Line breaks.

[vabeachbass]

Sorry to rehash here, but I just lost a big one this morning to a line break. Despite my frustration, I have a two questions and I'll try to be brief. 20-25 lb power pro braided (I cant remember exactly) on a leader of 12 lb berkely trilene xl. My double-uni held up (thanks BB) and it did not break at the knot. I had just put the leader on the evening prior. I've been careful to check my leader for abrasion pretty much each cast since I usually end up having to clear muck, leaves, etc. from it anyway. My line was free from nicks or wear. A nice one jumped on and as he started to fight and pull away, My line snapped clean. I'll admit that the spool I pulled my leader from is at least a year or two old. I made a similar post and someone mentioned going to berkley xt. I'm beginning to wonder if I should go with something other than berkley. So, first queston, should I quit berkley and go with something else, is the xt just a marketing thing?

Because of the line breaks at my leader, I almost want to give up on the leader altogether. I'm sure if I do that the line break problem ends there. I'm fishing in fairly murky conditions where visibility is maybe a foot. Can I just ditch the leader? Does everyone use leaders for their braided when fishing plastics? I guess the best way is to fish without a leader and see what happens. Braided line is moss green btw. Also, got the big guys attention with a t-rigged yum dinger junebug. Anyone else notice those things smell like licorice?

My fishing season is primarily catches between 2-4 lbs. I get a handful of big ones each season. Most, like today, I lose. I don't want to lose them. If I can overcome the line snaps, this could be a banner year.

So much for being brief.

Heartbroken,
VB.