What happened to my line?

[FryDog62]

I have some 15 lb co-polymer line on my bait caster. Described as mono on the inside and fluorocarbon on the outside casing. Loaded it on my reel in April, used it once with no problems. Then, used it again end of June and noticed on the first cast some "curly-cues" on my line...didn't think too much about - maybe some cottonwood seeds or fuzz from the water. Next cast, more curly-cues...a couple bigger ones. More casts and it was apparent something was wrong. The line seemed to be fraying but not breaking. Curly cues coming off each cast and then I could see it looked like several places the line had actually separated. Inspected my guides, free spool, etc...couldn't see anything snagging my line to cause this.

What am I missing, is there something on my pole or reel that causes this? Could it be the line separated? It hasn't been in the sun or moisture much? Trying to upload pictures.

[FryDog62]

Pictures:

[Phil T]

Use a Q-Tip to check for cracks or other imperfections in your rod guides. The cotton on the Q-Tip will snag in any problems.

[FryDog62]

Good idea Phil, unfortunately it didn't indicate any nicks on the guides...

[Phil T]

Then I wouldn't buy that brand ever again, no matter how many people claim it's the best thing since graphite rods.

[FryDog62]

Problem is...I have that brand in various pound test on about 6 of my rods and it has been the best line I've ever used - strong, abrasion resistant, low viz, low stretch, etc. Maybe just a bad spool... again, unless theres something up with the reel or rod I'm missing here. Anyone ever had a problem with the free spool eye? I couldn't get a Q-tip in there.... - or something else? Seems odd it would be the line....