New line advice

[BartoszP]

Hi all, I lost 2 big ones today due to my line snapping. I have been using a 10lb monofilament. Any advice on what to switch to? I should add that I typically use 4 or 5 inch weightless senkos (usually 4) and am looking to maximize casting distance while maintaining line strength. Thanks in advance! 

[Russ E]

It depends on where you are fishing and the equipment you are using.

No line works in every condition. 

You did not say whether the fish broke off in cover or open water.

Without more information we would be guessing on what you need.

 

 

[BartoszP]

I am using a "regular spinning rod" from a kayak. I fish in lakes and this was in open water, but close to a bank. 

[Russ E]

I would check your drag and knots.

If your drag is set correctly, and you have a good knot, you should be able to land a bass on 10 pound line in open water.

I use 6 and 8 pound mono or copoly on my spinning reels. 

I have caught bass over 7 pounds and catfish around 20 on them. 

Can't recall the last time I had a break off that was not in heavy cover.

 

[BigAngus752]

I fish Ned rigs and weightless Senkos on spinning gear with 6lb Trilene XL with no problems at all.  If you are using a reputable, name-brand mono then I think you might want to take a look at what knot you use and how often you retie if this is happening in open water.  

[BartoszP]

sounds like it is a knot problem! Is there a specific knot you recommend? 

[Russ E]

Palomar is probably the strongest and easiest to tie. 

there are several you tube videos showing how to tie it.

[Fishin' Fool]

I'm fishing out of a kayak and throwing alot of senkos right now too. I use 16 pound braid to a 7 pound fluorocarbon leader. You either got a bad spool of line or have your drag too tight as 10 pound mono is more than enough unless fishing in heavy cover as others have mentioned.

[Deleted account]

I can't imagine breaking 10 lb mono off in open water, no matter how big the bass. It has to be a knot problem, a bad spool, damaged line or some combination of those.

[FrankN209]

First, what line are you using now? What knot are you tying? Uni is a good all around knot to use, from my experience. 

[ike8120]

I started using 12# co-polymer line. I still use an improved clinch  for my T Rigs

[new2BC4bass]

Uni Knot.  Check line for nicks.  10# is plenty.  I've landed 35 lb. fish on 8# line in open water.

 

"regular spinning rod" doesn't tell us much of anything.  I used to fish with 4# mono a lot.  Biggest fish was 10 lb. in open water.  Had a 9' fiberglass rod that I had to put a 10# leader on because the lure would get snapped off on a hard cast with 4# line.

[Kidflex]

Problem with senkos and other weightless techniques is somethings the bass take the lure deep and the line can rub across the teeth. This happens more than we like to admit. I lost a very nice fish recently using 15lb tatsu and my hook was deep in its mouth. after a few jumps and heavy head thrashing the line was cut as I tried to lip it. I’d use braid to leader and upsize your leader. 

[Fishingmickey]

If your using a quality line & tying quality knots I would look at your drag setting. You can always tighten it a bit but if it is too tight at the beginning of the fight you get heart break. Couple of quick questions. Are there zebra mussels where you fish? When was the last time you changed out your line?

FM 

[islandbass]

Where is the line breaking? At the knot? Above the knot? It could help to narrow the culprit. More often than not, and we are all guilty of it, angler error, is the usual reason:

1) Failure to detect the weak spots. Sometimes we don't find them.

2) Poorly tied knot, as unlikely as that is.

3) Worn out knot, eg, a weight banging on it during the retrieve.

4) Line that has lost its integrity.

5) The fish had scissors.

[FishTank]

I too fish from a kayak from time to time.  I have been using 6lb Trilene XL 100% FC or Invizx 6lb.  I have not had an issue with break offs. I just make sure the drag is set correctly and try not to over set the hook. 

 

Another thing to keep in mind is when you get the fish close to the kayak, is to lift the rod up and back with one hand and grab/net the fish with the other. 

[NorthernBasser]

Check your rod guides to make sure there no nicks in them. Take a Q-Tip and rub it in eye guide to see if it gets hung up on anything.