Breaking off heavy braid safely

[blueugl]

Hi I have been using 65lb braid and 50lb leaders bottom fishing just wondering how others break off there snags I have been wrapping a cleat but it isn't that easy when your in the current and it cuts into the rubber in boat molding trim I fish alone and it doesn't feel that safe any ideas.

 

[mgreen5228]

I am curious what safety issue you are concerned with. I have been using a cleat as you describe. My primary concern is to break ar the leader and this seems to move the odds in that direction.

 

[tubber]

Pull slack then take as many wraps as you can on your fish club before current makes it tight again. Then bump the boat in gear if you are anchored. Gaff is okay but you can get the pointy part spinning if the wraps unwind if you're not careful.

 

[Aces]

I wrap it around my gaff handle to break it off

 

[CBsqrd]

I run the same mainline and leader (65 lb / 50 lb). If I hang up on bottom, I reel down, tighten the drag all the way up and put my thumb on the spool to stop it from turning. Keep the rod pointed straight down so there is no bend and if needed rest the upper part of the handle on the gunnel. Then just let the current push you off or add a little pull and the leader breaks every time.

 

[Samnjoe]

I run 100 pound power pro. No leader. When I cleat it off a lot of times I just straighten the hook and get everything back.

 

[brutus]

Hi I have been using 65lb braid and 50lb leaders bottom fishing just wondering how others break off there snags I have been wrapping a cleat but it isn't that easy when your in the current and it cuts into the rubber in boat molding trim I fish alone and it doesn't feel that safe any ideas.

Keep a knive close by, if you drift toward the rocks cut away, I use a gaff like most do, 5-6 wraps and old on