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Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
#13145050
05/05/19 11:21 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710
lowew79
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710 |
I think I might be doing something wrong when setting my drag. I'll list my reels, their specs, the rods I use, and the technique I'm using.
Abu Garcia Ambassaduer C3 listed max drag is 14 pounds, on a ugly stik catfish rod with 20 lb test mono.
Daiwa 300 millionaire classic listed max drag is 11 pounds, also on a ugly stik, also with 20 lb test mono.
The technique I used is one I found on google. I put a rod holder in my yard at a 45 degree angle and put the rod in it. I took all the tackle off the line and tied the bare line to a digital fish scale. I loosened the drag all the way and pulled on the line. According to my website the drag should be set to 25-35% of the test of your line. So for my 20 lb test that is between 5 to 7 pounds.
So I pull, adjust, pull adjust so on so forth.
Here is the thing though. Even though my reels are rated at 11 and 14 pounds I have to really, REALLY, REALLY tighten the star drags (to the point I am hurting my finger pushing on the star and I am afraid I'm going to break my reels) to get to even 5 pounds on the scale. The Daiwa especially I cant get past 6, and that's with the star gear set TIGHT!
It seems like if the rated max drags are 14 and 11, I shouldn't have to set the drag so very tight just to get 5-7 pounds on my scale. Is there something I'm missing? That I am doing wrong?
Thanks!
Politicians are like diapers, they both need to be changed often, and for the same reason - Unknown
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13145150
05/06/19 12:48 AM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 12,149
tmd11111
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 12,149 |
Old reels that have had the drag cranked down forever or way too much lube on the drag washers.
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: tmd11111]
#13145237
05/06/19 02:10 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710
lowew79
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710 |
Old reels that have had the drag cranked down forever or way too much lube on the drag washers. Am i supposed to unset the drag back to zero or near zero after every fishing trip? They are older rods, is the drag system something that just normally wears out over time? Can it be prevented? I assume this can be repaired, any idea of a ballpark amount to get fixed? Any recommendations on whom to get to do this? Thanks
Last edited by lowew79; 05/06/19 02:11 AM.
Politicians are like diapers, they both need to be changed often, and for the same reason - Unknown
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13145285
05/06/19 02:50 AM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,861
jackiekennedyfishingguide
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,861 |
All my reels have the drag cranked down and never loosened unless the repair man does it. My newest Abu is at least 15 years old and probably older. In drag setting you can always tighten it up but never loosing it after the line breaks, err on the side of to loose.
903-603-3793 Clients or I have landed eight state record fish and eighteen water body records. TPWD Elite Angler jackiekennedyfishingguide
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13145307
05/06/19 03:19 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710
lowew79
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710 |
Well my Abu is no where near that old (maybe 8 to 10 years), but I do leave the drag on. I just found is so strange today when I was resetting it that I had to crank it so hard for just 5 to 6 pounds. Does the rod have something to do with it? It seems like the rod would make the drag stronger (the reel could take MORE before slipping) not less.
Politicians are like diapers, they both need to be changed often, and for the same reason - Unknown
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13145311
05/06/19 03:21 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710
lowew79
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710 |
Well my Abu is no where near that old (maybe 8 to 10 years), but I do leave the drag on. I just found is so strange today when I was resetting it that I had to crank it so hard for just 5 to 6 pounds. Does the rod have something to do with it? It seems like the rod would make the drag stronger (the reel could take MORE before slipping) not less.
Politicians are like diapers, they both need to be changed often, and for the same reason - Unknown
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13145893
05/06/19 07:11 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710
lowew79
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,710 |
It SUPPOSED to be the carbon matrix drag system that will not deform? Not trying to argue with you guys just trying to be thorough. Also anyone in Johnson county who can work on this reel for me?
Politicians are like diapers, they both need to be changed often, and for the same reason - Unknown
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13180403
06/09/19 07:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,621
psycho0819
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,621 |
I back all of my drags off while being stored. Not saying it makes a difference, just a habit I've had for years. I know one thing for certain, it can't hurt anything.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: psycho0819]
#13180540
06/09/19 11:33 PM
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 630
Ranger 177
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 630 |
I back all of my drags off while being stored. Not saying it makes a difference, just a habit I've had for years. I know one thing for certain, it can't hurt anything. Reel repairman told me to loosen when stored or not using keep from cutting into
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Re: Setting the drag (am I doing it right)?
[Re: lowew79]
#13180651
06/10/19 01:40 AM
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 6,854
V-Bottom
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 6,854 |
Rod at a 45 degree angle. I attach a certain amount of weight (which sits on the floor) on the mainline and tighten the drag enough to where I can pick the weigh off the floor. OR, if your throwing jigs etc., rod at a 45 with attached "jig" hanging from the rod, then back off on the tightened drag until the jig starts to fall.
Texas Anglers Recognition Program TPWD Official Weigh Station,77563 Coastal Bend Weigh Team, Cert. Weigh Master USMC66'- www.troutsupport.com
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