I searched, but could only find about 75 threads specifically about drag, so I figure we're in need of another...not SETTING drag, but "UN-setting it"

 

In over 50 years of fishing, I've never backed off the drag of any reel when coming off the water.  I'm unaware of any mechanical problem(s) resulting from my total disregard for my equipment.  

Since I've been here on BR, I have read many times that it is necessary to loosen the drag at the end of a day of fishing.  I usually forget, but maybe because I don't know why its important. 

 

What are the specific risks of not doing so?  

 

Is it equally important for spinning reels and baitcasting reels?

 

 

 

 

(Unrelated? observation.....If everyone backs the drag off at the end of the day, a bunch of folks must carry weights and scales in the boat with them....since many say they set their drags precisely with them.  For me, I'm going by 'experience' and 'feel' which, I fully acknowledge may be way outside 'best' parameters.)

 

 

 

The spring washers could weaken some over the off season and soft washers like the Dartanium stuff Shimano uses can get sticky and mushed if left on lock-down. It's not a bad practice for those that back it off, but it's nothing to stay awake nights over. Between trips, don't worry about it at all. 

I back off after each outing, once in a while I forget.  Resetting is just routine, takes a second and it's done, I know where I want my drag to be set.

Scale necessary, sure if you're fishing the outer banks for wicked tuna, other than that feel works just fine.

I fish too often and have too many reels to remember to do this each time. 

 

I do it at the end of every season and I haven't had any issues.

I only back my drag off over the winter whenever my gear doesn't get used for 4-5 months. 

I back my drags off after every trip and they remain that way until I go out again.

Leave it. Exercise it next trip out.

I have 3 Calcuttas & 2 Cardiffs, I never back off the drag!

Now the drags are never at full lock down even when punching.

I do use my reels 2-3 days a week & they get a complete disassemble, clean, & lube twice a year.

I only back mine off in the winter when the season is over. Otherwise they stay set where I want them. 

I'm trying to get into the habit of backing off the drag after every trip since I keep my drag cranked.

I only back mine off in the winter when the season is over. Otherwise they stay set where I want them. 

 

Same here.

I back mine off after each outing. No major reason why but its just something I've always done.

I back mine off after every trip.  I don't know how soon I'll be going again so figure it's just good practice.  Some of my reels date from the 1970's and yes, curved drag washers can lose their shape and compromise your drag tension if compressed long enough.  It also makes me reset the drag before I start fishing every day, which exercises the drag and makes sure it won't stick .  Of course, if you forget and don't reset your drag you'll be in for an unpleasant surprise the first time you try to set the hook.  There's never a free lunch.