Quote Originally Posted by StantheMan2567 View Post
Still having trouble with break offs on large fish on the initial bite and hook set. I am not setting the hook hard at all, have broke myself from that with the new UL JDM rods but when a large fish makes that first run they are continuing on to greener pastures with my bait without me even turning them. I went to the shock leader and had some success but tonight the leader knot failed. I used the 5 turn Surgeons knot. The learning curve I thought would be easier. I am using 2lb Nanofil with the Phantom Fluorocarbon 3lb leader. Knot slipping? Jig heads and plastic baits are cheap but fun and not frustration is why I fish.


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If the knot is not cinched down exactly right.....and using those fine diameter lines makes it even more critical.....it will break. That is why I spent a whole day getting it down. I’m assuming you were using an Ajing rod? Which gives you less forgiveness with the stiffness of the rod. I’ve caught a ton of 21 inch Smallies with the same line setup you are using with a Yamaga Blanks Blue Current TZ Ajing rod. I keep a loose drag using supper lines. Many have made fun of me for doing that but break offs for me are rare. Happy you’re tying into some fish.....I’m still searching for a place to be able to fish....LOL.

Regards


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