Did the break happen while line was unspooling mid-outgoing-cast (did your line get tight in the air mid cast?)? Or was it on the initial load and release of the cast? The former is something catching during the cast, the latter is immediate failure of the knot.

10 hours ago, Fishingmickey said:

Breaking off at the lure "mid-air" happens because something abruptly stopped the line, snag or backlash, causing the leader to stretch and snap.

Flushdraw, I think this is it. My logic is based off of this. You mentioned how tight you run your drag, the "pistol shot" when the line snapped and the fact you're using 30lb braid to leader. Those clue make me think your having "dig in" issues. Your braid has dug into the spool and causes a sudden stop during your cast aka mid-cast. You had a snag earlier at that spot in your spool and with a tight drag your braid "dug into" the braid trying to get it loose or got it loose. When your 5/8 oz lure hit that spot and stopped suddenly it transmits a serious shock load from the momentum of the bomb cast. Your weakest point is the knot where your lure is tied. It wasn't a weak knot or you wouldn't have gotten the "pistol shot" from your line snapping.

So if you have to pull hard on the line to free your lure always pull some additional line off past the "snag" point to make sure there is no dig in. I at time will drag my lure behind and let out like 75 yards or more of line and reel back in to prevent dig in.

FM

Yeah, I think this is it. I remember a clunk as my lure shot through the air. Thank you!

On 2/25/2026 at 9:52 AM, A-Jay said:

And if you know who that is - you're old like me.

You are not as old as I am, A-Jay. And yes, I know Otis, good buddy of mine.