BlueJay

I had the same problem with two of my reels both were fine in summer when it was hot out but when it got cold max drag I can see the spool free rolling when I pull the line. I've heard if you leave you drag on tight it'll effect it in some way in the gears inside. Opened it up and cleaned it, worked fine till it got cold out or even the ac in the vehicle caused it to loosing up.