Strange...

[MichaelAngelo]

Rich, there was no split ring. I tied directly to the spoon body.

Ken, I didn't inspect the line closely and it's something I'll have to keep in mind for next time. I can't exactly remember, but I may have gotten the winds of the clinch knot back on one of the occasions. So perhaps the other break was up the line. Or both were, I can't remember anymore.

I actually did check the line for damage every time I tied a new knot. I pulled my fingers across the line to make sure it felt smooth. Not sure if this counts as a complete diagnostic, but it's what I did.

In both cases the line broke at a strength that I know wouldn't even break 8 lb line. So it should have at least withstanded the initial pull I use to check the knot. Or maybe not, so this is something else to keep in mind.