just want to share two related thoughts:

1) 6 lb. line will hold up against a bass very well in open water under even pressure...it's the sudden snaps and jerks that will quickly break your line.

2) keep in mind that the longer you play the fish, the less its chances of survival after release. here's some more info:

Make sure your gear is strong enough for the challenge of the fish you will target. Fighting or playing a fish on tackle that is too light may result in an exhausted fish that is unable to recover and live to fight another day. When a fish is played to exhaustion, lactic acid builds up in its muscles. The same thing happens to humans when we exercise. It’s the lactic acid buildup that makes us tired from heavy activity. In fish these increased levels of lactic acid can lead to acidosis, a condition that may reach a point of no return, and the fish will die. Warm water will exacerbate the condition. Low oxygen levels in warm waters complicate the survival challenges for fish. Tired and exhausted fish need plenty of dissolved oxygen to balance the ph of their blood.

just something to think about if you're a C&R fisherman. cheers.

I both agree and disagree with 21farms. I'd give up fishing altogether if I were to using heavy equipment with 50# line to drag a 3# fish in within seconds, without the joy of playing it, that is why I'm there. In 60 years of fishing with many thousands caught I can probably count on my hands and toes the number of fish that were totally spent and I know for a fact died. Even fish landed quickly that swim off have been stressed to a certain degree, quite often we have no knowledge of their fate. Also while fishing for smaller targets with lighter gear, there is no control of what may be swimming by to hit that light set up.

Where I agree is targeting certain species that are known to have a higher mortality rate, muskie for example. Not long ago on BR I said was a firm believer in fishing for them with fairly light gear as compared to their overall size. After doing some research my position has greatly changed, I would never target muskie again. I've caught many of them fishing on lake St Clair and I don't feel the fight justifies the risk of these fishing dieing. I am not interested in overpowering a fish with tackle I could land a 100# tarpon on, that on average don't go over 30#. I say let those beautiful fish live.