I though I would give some of you younger guys or guys just starting out smallie fishing a heads up. I cannot express enough to check your line after every fish. I can't tell you how many times I have had guys in my boat lose big smallies for lack of maintenance on their line during the day. Smallies are notorious for head shaking, fighting you back and making erratic runs. They put the hurting on your line. Every time I catch a smallie I run my finger up the line and check for abrasion areas. If it feels a little rough I take the 30 seconds it takes to clip off the line and retie. Its just a good practice and will lower your chances of a break off. Good luck.

Truer words were never spoken...... Good post Jim.

Falcon

Oh so very true.  Dont just hold that to smallie fishing though.  Only takes seconds to retie, and only takes a second to lose a PB.

Excellent post!

I would just add, maybe check it even a little more often than that... 8-)

True-True: Terminal tackle is the cheapest part of your day--not the place to save $.05's, get the best and change it out often. A little pocket diamond hone on the hooks for those rock bumps while on 30 sec. inspection doesn't hurt. A sinking $40,000. bass boat won't lose a record as quick as a cheap swivel. CB

Where were you when I cast my LC pointer into the lake after my first 2+ smallie?  ;D

It was almost worth it though - double hookup on one pointer!  They reallly messed up my line.  Now I check after every fish for sure.  Dont forget to check before/after your day of fishing as well.

Yes, you guys are right. Its a good practice after every fish, even green bass, and if you are fishing wood, rocks, etc., and anything else that will wear your line. Its the only thing between you and the fish. It only takes a second to run your fingers along the line.