Basics of reel drags (simple)

[Earl Phillips Jr]

most people don't relise how drag works so here is a simple run down.

full spool, line weight is 50# drag is set at 25% of line braking weight so the drag is at 12.5#

at 1/2 spool cap. drag will increase by 50% so a drag set at 12.5# on a full spool is now 25# when 1/2 the line is out


at empty spool ( where you never want to see it go) the drag will increase by 100% so a drag set at 12.5# on a full spool is now at 50#

as the line leaves the spool the diamater of the spool decreases and the drag increases, there for you should use a spring scale and set the drag on your reels at 25% of line breaking weight and leave them alone, only time a drag is changed on my reels is if I do it and only me. I have seen reels that had BIG fish on and someone kept cranking the drag and the reel exploaded and they lost the fish. the drag is for playing the fish and getting it worn down so you can net it. always try to play a fish away from the bank or boat as the longer the distance the less pressure on your equipment and less stress on the fish, you never want to set a drag at a higher weight than the line and never store reels with the drag tightened. this will flatten the disks in the drag between the drag washers that are cuped springs to alow the adjustment on the tention, leaving the drag tight for a long period of time will cause these washers to flatten out and become ineffective