Backing off drags after a fishing trip

[Megalops]

I have always backed off the drags on my spinning and conventional reels after every use (religiously) & do not re-set them until I am ready to go fishing again.  I have heard that if you don't back them off the drag disks can be damaged.  Is this true, or am I just being anal retentive?  

[Jim]

What harm can it do? It may not be needed but who cares?
I do it too . . . all my reels are stored after cleaning with drags backed off.

[miamipescador]

I do the same. Keep them tight for a washdown, then after they dry loosen up the drags until next outing

[Bryan Young]

Mine star drags stay at the same setting.  Lever drags are released after washing and drying.

[redsetta]

G'day Megalops,
Historically, many drag materials tended to compress over time, which would eventually compromise performance.
Some materials also eventually stuck to the metal washers if left tight.
CF doesn't compress in the same way and, when greased with PTFE, won't stick either.
As Bryan says, however, while that's generally fine with star drags, lever drags also tighten onto the pinion bearing, so I always back 'em off fully after drying.
Hope that helps.
Cheers, Justin

[seaeagle2]

We went fly fishing on the Yakima River with a guide and straight up before we got in the boat he told us, "Some people say I'm anal retentive, but I'm a retired Master Chief that served on Nuclear Subs.  On nuclear subs, we don't call it anal retentive, we call it "being careful".

[alantani]

with greased carbon fiber, you don't need to anymore.  that's one of the nice things about it!

[Ken_D]

I suspect it goes to how long the drag is tightened for, and what the materiel is made of.  With reels such as Penn 320/330, and 7000's, their center hubs can be torn loose from the main gears, making them useless for drag, as the hub is frozen to the driveshaft, while the gear just spins round and round.

This tear-away is the result of the drag being max tight all winter long for months on end,  allowing gearsets and drags to become friction-welded, or rusted as a blob.  I love it, as it keeps my wee repair gig moving forward, but the sports may not be impressed with a parts bill that could have been avoided, by simply backing off the star to nothing over winter. 

It depends on the sport....some do their own work, and never have problems, others don't get involved with that stuff, preferring to fish the reel to failure, then sending it out for fix.

[Megalops]

Thanks for the good advice-very useful.  I have greased CF drag disks on most of my reels so I may leave them set between fishing trips.  Then again old habits die hard-you can never be "too careful."  

[Nessie Hunter]

As stated, I dont worry about the Carbontex at all...
BUT, I do worry about the Bellville/spring washer getting stressed and going flat.
So I try and remember to loosen the drags....