Forgive me please if this is basic a question as to be laughable, but why is the rule of thumb for drags to be set no more than 30% of line break strength? Is it because drag increases as line goes out and the effective spool diameter decreases? Or because some knots greatly reduce break strength?
Given the 30% rule, why do smallish spinning reels such as a Stradic 2500 or Quantum Smoke Inshore have drags rated to 15-18lbs? No one would spool those reels with 50lb line. And can those little reels really generate that much drag?
I've known of this convention for longer than I can remember but never really asked why it's such a low percentage. Thanks in advance.
Quote from: Padre on January 29, 2015, 03:20:27 AM
Forgive me please if this is basic a question as to be laughable, but why is the rule of thumb for drags to be set no more than 30% of line break strength? Is it because drag increases as line goes out and the effective spool diameter decreases? Or because some knots greatly reduce break strength?
Given the 30% rule,many do smallish spinning reels such as a Stradic 2500 or Quantum Smoke Inshore have drags rated to 15-18lbs? No one would spool those reels with 50lb line. And can those little reels really generate that much drag?
I've known of this convention for longer than I can remember but never really asked why it's such a low percentage. Thanks in advance.
For your first two questions I would say yes and yes. Let me add some knots or connections are much stronger than others and manufactures guess some will use the weaker connections.
Third is yes also but remember stopping power is only half of the battle. Ok, you have the fish stopped but now the other half of the battle comes into play and that is enough cranking power to move the fish towards you. Some manufactures are a bit over zealuos in their drag ratings and some care should be taken when just looking at these alone.
There can also be a difference between max drag and sustained drag.
On the 30% rule, all are right. The idea is that you have a reliable buffer, so that you dont get broken off from a less than perfect knot, or some abrasion from fishing, etc.
Spinning reels are especially vulnerable to marketing hype. Just because the manufacturer states a reel can make a drag pressure, doesnt mean it will survive that for long.
Personally, I look for a max drag of around 50-60% of line strength, and fish it around 30%. By stressing the drag less, it will operate smoother and more reliably, and I still have some room to work with to lift a stubborn fish off the reef. Its also a little kinder to the rest of the reel. Max drag on anything is going to be hard on the reel. Given that, spooling a stradic 2500 with 30 lb braid is not uncommon for an inshore saltwater rig.
now if you add a correct softer rod to braid and a stiffer rod to mono
your home and hosed, im talking about catching a feed
not specialised fishing,fly,big game,etc;
cheers mate
What? Lay off the Sauce Wally. :D
I didn't comment on this at first, just because its a little out of my league.
I fish 100 to 130 lb mono on big senators that can handle 30 to 35lbs of drag. I do this because of the abrasion resistance the thick mono provides. That's it in a nutshell for me.
I want the capacity, the ability to not get cut off and the peace of mind that with a solid hookset, Its game over for whats on the other end. ;)
Add variables like the amount of line in the water and on the spool, it's to give you a safety cushion.
ah sharkie,you need a stiffer rod
for the mono ,of course :D
My 130lb Rainshadow Blank aka "The Hulk!" is stiff enough Wally!
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_2726_zpsb280dc65.jpg)
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_2692_zps1234dfca.jpg)
Mine's bigger..... ;D
The real question is this. Can Daron actually hold what the rod is capable of lifting? I think the rod is safe.
I'll take that as a compliment Dwight. ;)