Line snapping: Hi all, I'm relatively new to fishing and bought a rod with a 6 lb test. I went fishing today and caught a few smaller bass and decided I wanted to switch to a bigger...

FS Digest

Hi all, I'm relatively new to fishing and bought a rod with a 6 lb test. I went fishing today and caught a few smaller bass and decided I wanted to switch to a bigger hook and out on one of them big artificial worms to try for bigger bass. But upon the first cast I found that the hook and bait flew off. I ended up switching to a smaller hook and bait as I don't wanna lose anymore big hooks or bait or god forbid a lure. What should I do? Is it an issue with the casting, or maybe the line? Also I have been reading up on pound test lines and was just wondering what's the most reasonable thing you could catch on a 6 lb test ? Like could you catch perhaps a pike or musky on a 6 lb test with the correct drag?

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by Weird_Education_2458

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

You can catch a pretty big fish on a light action rod and 6# test, but there is a lot of luck involved. The musky in my avatar was caught with 6# test, but I won’t make a habit of it. Having the drag set correctly and back reeling helps, too.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Weird_Education_2458: Well, there's more! It also depends upon the structures in the water you are trying to land a larger fish. If there are trees, stumps, or anything the large fish can wrap your line around, it really doesn't matter what test your line is, you will get broken off. And even if you are luckey and work the fish away from those under water structures, the friction and wear on you line may cause it to break later. Just Sayin...RJS

Shutupandfish Loc: Transplanted roots back to Wyoming

Gotta question knot you’re using, no such thing as 100% knot strength but definitely some better than others ie palomar knot

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Shutupandfish wrote:

Gotta question knot you’re using, no such thing as 100% knot strength but definitely some better than others ie palomar knot

Another really good knot is the “Fishin’ Fool”. It’s twice through the eye of the hook, finished with a uni-knot. Especially useful on bigger baits when it’s tough to use a Palomar.

TBRhino Loc: NC and FL

The other thing to do is when the bait came off and reeled in line and retied did you notice it was twisted or straight. If straight it likely broke off if twisted then likely knot failed. A decent brand of 6 lb test will certainly hook most fish and if lucky and a larger one let the drag out a little looser that way rod and drag doing most of work until fish tired. Likely your knot on bigger hook not getting tight enough versus line breaking.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

TBRhino wrote:

The other thing to do is when the bait came off and reeled in line and retied did you notice it was twisted or straight. If straight it likely broke off if twisted then likely knot failed. A decent brand of 6 lb test will certainly hook most fish and if lucky and a larger one let the drag out a little looser that way rod and drag doing most of work until fish tired. Likely your knot on bigger hook not getting tight enough versus line breaking.

And wet your knot when you sinch it down.

TXF

First I would respool the reel if it has the factory line on it. Second, as stated previously, I would ensure good solid knot at termination that is compromised by the cut end of the eye (friction will also degrade the line - I wet mine before tightening). Lastly you might consider a terminal leader of fluorocarbon - about 4ft should do it.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

TXF wrote:

First I would respool the reel if it has the factory line on it. Second, as stated previously, I would ensure good solid knot at termination that is compromised by the cut end of the eye (friction will also degrade the line - I wet mine before tightening). Lastly you might consider a terminal leader of fluorocarbon - about 4ft should do it.

Sound to me W.E. is a newbie I would be asking what kind of reel it is and how did he or she go about casting it someone that has no Idea about fishing is going to have a hard time pulling any fish in on 6lb test line that's probably been on the setup since it left the factory I would suggest going to your nearest tackle shop have them put new line on your set up and ask them all the questions you need answered Good luck you'll figure it out

Bluecats58

My catfish pulled my line apart right when I pulled it out of the water. I lost the hook its still in it lol I have a 6lb test line that came with the rod. I'm going fishing tomorrow so I have no time to put on new heavier line. I don't expect to catch anything heavier than than 5 to 6lb fish in salt water. Thanks for the info. I also had several knots in the hook and that cat fish managed to pull it all apart.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

FS Digest wrote:

Hi all, I'm relatively new to fishing and bought a... (show quote)

In IGFA tournaments we regularly catch 150-250# striped Marlin on 30 # mono. i personally have caught 5# rainbow trout on a 1.5 # leader. your gear is not a winch, let the rod and reel work together to tire the fish, then you can land it. If your line is breaking when you cast it may be the knot you are tying or the reel is not set up correctly. good luck

agatemaggot Loc: iowa

Lose the factory line, it's probably been on the reel forever. Respool with some 15 to 20 lb. braid .