Heavier line than reel is rated for? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

bubblehide · 03-22-2011, 04:52 PM

I have yet to see a reel rated for a specific line, they are rather rated for specific line capacity and drag.

Generally most people use a drag rating that is about 1/3 the lines breaking rating/strength while still having free spool, e.g., if I have a reel with 20 pounds of drag at full drag (with free spool) I might use 60 pound line, anything under that I would want to reduce the max drag. Any heavier line and I might want to consider increasing the max drag setting.

Another example or two: If I am using 6 pound line, I would want a 2 pound max drag setting. If I am using 15 pound line, I would want a 5 pound max drag setting...

The whole idea is that you pay attention to the wear of you line (it will wear) but don't lose fish unless you missed something (and you will miss wear unless you constantly change your top shots)

Does that make sense?

03-22-2011, 04:52 PM	#2
bubblehide Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 552	I have yet to see a reel rated for a specific line, they are rather rated for specific line capacity and drag. Generally most people use a drag rating that is about 1/3 the lines breaking rating/strength while still having free spool, e.g., if I have a reel with 20 pounds of drag at full drag (with free spool) I might use 60 pound line, anything under that I would want to reduce the max drag. Any heavier line and I might want to consider increasing the max drag setting. Another example or two: If I am using 6 pound line, I would want a 2 pound max drag setting. If I am using 15 pound line, I would want a 5 pound max drag setting... The whole idea is that you pay attention to the wear of you line (it will wear) but don't lose fish unless you missed something (and you will miss wear unless you constantly change your top shots) Does that make sense?