Breaking off??

I just thought of something, with the rockies opening up this weekend... When you get hung up in a kayak, how do you apply enough leverage to break off when you get hung up using heavy line?  Simply cutting your line doesnt seem like a good option in 120ft of water. 

First - I wouldn't use too strong of line.  25 is plenty, and 20 would do.  Next - go all the way loose and paddle a couple laps around snag, alternating no tension and some tension in hopes that the hook'll fall back down out of the snag.  If you must break off - tighten your drag down all the way, put your rod tip straight down into the water and reel up tight, and let the wave action and your own pulling put a lot of pressure on it until it breaks or you get your gear.  If that doesn't work then try wrapping the line around your paddle or bonker or something and pulling.  It's not a comfortable feeling, but remember that if your center of gravity is over the center of the boat then even a sudden jolt of breaking off won't be too bad.

Good luck!   

I usually use a few feet of leader that's lighter than my mainline. That way if I do get snagged or broken off the only line lost is the few feet of leader.

Z

I use 30lb braid now, and tie on a 6-8ft 25lb mono leader, so that a break will happen close to the lure. AK is right on when he says wrap the line around your fish billy or something-braid will slice your hand & mono can too given the right circumstances.
Usually a good series of jiggles will release the snag without busting off though.

Since I got the hammer method dialed down my break offs have decreased dramatically. Yeah leader lighter than main line helps a lot if you do need to break off.

Since I got the hammer method dialed down my break offs have decreased dramatically.

Bill, what is the hammer method?  This inquiring mind wouldn't mind hearing.

Michael

It is a lot easier to show than explain in words 

1. You get snagged.

2. Do not try to pull hard in a long pull.

3. Immediately start very rapid very short pulls up and let the line go totally slack on the down swing.

4. Usually you will get unstuck pretty quickly. If not go with one of the other methods above.

Bill's advice is just what I meant, but with better terminology.

"Hammer method" sounds wayyy more manly than "Just jiggle it" .

Hammer time!

....If you must break off - tighten your drag down all the way, put your rod tip straight down into the water and reel up tight, and let the wave action and your own pulling put a lot of pressure on it until it breaks or you get your gear.  If that doesn't work then try wrapping the line around your paddle or bonker or something and pulling....

One more thing:  Always pull off to the side of your body (and away from anyone else) when trying to pull loose a snag. It's unlikely your line will fling out of the water from 120 ft down, but better safe than ending up with a face full of tackle or a hook in the eye.  It happens!

Dude, now when I ever get stuck I swear MC Hammer will be playing in my head.

Hi Yaker:

          I don't pull until I'm under way in the opposite direction of the snag. I
push on the clicker and disengage my Penn 505 to keep from free spooling. It's more work but, I can usually free myself.
                                                                           Sea-ya
                                                                          Ernie

Thanks for the advice, i have figured we have an advantage in that we can easily go back uphill and get loose, I was more concerned with a diamond jig becoming a permanent anchor out there... I guess that is the best reason you could have for a lighter topshot...

Thanks for the advice, i have figured we have an advantage in that we can easily go back uphill and get loose, I was more concerned with a diamond jig becoming a permanent anchor out there... I guess that is the best reason you could have for a lighter topshot...

And a siwash or octopus hook instead of a treble..

Or use hooks that will bend out under pressure (shouldn't happen with fish due to drag setting).