When sizing a reel for Big Cats, how many pounds of drag and feet of line do yall recommend for landing these 50 to 60 pound monsters?
Sorry if this is old topic.

ABU 6500 and don't worry about the rest.

35 lb main line 50 lb mono leader that's what I been using for bank fishing so I could get more line on But now Im on a boat I will got to 65 braid and 50 leader line

Thanks for the responses so far but should I be concerned that a Big cat could spool a quality reel with the drag set properly

I use 6000&5000 series abu's. Caught many over 70 and never had a problem with one spooling me. Now if I fished texoma or a major river where your also fighting a steep current then I would upsize

I use ABU 6000 and 6500 reels all of the time.
I never worry about the reel, pounds of drag, feet of line......
I have caught many over 70 pounds and really just worried about my leader breaking if I feel the fish has taken me under something. I wouldn't even know how to check the reel for pounds of drag. I just set it and forget it. I do however, set my drag on the loose, rather than tight side, as I can add if needed or thumb it if a fish makes a run.
Just fill the reel to capacity and you should be fine.
I use 80# braid and 50# leaders most of the time, unless punch bait fishing.
Good luck

Thanks for all the replies. Today I came home with two used c3 6500's on heavy med Ugly sticks. A guy on 6 old Geezers is selling all his stuff

There are usually quite a few deals on C3s on fleabay. Look at the photos and you cn tell if they have been cared for or been allowed o knock around in a boat. There is nothing wrong with the old C3s and can be had for half the price of a new one.
I currently have 6 of them that came from fleabay. It's hard to pass up a $50 deal on one that looks brand new regardless of age.