Reel Drag Ration vs. Line Strength

[Capt.Yasar]

Is there a good way to match "reel drag" with "line strength"?

If the reel drag is 18lbs, then what should be the line strength? 20lbs, 30lbs or 40lbs?

Is it good enough to have 60lbs line on a reel with 18lbs drag.

Thoughts/comments appreciated.

[Walleyed]

Well....the answer is, "It depends...".

Personally, I try not to exceed 1/3 the line strength with the drag, meaning, if I have a reel that can reliably put out 20lbs of drag, I'll load it with 60lb line.

1) Have you actually measured the reel's drag on a scale with the spool filled with line? Manufacturers tend to exaggerate their products capabilities.

2) What are you planning on doing with the reel? If your chunking for striper, 30-40lb line is all you'd ever need.

I think it really has a lot to do with your target species and technique, not to mention, the reel size.

If you have a specific reel and application in mind, let us know, you'll get more valuable suggestions that way.

[Gerry Zagorski]

What Walleyed said ^^^^

More info would be helpful so we can comment further.

As an example, I fish with 60# braid for blackfish but my reel is only capable of 14 lbs of drag. I like to use the heavier braid to avoid break offs...