Constant broken lines...

[Security man]

Just a quick one....

For the last 2 weeks, I have lost about 8 sets during casting.
Its never happened before and is becoming a pain in the arse.

I am using a penn Fixed spool reel with 15lb line, tied to a 60lb Leader, onto a swivel, then the trace. 5oz lead weight.
The line constantly snaps at the leader knot during casting. Now I've been tying leader knots for 6 years now without a problem (and casting!!), so I don't need to be taught to suck eggs - however why is this just started to happen all of a sudden?

I've checked the rod to make sure theres nothing getting caught etc.
The only thing I can think of, the 15lb line is there since the beginning of last years season. Should the spool line be replaced regularly/every season, and is it possible that the salt would eat away at it making it weaker??

(There's about 48 mackrel swimming around the south coast now with feathers hanging out of their gob... )

[jd]

Check the eyes of the rod for even hairline cracks or chips perhaps?

[kstaff]

when you tie the leader knot will it break if you pull it pre casting?

May very well be old line that needs replacing, try break it with a sharp tug and if it does there's you're answer I'd say.

[Tomaszek]

Security man, do you, after session, cutting off some line from reel? I found that it is a good habit to cut off, after session, length of line that equals rod length or even more. This is a way to ensure that you are always using line that is not damaged or worn during last session. Also; is your line mono or braid? If it is mono and you are using it since last year, it’s rather old and in my opinion should be replaced as well.

[mga]

Salt will absolutely erode line and knots. Having said that, I've had line on one of my reels for about 6 years ( ), but always make a point of washing my gear after every trip, including traces and the mainline-to-leader knots. (Changed that line last week , finally)

Have you changed anything in your casting style that's suddenly putting more stress on your leader knot? How long is your leader? Have you recently shortened your leader? If your leader is wrapped around your reel a few times when you're casting, then the strain won't be on your leader knot. More info required

[roger de dodger]

tapered leader is deadly and will defo stop this ever happening fox make some nice ones 12 to 40 lb and 18 to 60lb found the daiwa ones very thick ,grauvell are good too, if your main line is knackered nothing will help, i change mono yearly one way or tuther some mono gets very brittal even after one season

[fishermannum1]

The only thing I can think of, the 15lb line is there since the beginning of last years season. Should the spool line be replaced regularly/every season, and is it possible that the salt would eat away at it making it weaker

i would bet thats your problem Security man, i rince my reels under the water tap after every trip to get as much salt out as i can, but you will never get it all out, and whats left will erode your line. if the lines been on since last season, i would play safe and change it.

[Security man]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies.
I have the leader approx twice the length of the rod.

To be honest, I've never washed my gear down , and in the last few weeks it has got several good doses of salt water straight onto it (trying to untangle knots after bashing macks, rod laying on the beach, the odd wave managing to creep in behind my back).
I'm fairly sure after all the replies that this is the problem, but I will check the eyes of the rod again to be sure.
Got plenty of spare line in my kit, so there's no excuse for not changing it I suppose...
Better now, rather than when there's a Bass on the other end! - then would I be sick!!

Cheers.

[fishermannum1]

rather than when there's a Bass on the other end! - then would I be sick!!

Cheers.

i know the feeling, at the start of the year i lost a cracker of a seatrout of over 3lb, when i checked my line i found it to be dossed and boy was i sick
so now its going to be new line at the start of each year to be on the safe side

[greengiant1980]

i have found prolonged exposure to direct sunlight completely ruins mono. i left my reel with new enough line on it in the back of my car once for a few days and the line was wrecked.

[uvox]

right. change it now. and as said, don't store line in direct sunlight. rinse well with fresh water after use, and strip a few rod lengths off each time before you start a new session.

[beachcaster]

it could also be a bad spool of line,i bought a spool long ago and ever time i tied a knot in it it broke so i threw it in the bin.no point in loseing a good fish over it .

[Liamo]

Hi,

A handy way of checking for cracked/broken rings is to use a cotton bud. Run it around the inside lining of the eye and if there's even so much as a hairline crack it'll catch in the cotton.

Liam

[Security man]

Good idea there, Liam.

I double-checked the eyes again, and found that the outer steel casting on the very top eye was split - however the ring was still in situ, so I can't see that that was a contributory factor... I fixed it anyway (spot weld), and re-loaded all the spools with fresh 15lb mono, and shock leader.

Hopefully it'll be an end to it!!