How can i replace the fuel filter in my homelite weed eater?

I noticed something rattling in my homelite weed eater gas tank. When I looked inside the fuel filter was unplugged from the fuel line. There are two lines into the tank and I can l only get at one of them so I assume that is the one the fuel filter goes to(and when i pulled it out the end was bevelled). I put the filter on and it just fell out again. I snipped a tiny but of hose and reinstalled. It stayed on until i put the line back in the tank where it promptly fell off again. Is the line finished or is there a retaining ring also floating around in my gas tank somewhere?