Braid Break Off Problems

[Creekcrappie]

I fished a tournament today and I started c rigging a lizards with 65 pound braid with a 15 pound mono leader. I broke off 5 fish and only landed one. I didn't fish the c rig anymore because I was so tired of breaking them off on the hookset. The only thing I could think of as me setting the hook hard and the mono not being shock absorbant enough to not break. I don't think the rod would do it, but I was fishing a all start classic carolina rig rod. I took the rod home and put 15 pound mono on the rod. Has anyone had problems like this before?

[doyle8218]

Where did the line break at the knot or the mono snapped?

[Wayne P.]

A short leader of mono has little stretch. You have to be aware that you are not fishing with line that stretches.

 

The "problem" is you.

Yes I have seen that senario with a guy I used to fish with. I quit fishing with him.

 

 

If you can't control your hookset motion and want to use superlines, use a more flexible rod and reduce the reel drag setting so they will give when you won't.

[Creekcrappie]

It broke about an inch below the knot on the swivel.

[jbsoonerfan]

My fishing partner has broke off more times than I care to remember using braid with a short leader. He sets the hook as if he is trying to drive a nail through a 2x4. I didn't want to say anything because he is a grown man and I am not one to tell someone what to do, so I asked questions. Sure enough, his drag was WAY to tight. I encouraged him to back it off a bit and he hasn't broke off since. I wanted to suggest he not try to set the hook so hard, but I didn't feel like it was worth arguing over.

[Bassin Bob]

Try increasing the length of your leader (18 to 24 inches or more) and backing off your drag.  Set the hook with a sweeping motion (don't set it like a Texas rig).  Many times on the C-rig, the fish hook themselves and don't require a huge hookset.  Don't give up on the C-rig, it works great!

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Hmm.. 65 lb braid and a 15 lb leader. A line is only a strong as its weakest point. You are losing 50 lbs of strength.

 

I would up the mono leader to 20-23 lb. and also increase the leader to 2 ft or more. I have read about people using 5ft+ leaders so go figure. Also, I would decrease the braided line to 40-50. 65 is total overkill, LOL.

[jbsoonerfan]

Hmm.. 65 lb braid and a 15 lb leader. A line is only a strong as its weakest point. You are losing 50 lbs of strength.

 

I would up the mono leader to 20-23 lb. and also increase the leader to 2 ft or more. I have read about people using 5ft+ leaders so go figure. Also, I would decrease the braided line to 40-50. 65 is total overkill, LOL.

 

 

I have used 65 lb braid and a 15 lb leader with ZERO issues. Actually, they are pretty similar in diameter. You just have to know your equipment and know how to adjust.

[TorqueConverter]

>#65 Braid paired  up to #15 mono. 

 

What is happening.  Is it the end of the world? 

[BassinLou]

The info that has been given so far is spot on. There are several factors at play in this scenario. 65lb braid is over kill in the application being used imho. The hookset could have been a little too forceful. Lastly, the mono could have possibly not been lubed, enough with spit before it was cinched down, causing the weakness right before the knot. Adjust for these factors and your line breakage issue should be corrected. 

[Creekcrappie]

Thanks everybody!

[iabass8]

Your 65# braid and leader is fine. It isnt "overkill". Dropping down in braids wont do anything fir yoy. Its still zero stretch. If your braid is breaking right above knot, check the weights you are using for sharp edges around the insert. That will chew through braid so quick. Get some tungsten weights with inserts.

[FrankW]

It broke about an inch below the knot on the swivel.

 

Hi Creekcrappie,

 

If I understand correctly the mono is breaking just below the swivel knot.  That tells me when you are tying your knot in the mono, you are damaging the mono.  You need better lubrication or a knot that doesn't cause so much friction when you tie the knot.  Of course this probably wouldn't be a problem if you adjusted your equipment or hook set. 

 

Frank