line keeps snapping

[ybenjoseph]

So I'm a relatively new at fishing. I used to only use crank lures for a while, and now I've switched to a small rubber worm. recently my line would keep snapping as my fish either breeched or neared the shore. It snaps right at the hook. However, I've been using the same knots for a while and haven't had this problem before. A friend said it might be because I leave my rod outside (its a basic beginner open reel rod). Is it cause of my knot? The heat? An issue with the hooks? any advice is appreciated.

[K_Mac]

Welcome to the forum. Line left outside, especially in the sun, will degrade fairly quickly. You don't say what kind of line your using or how long it has been on your reel. Mono, copolymer, or fluorocarbon need to be replaced from time to time. How often depends on use and storage, and who you ask. Braid is more durable when stored properly. All these lines have their uses, but none of them should sit out on the porch.

[Darren.]

1 hour ago, ybenjoseph said:

So I'm a relatively new at fishing. I used to only use crank lures for a while, and now I've switched to a small rubber worm. recently my line would keep snapping as my fish either breeched or neared the shore. It snaps right at the hook. However, I've been using the same knots for a while and haven't had this problem before. A friend said it might be because I leave my rod outside (its a basic beginner open reel rod). Is it cause of my knot? The heat? An issue with the hooks? any advice is appreciated.

I agree with @K_Mac's assessment. I'd also add
that if your drag is set too tight you'll likely have 
line snapping, especially if the line is brittle due to
over exposure to the elements.

Respool with some quality mono or copolymer line,
and you should be fine.

[kcdinkerz]

Also check your line guides and make sure they aren't groved or have sharp edges

[PennBass]

I'm guessing that as a beginner, you're probably starting off with monofilament (stretchy, nylon line). I used to have the same problem as you because I didn't tie a proper knot.

A good knot to know is the improved clinch knot

              http://www.animatedknots.com/improvedclinch/#ScrollPoint

The reason you may not have had problems before is, like the other mentioned above, your line could've degraded from both the cold/heat and UV rays: the combination of the two greatly decreases monofilament's tensile strength.

Another possible factor is abrasion from structure/the bass's teeth. If you get hung up over a branch or fish in a rocky area, it's a good idea to retie often. 

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Tim Kelly]

I expect the worm weight you have tied on above your worm is wearing your line a bit. You need to re-tie more often as the line gets damaged from being dragged along the bottom and the weight bouncing around on it.

[Sam]

You may be "burning the line" when you tie your line to your hooks.

If the line is squiggly then you burned it. Look at the line coming off the hook after you tied and tightened it.

Cut it out and do it over, being sure to wet the line via saliva and pulling the tag end tight after pulling the main line taught.

You can also run the line over your thumbnail to note if it is smooth or not. If not smooth, cut it out and do it over.

You retie your knots after two or three fish, either landed or not.

Keep rods, reels, line, baits, etc. in your home and not outside or in the garage or car.

Purchase line from retailers that have a high turnover so you will not be purchasing old line that has been in a warehouse or on the shelf for a long time.

Practice the Palomar Knot until you can do it in  your sleep.

Now, how about going to the Introductions section and introduce yourself and add your geographical location so we can help you better in the future if we know where you live and fish.

Welcome to the Forum.