10-09-2012, 06:55 AM
It's hard to tell about the line breaking. It could have been a bite off but that depends on what's in the lake. If it was a pike, muske, gar, or even a decent cat they can bite through the line. Depending in what you were throwing. If you were throwing a spinner or a crank or some sort I'd gander to say you got bit off just based on the typical type of fish that would chase those lures.
If you were using live bait, plastic worms , or other slower moving baits I'd have to assume there was a weak spot in the line. If it was a bigger fish and you were just cranking him in there was probably too much tension on the line. Or the drag was set too tight. Remember when the fish runs and you see your line being pulled out, let him run! That will tire him out, then reel when he stops swimming against you. Keeps the pressure on the line but not too much.
To set your drag properly you should be able to pull your line off your reel with just a little bit of resistance. You'll figure out in time how much is too much. For instance I set my drag tight when I'm going for salmon bc they can rip the drag out with no problem. With a pike their head shakes can pop your line.
You can always reach with your other hand and tighten the drag during the fight but if you start with your drag set too hard...pop.
Also head to bass pro or cabelas and have them spool you up some 20# power pro line. You'll not have that same problem again unless you're dealing with a beast. It's a great way to start out plus you'll be able to cast so much farther with that line.
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If you were using live bait, plastic worms , or other slower moving baits I'd have to assume there was a weak spot in the line. If it was a bigger fish and you were just cranking him in there was probably too much tension on the line. Or the drag was set too tight. Remember when the fish runs and you see your line being pulled out, let him run! That will tire him out, then reel when he stops swimming against you. Keeps the pressure on the line but not too much.
To set your drag properly you should be able to pull your line off your reel with just a little bit of resistance. You'll figure out in time how much is too much. For instance I set my drag tight when I'm going for salmon bc they can rip the drag out with no problem. With a pike their head shakes can pop your line.
You can always reach with your other hand and tighten the drag during the fight but if you start with your drag set too hard...pop.
Also head to bass pro or cabelas and have them spool you up some 20# power pro line. You'll not have that same problem again unless you're dealing with a beast. It's a great way to start out plus you'll be able to cast so much farther with that line.
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