A big bass, or a small one and a big wad of weeds, gets braid to sing.  I wonder what causes that sound and does it damage the line?

Makes me think of a guitar string and the similar physics involved in that making a sound.

 

I would say no to the actual sound causing damage. But just like a guitar string if you tighten it too much it could snap. Or your line could rub on something while under load and and weaken it.

It is just vibration. No worries. 

The "singing" or "sawing" sound you sometimes hear from braided fishing line under strain is a result of friction and vibration. Here's a breakdown of how it happens: 

Line Movement & Friction: When reeling in a fish or experiencing heavy resistance, the line moves quickly through the rod guides and potentially other obstacles in the water. This creates friction.

Vibration: This friction, especially under tension, can cause the braided line to vibrate.

Braided Line & Sound: Braided lines, being composed of multiple fibers, can be more prone to creating this audible noise compared to smoother lines like monofilament or fluorocarbon, especially with heavier or coarser braids.

Factors Contributing to Sound:

Rod Guides: The material and design of your rod guides can affect the amount of noise generated.

Line Tension: Greater tension on the line, like when fighting a fish, increases the potential for singing.

Line Material: As mentioned, braided line can be more prone to this sound.

Line Diameter: Smaller diameter lines may produce a higher-pitched sound.

Presence of Obstacles: Line rubbing against structures like weeds, rocks, or other objects can also create noise. 

@Ski  Excellent!  Thank you!

I hate chatbots so much its unreal.  That wall of redditor text and chatgpt didn't even directly answer the question.  Braided line is a woven product and the texture found in the surface of the line from its woven construction produces this sound when in contact with the rod guides when moving.  

I for one am convinced that bass/fish can hear braid better in the water.

 

I fish braid sometimes for a weightless texas rig, but I'm very careful not get my line caught or jerk it through the water.