My Pet Peeve: Breaking Your Line

[roadwarrior]

Every time I see a story about the "big one that got away" because the fish broke the line, I asked myself, Why?

If the fish is not caught up in heavy vegetation, wraps your line around a tree, cable or rock, how can a fish break your line? Even a new World Record bass isn't really all that heavy or strong in the great scheme of things. If mighty saltwater species like 200+ lb tuna and 800+ lb marlin can be landed with a rod and reel, it seems to me that something weighing considerably less than 25 lbs should be landed in freshwater.

There are a variety of reasons why fishermen select different line diameters and corresponding strength. Rod "power" and "action" are chosen for a number of reasons including lure weight, presentation and, to some extent,  the size of the target prey. If pure strength for a given line diameter is the primary consideration, braided lines are the solution. However, for many anglers, me included, there are other overriding considerations. Still, the primary function of the line is to provide a connecting medium between the hook and the reel that allows the fisherman to retrieve his bait and sometimes a fish! If the line cannot meet this minimum requirement, it is unsuitable for fishing.

Although balancing various elements that are desired when choosing a line may seem complicated, there are a couple of things you can do to to insure that any line will perform better. Number one is properly setting you drag. Not estimating what you think should "probably work," but actually measuring the setting.

Generally, the breaking strength of your line should be within the range of guidelines suggested by the rod maker. (I will address higher breaking strengths in a moment).  Never use lines with a rating below those recommended, they will not allow the rod to fully load without breaking the line. You diminish the capabilities of your rod in this instance.

The drag setting on your reel should allow slippage at 25 - 30% of actual line breaking strength with no more than 75% of maximum flex in your rod. This can be measured with a scale attached directly to the line on a rigged rod or indirectly using a plastic grocery bag filled with the appropriate weight. When using the indirect technique, lift the bag GENTLY with your rod. This will give you "the feel" to make adjustments on the water in the future.

If you have decided to use heavier line (30/8 braid for example), the flex in your rod comes into play when setting the drag. Technically, the rod by definition should maintain its structural integrity at maximum stress. By setting the drag for release at 75% of flex, you establish a margin of safety that allows for VERY aggressive hook-sets and hawg wrestling!

You still need to examine your line closely and often for nicks, frays and weak spots, but if your drag is properly set, you will not break your line while fighting a fish. Trusting your line to deliver eliminates one more element in the pursuit of your next  "Personal Best".  

Good luck and good fishing.

[jdw174]

RW, you're 100% right.  I check my line for nicks after every fish, and retie knots (even when using snaps) several times a day.  The ONLY time I ever lost a fish due to failed line was when I didn't to do this and the knot broke at the hook eyelet.

[noxpertjim]

Agreed.  Thank you for a very informative article.  It is amazing how close attention we pay to our equipment, but fail to take into account the very important role they play when used together appropriately.  Again, thanks!

[fishbear]

RW,

You are 100% right.  The only fish I have broken off have been my fault for trying to horse them in with light line, or not checking my knot and line for nicks or frays...

I have also lost one fish to mis tying a knot, the one and only time I did that, the knot came apart under the pressure of a chinook salmon running away from me..... that was that last time that happened, I can guarantee that...  ;D ;D ;D.

There is no reason what so ever for breaking off a fish in open water, if you pay attention to what you are doing...

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Mornin' Kent!

Great post as usual.

I think we've all been guilty of bad knot syndrome somewhere along the line. It's mistakes like those that drive us to be better, more efficient, odds increasing, anglers.

Choice of knot

tying

wetting

synching

tag line length

checking for frayying

retying routinely

These are all things that are learned throughout the journey.

Make sure to bring one of those big bass an apple, she was probably someones teacher at one time or another!

[Triton21]

Great Thread RW.  IMHO the line is the most imporant component between you and the fish.

Kelley

[Bud]

Good post RW

[Catt]

Gee did we wake up in a mood?

Yes this is one subject that irritates me as well, not just in losing a fish but in casting as well. Fighting a fish or casting a lure is done with the power of your rod & reel not with the power of your arm.

Kent it's Sunday morning so preach on brother  

[RiskKid.]

Well done RW......informative and on target!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Gee did we wake up in a mood?

