How big a fish is this?

Question

I had 12lb. test and i had the drag set to where the line doesn't come off my spool (tight as possible i guess). I was using a horny toad and the fish hit it and popped my line. How big a fish can pop line like this?

Answer 1

muskie,catfish anything monster like

Answer 2

If your drag was set for more than 12 lbs, then it could be any fish capable of exerting 12 lbs pull on the line. When a fish "flashes" by turning sideways, it can exert more weight on the line than the fish actually weighs.

So no one can tell for sure, but it was an unknown type of fish bigger than average.

Take a fish scale and tie it to the end of your line. Next exert 6 lbs pressure on the scale. Finally, loosen the drag until the line feeds out.  

You now have your drag set at 6 lbs, and you will not only get to brag about having hooked a big one, you will get to show it off.

Answer 3

Most broken lines are cause by two factors:   Poor knots that severely weaken the line, or frayed places in the line.   In any case, you should never set the drag that tight.     For insurance, retie your knots frequently, learn a variety of good knots, and cut off the last few feet of your line when it gets a little frayed or worn.

Answer 4

Not trying to step on any toes here, but Ranger  was right half way. You're drag shouldn't be set a 6lbs., is you are using 12 pound test. You're drag should never be more than 25 percent ( or 1/4) of the the line strength...in your case 12 pound test. You have to remember that when you do catch a fish, your rod flexes over and it also creates drag, The fish is in the water and the water creates drag. You're line is never straight from your rod to and through the water and this increases tension on your line. Your line flexes ( like a rubber band)  to accommodate the initial strike of the fish but if your drag is set improperly, the line will simply snap. This holds true also if your rod is not flexible enough near the tip to allow for it to absorb the initial strike. Add to the fact that you are also setting the hook with " X '" amount of force and pop goes the line. So set the drag on your reel around 3 pounds and adjust it as you play the fish.

As for your original question of how big it could be, a 2 pounder could have broken 12 pound test during the initial strike.~good luck catchin'.

Answer 5

No doubt the fish was a quality fish. Size line tells you this. But fish smaller than the line size can break your line due to the force a fish can apply when first being hooked. So the exact size cannot be determine except to say you would had good fish. Setting the drag is all you can do and purchase good quality line. Of course lot luck helps any situation. And bad luck as you may had can bring us disappointment as you experenced.

Answer 6

a small fish is very capable of doing this you should never set your drag that tight no matter what pound test

Answer 7

It could have been anything (even a 5 pound-er). You should have your drag set to where you can pull on the line near the hook rather firmly and have the drag feed the line out slowly. Also you want steady motion (no jerky motion except when setting the hook). If you jerk the line too much either you will pop the line, you will rip the lure/bait right out of the fish's mouth, or you will yank the fish right out of the water and send it flying right back at you. Seriously, you should get with an experienced fisherman that you know (if you know any) and get them to teach you all about fishing, drag, where to find the fish and bait, and how to properly land the fish when you hook them.

Answer 8

150lbs or more