First time since I've lived here that I have fished Tyler as hard as this year. I had a great late winter/spring season and even until now though the shallow fish have moved and those that remain are smaller. Anyway, my problem. I have lost a lot of good fish this year. Though my best is an 8 -14, I've had a lot of chances. A number of times I've broken off. I have been using Sniper 16 pound test. Recently I had three break off in two successive days. So I decided to start using 50 pound Power Pro braid using a Palomar knot. This evening I broke off with that. So I tied a worm on with a double Pitzen knot. Solid pickup, same result, line broke. What do I need to use and what knot?

As a side note, all the stocking TPWD over the years has done on Tyler has paid off. There are good fish in this lake.

I use any suggestion tonight. I'll just walk down to the dock and get after it. They were trying to bite pretty well this evening.

Are you sure it is breaking at the knot? Is it always the same rod, or different ones? is it possible you have a burr in your guide and it is breaking where you reel up to cast?

Are you lubricating the knot?

Check the eyes on your rod with some q-tips.

Different Kistler rods. I will check. The latest rod is new.

And it is happening down the line.

And I'm old so I'm not that strong.

I could try to be less vigorous in my hook set.

More than likely your issue Tyler Man. Wont get into Knot wars cuz that’s knot the problem. You just described “where” your line is breaking. Classic damaged line guides damaging your line.

I set the hook harder than most and seldom break line unless I don’t retiie after a fish or two.

Good luck.

Definitely inspect your guides, especially the tip top.

You’re using good line, that shouldn’t be the problem.

I’ve used a San Diego Jam Knot for years, it’s takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but I never line fail at the knot.

If you don’t have the habit of checking your line for frays or knicks as the day goes on, you should run the last 3 or so feet of line through your lips and retire often if you’re fishing around heavy cover especially rip rap or docks.

Sorry you’ve had some bad luck - that’s never fun.

Use a Palomar knot and sharper hooks. No need to gorilla hookset.

Check the line guide on the reel as well. Just like the rod guides, use a q-tip

Ahhh, the be all end all Palomar. That’s not the answer nor are softer hooksets. Sharp hooks are always great, though.

p.s.- Gorilla Hooksets are an absolute MUST in heavy cover. Especially for larger fish. Gotta turn their head immediately.

I use Pro X Hard Bend offset worm hooks. I've lost so many my backups are Gamakatsu. They are both scary sharp. I want a strong hook. I had a fish bend one 90 degrees and then out last year. I told you there are large fish in this lake.

I try to only use owner or gama hooks. Prefer owner especially their trebles.

I fish mostly with 25# Pline premium. I dont break off much.

I would use sniper 20 pound. 16 is to light for worm hooksets.
They will bite 20 sniper as good as 16