have been reported. Risk is considered low relative to ceramic or metal fishing tackle, but full ingredient disclosure is absent.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Cabela's Prestige Plus uses a PVC or PVC-blend core with an undisclosed waterproof surface coating. PVC itself can leach phthalate plasticizers (especially in contact with skin oils or during storage in warm conditions), and waterproof coatings on fishing lines commonly contain Teflon-type coating or fluorinated compounds for durability. The opaque material composition means independent hazard prediction is limited; Cabela's does not publish full ingredient disclosure for this product line.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's (now owned by Camping World Holdings) maintains no published chemical safety or material transparency commitments for fishing tackle. The company does not voluntarily test or certify fly lines for PFAS, heavy metals, or plasticizer migration. No product-specific recalls or safety incidents are on record for this line, but lack of testing does not indicate absence of hazard; it reflects limited third-party oversight in the fishing equipment sector.
How it compares in its category
Most commercial fly lines (including brands like Rio, Airflo, and Scientific Anglers) use similar PVC or polyurethane cores with proprietary water-resistant coatings. Prestige Plus is mid-market priced and widely available. Lines marketed as 'PFOA-free' or with transparent material sourcing are rare; no fly line category leader has achieved third-party certification for chemical safety. This product sits at parity with competitors on unknown risk.
If you buy it
Store the line in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimize plasticizer off-gassing and coating degradation. Rinse after freshwater use and dry before storage to prevent bacterial colonization in the coating. Replace the line every 2 to 5 years depending on use frequency, as coating breakdown increases leaching and reduces performance. Wash hands after handling before eating, and do not allow prolonged skin contact in warm conditions.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Cabela's has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More fishing tackle & gear grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.