Bird

I think that may compromise the hook set.
Won't the hook slide all the way to the weight ❓
And possibly unseat the weight and you lose the whole works.

@TnRiver46
Now the sawdust will be flying 👍

I'm just pinching the top of the ring while pushing down on hook to clear the barb.
 
Really don't do this often though as I have a dedicated rod just for this technique.
 
Will admit, those rings are made of some tough plastic. 

I never let the connecting knot get into the spool.
It limits knot contact with the guides allowing better casting. Imo
More specifically, 
My leaders are 6 ft in length.

Welcome from VA

If the top guide is fine, just respool new line.
My fishing partner simply had a bad spool of braid, believe it was fire line and had the same issues you're having.

The wife and I camp at various lakes in VA/WV and stay for a week at a time, 4 hour drive 1 way.
 
I'll take the boat down couple days before and fish for several hours and then leave the boat and come back home.
 
After our week long trip, I bring the wife home pulling the camper and next morning have to run back down and get the boat but fish again for several hours.
 
It's a tremendous amount of driving and you may ask " why don't you let the wife tow the boat ?
Simple answer:
I've been with this sweet woman for almost 40 years and she could tear up a digging iron. 
I refuse to set her up for failure.

Oboy ! What if you had to pee?