Drag?

[anglerserg]

I have a Shimano Trinidad16 which I fish with 320yds/20#. In my limited fishing knowledge I would choose a reel based on it holding approximately 300yds of my chosen line class. I read a lot of posts as to each angler's fishing arsenal and have noticed no one really follows that concept. For expample one stated he used his TN16 for a 40# outfit. How is that? I understand of spectra expanding the reel's capacity.

My questions are; Do you choose a reel based on it's drag capacity? Does the drag coinside with line rating? I set my drags at 1/4 of line rating.

Sorry, I need some schooling here. Any advice and info will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[NickyBaby]

My drags are at 1/3 breaking strength or higher (P-line only) You'd be surprised how fast you can bring fish to the boat if you maximize your rod and reel capabilities.

And yes the drags in your TN16 can handle 40lb line settings no problem, just not straight mono.

[Staven]

I try to max the reel as in respect to line capacity. I look at a reel's specs such as line and look at the highest line in mono listed, such as on a Trini 16 I believe it is 20lb, so I purchase the correlating 20lb diameter braid line. The only thing I make sure is that the drag can handle that line capacity, for example a Trini 16 especially with new carbontex drag washers can easily lock down at 24lb (that's what mine does) so I have 60lb braid on it. It gives me decent line capacity, and maintains a lighter side to the size of reels I use.

Note I mainly fish in Florida and on my own boat so I have a different outlook on things. For example I never use topshot any more just long flouro leaders. Like 10 - 20yds and that is it. So I max out the braided line.


On my Torsa 16 I use 100lb braid and have the strike set at 30lb.

[WreckinBall]

Originally Posted by anglerserg

One stated he used his TN16 for a 40# outfit. How is that?

The TN16, 20, and 30 are narrow, standard, and wide versions of the same reel. Same gears, same drags, same diameter spool. The 16 makes as much drag as the 30, and it can handle 40# without breathing hard.

Originally Posted by anglerserg

My questions are; Do you choose a reel based on it's drag capacity?

Drag isn't the only consideration, but it's a major determining factor, along with freespool, line capacity, and other preferential bullshit. Before I lay out some cash on a new reel, I want to know what kind of drag it makes, and/or what kind of drag I can get it to make.

Originally Posted by anglerserg

Does the drag coinside with line rating?

As a rule, no.

[doughnut]

with that said, when you are selecting the rod, remember that 25 lbs of drag at full spool is 40 at 1/2 etc, and 25 lbs of drag is something like 125 lbs of torque at the rod tip.