Line issue

[Jcj90]

So was out fishing the last two trips using 4lb trilene xl and it seems after the line has been fished for a while and gets wet every time I tie a knot the Knot will break cinching down. When I get home and the the line is out of the water the line ties knots fine. Not sure what is causing this as I’ve never had this issue before. It’s also been about 40 degrees where I’m fishing

 

and yes I’ve checked my rod guides and line roller on my reel

[FishTank]

Sounds like it needs to be changed.  I have fished 6lb XL off and on for years and when it gets stretched, it's done. Once it gets stretched, it seems to get weak points which can cause break offs.  I would imagine that 4lb would be worse. 

 

Depending on how long I fish and the conditions,  I usually would get about 3 or 4 trips with it before it needed to be changed.  If I got hung up, tightened the drag and tried to muscle it without breaking, I knew that I would probably have to watch the line carefully and expect to change it soon. 

 

I have since switched to 6lb Trilene 100% FC XL.  It handles well and it last a whole season. 

[Jcj90]

9 hours ago, FishTank said:

Sounds like it needs to be changed.  I have fished 6lb XL off and on for years and when it gets stretched, it's done. Once it gets stretched, it seems to get weak points which can cause break offs.  I would imagine that 4lb would be worse. 

 

Depending on how long I fish and the conditions,  I usually would get about 3 or 4 trips with it before it needed to be changed.  If I got hung up, tightened the drag and tried to muscle it without breaking, I knew that I would probably have to watch the line carefully and expect to change it soon. 

 

I have since switched to 6lb Trilene 100% FC XL.  It handles well and it last a whole season. 

Thanks that could explain it. I was catching many 4-6lb trout on a 5’ ultra light st croix and fighting fish against the current, that could explain it putting too much stress on the line. I am actually thinking of trying 4lb fireline

[FishTank]

10 minutes ago, Jcj90 said:

Thanks that could explain it. I was catching many 4-6lb trout on a 5’ ultra light st croix and fighting fish against the current, that could explain it putting too much stress on the line. I am actually thinking of trying 4lb fireline

Man, I hate to say it but I am not a fan of Fireline.  If they have improved it over the years, great but I have tried it on 3 occasions since it came out and it was not good experience for me.  4lb in this stuff would be extremely thin though.  If you are wanting to use braid of some kind, there are several that may be better> PowerPro, Sufix 832, Seaguar Smackdown... just to name a few.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Odd, nylon mono is more elastic than fluoro. Fluoro is generally more vulnerable to weakening after stretching. 

[mrpao]

Your line probably needs to be changed out with a fresh new spool of line. I have had the same issue with 4 and 6 pound trilene XL. Once the line gets a little aged, it loses its strength. I'll test it by pulling on it, once I tie a knot. If it snaps easily, then it's time for new line. Usually with 4 and 6 pound trilene XL it will only last a few weeks or months depending on how much you fish. During the summer time, the heat seems to be quite harsh on this light line.

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, Jcj90 said:

Thanks that could explain it. I was catching many 4-6lb trout on a 5’ ultra light st croix and fighting fish against the current, that could explain it putting too much stress on the line. I am actually thinking of trying 4lb fireline

Many, many years ago I used to fish 4lb XL with the drag locked down.  Of course I wasn't catching 4-6lb trout in current.  Mostly panfish and bullheads with the occasional pickerel or bass thrown in (in lakes).  Biggest fish was a 10lb carp.  I have no idea why your line is acting that way.  I never experienced anything like that.  And I am not one that changes his line every year.

 

If I remember correctly, Fireline is larger in diameter than most other braids.  I've only used it in 30lb.  Finish is hard and leaves your fingers green while spooling it.  I do have some 14lb to try on a reel that will be going on a Medium power spinning rod.  Elected to try it after reading several posts by fishnkamp praising 14lb Fireline for spinning rods.

 

I put some 5lb. Windtamer on my Ned Rig rod.  I have to say that I might have gone too light.  I am thinking 10lb. would be a better way to go.  Abrasion resistance isn't good on any braid, but with line that thin it is pretty bad.  And the one time I had it out I was only dragging it over wood.  It needed a good foot or so cut off after that one outing.

 

I agree with Mike.  Stretching fluoro isn't good.  At least not when you have to break it from a snag. 

[Jcj90]

14 hours ago, mrpao said:

Your line probably needs to be changed out with a fresh new spool of line. I have had the same issue with 4 and 6 pound trilene XL. Once the line gets a little aged, it loses its strength. I'll test it by pulling on it, once I tie a knot. If it snaps easily, then it's time for new line. Usually with 4 and 6 pound trilene XL it will only last a few weeks or months depending on how much you fish. During the summer time, the heat seems to be quite harsh on this light line.

Funny thing is I just bought this line one week ago and I’ve had it happen other times with different spools