Lever drag vs Star Drag - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

HobieScot · 07-12-2015, 02:07 PM

It does sound like you may be experiencing multiple problems as mentioned above. I would check your connections first then your drag second. Make sure the connections are not failing and that your drag is smooth and not grabbing as it lets line is out. Easy to tell as it will be jerky when a fish pulls line.

If you check both and determine you need to upgrade your gear I have nothing but great things to say about the gear I have been using.

I have been fishing strictly Diawa for inshore and Avet for offshore for years. I swear by my Avets. I have not had one let me down or not be able to stop a fish yet.

With that being said on my last trip to Mexico I had a chance to try out a small Okuma lever drag (wish I knew which model it was) and I must say I was extremely impressed. The next time I want a new set up I will be looking into the Okumas.

taggermike · 07-12-2015, 02:36 PM

I started using a lever drag a few years ago. I went to a lever to control big macks on the slow troll. Like Fish11 said. I got tired of hearing the clicker all the time. Lever drags tend to be smoother and stronger. I've never used an Avet but my old Shimano TLD 15 works great. I'll second what others said about line and connections. Pulling hooks happens some times. Using the biggest hook that suits the bait can help. Breaking line or connections can come from sticky drags bit usually from old line or poor knots. Maybe practice your knots. Or try different knots to see how they work for you. YouTube is full of good tutorials for every knot. Mike

07-12-2015, 02:07 PM	#1
HobieScot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 370	It does sound like you may be experiencing multiple problems as mentioned above. I would check your connections first then your drag second. Make sure the connections are not failing and that your drag is smooth and not grabbing as it lets line is out. Easy to tell as it will be jerky when a fish pulls line. If you check both and determine you need to upgrade your gear I have nothing but great things to say about the gear I have been using. I have been fishing strictly Diawa for inshore and Avet for offshore for years. I swear by my Avets. I have not had one let me down or not be able to stop a fish yet. With that being said on my last trip to Mexico I had a chance to try out a small Okuma lever drag (wish I knew which model it was) and I must say I was extremely impressed. The next time I want a new set up I will be looking into the Okumas.

07-12-2015, 02:36 PM	#2
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	I started using a lever drag a few years ago. I went to a lever to control big macks on the slow troll. Like Fish11 said. I got tired of hearing the clicker all the time. Lever drags tend to be smoother and stronger. I've never used an Avet but my old Shimano TLD 15 works great. I'll second what others said about line and connections. Pulling hooks happens some times. Using the biggest hook that suits the bait can help. Breaking line or connections can come from sticky drags bit usually from old line or poor knots. Maybe practice your knots. Or try different knots to see how they work for you. YouTube is full of good tutorials for every knot. Mike