How hard can you lean into a fish on your gear?

[OldTimer]

Tensile strength of any metal or rigid polymer is always greater than their impact or drop weight strengths.

I've noticed over time that many anglers don't pay enough attention to the condition of their lines along the last 3 feet or so. Nicks, scrapes, partial slicing, and shaving will reduce tensile stregth, and even more greatly reduce impact strength. I eyeball my terminal end often, and regularly run it through my fingers to inspect it......... plus I carefully inspect it after every fish. When in doubt - cut off a foot or two and retie.

The best way to inspect the last few feet your line is to run it through your lips - they will feel any defects.

Always cut out wind knots or any overhand (granny) knots that might occur in your line – these knots can reduce strength by 50%.

I learned the hard way several times that you never use the knots and such from a previous trip that were left rigged up ……….. cut the end off & re-do it. Same thing with dropper rigs.

OT