Trilene Big Game

[the reel ess]

I've always had a good experience with 15 lb Big Game until the last couple weeks. I use it on BC reels for trebles mostly and occasionally spinner/buzzbaits. I had a breakoff on 2 rods with new line. I lost a spinnerbait and a topwater floated back up and I retrieved it. Anyone else experienced this? I threw the spool away. It was near the end anyway. It had been in my house the entire time and I keep my rods in the house when I'm not fishing. The weak spot seemed to be where the line gets a little distorted where you cinch the knot. Honestly, my opinion of it had been higher than classic Stren mono in the past 15 years. 

Believe me, I'm not against spending $$$ where it's needed. I use PowerPro braid on all my other LMB combos.

[mrpao]

Maybe  you  got  a bad spool or had some bad knots.

Big game is usually  some pretty  tough  line. It usually  doesn't  break even when you want it to.

[S. Sass]

I use big game 12# on many of my reels. You have to pay attention and wet the line when drawing down on it. Also be careful not to over stretch when tightening the knot. I find the knot to be easily messed up. The line works great as long as it hasn't been compromised. 

Of course it is possible to get a bad spool of any line it is mass produced. 

[the reel ess]

It's just odd that the entire spool to that point performed well. I've abused this line before with good results. I usually replace it about every half season because it's cheap and I moisten the line to knot it. This was brand new line on 2 reels. But I bought another big spool to give it another shot.

[crypt]

that is odd. I use nothing but big game for my mono and never had a problem. keep us posted.

[Last_Cast]

I've had good luck with mine.

Bad spool most likely.

Hope you figure it out soon.!

[BobP]

Big Game is "old reliable" and widely available but there are a couple of things you need to watch out for.  If it has been sitting on a retailer's shelf, or in a warehouse in hot conditions, or in sunlight, for years it will degrade.  Since it's so widely sold, you can't really know how long it's been stored or under what conditions.  You can control that after you buy it, but if you don't the same applies.

[J Francho]

5 hours ago, the reel ess said:

The weak spot seemed to be where the line gets a little distorted where you cinch the knot.

This is a user issue, not a line issue.  Cinch your knots from the TAG END, not the main line end.  This is the #1 reason for knot failure.

[the reel ess]

4 hours ago, J Francho said:

This is a user issue, not a line issue.  Cinch your knots from the TAG END, not the main line end.  This is the #1 reason for knot failure.

I would agree if it ever happened before. But it hasn't then it happened two weeks in a row after spooling two reels.

[CrustyMono]

probably a bad spool, don't quit on the line yet

[J Francho]

34 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

I would agree if it ever happened before. But it hasn't then it happened two weeks in a row after spooling two reels.

A properly tied knot will have zero distortion before the knot. Big Game is very forgiving, but you're playing with fire. Tighten up those knot tying skills - no kinks! 

[the reel ess]

28 minutes ago, CrustyMono said:

probably a bad spool, don't quit on the line yet

I haven't. Just respooled.

[d-camarena]

If i were to go back to mono, there is only one line id use and that is big game. Used it for years

[soflabasser]

Make sure to always check your line for abrasion and retie knots often. 

[Catt]

What knot?

If y'all are tying a Palomar knot & y'all let the line cross on the over hand it will cut the bottom line.

I also agree with "ya don't know how long it sat on the shelf"

Many times when a spool gets down to the last 1/4 I'll chunk it...insurance!