Monster

[Wabash48]

I fished Mille Lac two days last week for the first time. I was using brand new Trilene XT 8 lb. test line. The line ran through the sliding sinker to the swivel. Then a nine foot snell plus bead and red hook. I had caught several eyes when something hit my leech and took off straight away causing the drag to scream and never stop. I didn't dare tighten the drag any tighter than I had it set. I just let it run hoping I wouldn't run out of line. He ran off A LOT of line. Then the line broke---NOT THE KNOTS. My question is this. Did the sinker burn or in some way weaken the line and if so, wouldn't it be better to use fireline or the like in greater strength and then the leader? I've caught large kings and northerns, but I am new to walleye fishing. A pro advised the 8 lb. test line. Who knows when a monster pike or muskie will hit? What do you experienced guys use? Thanks in advance.

[FJH1]

I've used both 6# and 8# on Mille Lacs. Personally I like the 8# Magna Thin. Sounds to me like you snagged something (musky, pike...). Usually when you have them mouth hooked you can turn them.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Eyez]

6 or 8 pound mono for rigging like you were. It's possible that the sinker rubbed, but it usually takes quite a while before that's a problem with XT. Several hours, unless you're getting the weight snagged alot. My guess would be that you got a nick in your line somewhere, and/or your drag was a bit too tight. I've landed carp up to 27 pounds and pike up to 17 pounds on lindy rigs and 6 pound mono, it can be done.

I rig my lines based on what I'm trying to catch, not necessarily what I might catch. If you're rigged for walleyes, and a monster pike or muskie hits, it's just about guaranteed that you'll get bit or broke off. If you were to rig up based on what you might catch, you'd be using 50 pound spiderwire and steel leaders for everything, which would hamper your ability to catch what you were really fishing for.

You could use fireline as a main line, as many people do. I don't, because of personal preference, but it does work quite well for many others.


Eyez

[Bad Finger]

I'm using 6lb XL as the main line and 4lb XL for the leader. I know I'm going to occasionally get broke off. I do think I get more hook up's on the lite line.

There are some sumo Carp getting active right now. I mean 20 + pounders crusing around. Possible you tail hook one of those??

[Wabash48]

Thanks for the info.