Kent it's Sunday morning so preach on brother

Amen!! Preach on Reverand Warrior (RW)!!! Somebody pass the basket!! (Cause THIS STUFF actually IS worth $1 a word!!)

[Guest DavidGreen]

Kent,

Great post!

It's time some of the old school thoughts were re-taught.

Tight Lines & Singing Drags !  

[Garnet]

Tighten those drags and crank those bad girls in............and please enter every tourney I fish.

Really lossen those wraist up and learn how to fight fish I can't remember the last time I broke my line and just about never loss a hooked fish.

Garnet

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I can't remember the last time I broke my line and just about never loss a hooked fish.

That's truly Amazing.

I had to learn through mistakes. I've lost fish on bad knots, not re-tying, too much drag too close to the boat, poor line choice, not testing old,UV damaged line, etc.,etc.,etc.  You surpassed some amazing odds on this one!!

I highly suggest we sticky this up next to "power and action".

Boss?

[justfishin]

Good post RW. Like ReelMech said " back to a little old school training ". Use the proper line and rod for the conditions, check your line after every fish, and set your drag, especially on spinning reels. Personally, on big smallies, I have always back reeled them, especially when you get them close to the boat, they like to put up a little scuffle. Back reeling takes practice. I have done it for years on big smallies and spinning reels. Just practice with smaller fish like 13-15 inches. Good luck.

[LAO162]

Thanks RW, more great information for us newbies.  The insight into manufacturers specification was especially helpful.  

[castaway]

I only broke off 14 times last year. That was because I was not getting the toothy critter bites that day, which requires you to retie often.

Just kidding, I don't break off, but I did miss a few first fish bites because I forgot to set the drags before I started fishing . I should learn since I always back the drags off the last time I was done fishing.  ;DIvan

[mark44]

Been a long while since I broke off. The last time I broke off was when I was tossing a heavy muskie bait with braid and got a nasty backlash while trying to get too much distance. When the line stopped coming out the lure kept going. Oops!! Of course it was a spinner, so to the bottom of the lake it went.

I thought I broke off last year when I was tossing a rattle trap over grass. I got a hold of something that I couldn't move. I thought I had a snag, so I got on the trolling motor padal to go after it. The next thing I know my line is heading to deep water, so I started to try and turn the fish. All of a sudden the line went slack and I dropped to the deck in anguish. When I started to reel in the line I felt the trap was still on the end. I must not have stuck that fish good enough. It might have been a toothy critter, cause you gotta stick them hard. That fish bugged me the rest of the day.

[Gatorbassman]

Great post RW. This will become one of those classics.

If I may add one thing that I have learned from my own stupidity. I have broken off four times in the last three years. Every time it has been early on the second day in a row of fishing. I was useing the lure that was working great the day before with the knot that I had tied the day before.

Always remember to tie fresh knots each time you get on the water.

[Alpster]

Excellent post RW. With the quality of modern lines, there's really no excuse for breaking. Your simple tutorial virtually eliminates losing a fish due to line breaking.

Ronnie

[rocknfish9001]

Lets see, i always use 6lb on my spinning gear, and have landed fish up to 25 lbs. on it. My budy is ALWAYS breaking fish off. First of all, weak knots on braided line, and they slip, second, he does not let the fish run. He always tightens his drag, and thumbs the spool way too much. I have broke off 2 fish that i can recall in the years of my fishing- a largemouth that went under some weed mats, and a carp that i just didnt really care about. Some of my light line accomplishments

25lb carp on 6lb

15lb carp on 6lb

15lb carp on 6lb

13lb steelhead on 6lb

10lb walleye on 6lb

Numerous 8-10lb steelhead on 6lb

A few 8-10lb carp and suckers

sorry, just felt like bragging a little bit!  ;D

[Garnet]

it's not bragging facts are facts and skill is skill

Garnet

[slinging southpaw]

With a baitcaster, I lose very few fish from the line breaking because I pretty much take the drag out of the picture. I set the drag lightly and use my thumb as the drag. I put my thumb on the spool when I set the hook to stop the spool then allow the fish to take line if need be and stop him if I have to. I started doing this over 20 years ago when the drag slipped on me while setting the hook. Plus, I find it much easier to tighten the drag(rather than loosen it) if I need to while fighting a fish.

With a spinning outfit, just backreel.