When I first started bass fishing, I tried to teach myself the improved clinch knot, but I didn't like the increased complexity of the double loop, so I just tied the Clinch Knot, and have been using it ever since. I use 10 pound mono on my spinning rod, and 12 pound mono on my baitcaster. I set the hook as hard as I can. That knot and line has stood up to some giant logs, a near 8-pound bass, catfish, you name it.
I don't think you're doing anything wrong. Maybe Wisconsin Heat is correct and you have a chipped guide or something, because that shouldn't be happening.