I have a Revo Winch Gen 4 with 24lb of drag supposedly.  I will never use that much but what is important to me is how smooth and controlled it is when I bring in a fish.  I am one that I don't tend to put the drag all the way down and power pull the fish to the boat.  I like to control the fish and use my thumb if I have to.  I also set the drag to fit the line I use.  
 

I have the Curado DC in question.  After using it for the first time last week, I believe that it has a fantastic drag, much smoother and controlled than the Revo Winch (which is still really good though).  11lbs of drag is plenty for the way I fish and again like stated above, I believe it is a selling point with most reels manufactures. I think it is more important to use common sense when setting the drag and applying it to everyday bass fishing.  

How much force does it take to rip hooks out of bass's mouths?  And straighten most hooks?

 

 

I don't see why 11 lbs isn't enough. Its been plenty when I have needed to pull 20# cats up from some of the nastiest places. 

All I’m going to say is the fish pictured here was caught on a reel with a true 9lbs of drag, at about 2/3 so maybe 6lbs??? The mark on the gaff is 3’

 

Bent my hook a little. Yes. This is by far one of the biggest fish I ever caught.

 

 

5 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

What do people think of the torque on the 7.4:1 vs. the 8.5:1? I know some reels it's a trade-off between torque and speed when you get into the higher gear ratios.

IMO the difference is pretty noticeable.   I use 8 speed reels for jigs and Texas rigs,  nothing else. 

 

7 speed will work with just about everything. 

 

BTW 11 lb drag is plenty.

I thought this was an interesting question.  Glad you posted.  I always wondered when I had seen Abu and others with over 20 lbs.   I had never had any problems with my 13 lb. Daiwa’s and others, but glad to hear from guys who have caught giants agree.  

 

Also, I really like faster 8.1:1 or higher reels for pitching and jigs.  I feel it helps pick up line for hook sets, make more casts to targets, and help get bass turned and out of cover.  Lack of torque has not seemed to hurt me in those situations.   Now cranking all day...........nother story

 

 

Lew's American Hero reel, 7.1:1 gear ratio, drag set at 6 lbs, 20# Big Game.

 

 

My pixy is only 3lb max drag and have no problem catching bass. Once a while it feel good to let bass pull some line out.

8 hours ago, J Francho said:

Except in extreme fishing conditions, you typically only need 4-8 lbs.  What rod do you own that you are willing to tie 11 lbs. to and yank at full force?  My bet is none.

Easy... uglystick!

 

If it happens to break, I'd hand line that monster in! Even if just a giant bundle of weeds...

Since we are talking drag and settings what is the recommendation for fisherman to set their reels? I’ll admit I lock mine down, especially when frogging or flipping, but reading this not sure that’s necessary? Help me understand pls. 

Smooth drag > max drag any day of the week and twice on Sunday!

8 hours ago, FishDewd said:

Easy... uglystick!

Anyone ever hear an Ugly Stik snap?  Sounds like a 22.  It's a beautiful and funny sound.

I think you're making an issue out of something that isn't an issue here. Most guys fish for musky, catfish, and salmon aren't using a full 11 pounds of drag. 

 

 

give me as much max. drag as possible ....

4 minutes ago, greentrout said:

http://www.***.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_3109_edited-1-150x150.jpg

give me as much max. drag as possible ...

 

 

Simply add thumb pressure as needed.

Tom

I don't really look at the max drag setting when looking for a new reel. I'll never fish in a way that it would really come into play anyways. 

 

Ripping lips is just a figure of speech....You don't really want to do it.

4 hours ago, greentrout said:

 

 

give me as much max. drag as possible ....

They're GRRREAT!!!!!!

The line going through the guides on the rod will also add drag. 

GUYS.

 

I found the reason we need more than 9 lb drag!

 

TO BOAT FLIP A 9 LBER

 

 

 

just kidding. but that would've been cool 

Wow. ?

Wow....

 

How did that rod not snap at this point?

 

 

On 3/22/2019 at 12:10 PM, WRB said:

Simply add thumb pressure as needed.

Tom

Now I'm not as experienced as some of you guys. I've only been fishing for about 70 years. In those 70 years I have fished all over this country and Canada. It has been only in the past few years I've seen "pounds of drag" become an issue and I think it is more of a selling point than a real (or should I say reel) issue.

 

I set the drag depending on line pondage and "add thumb pressure as needed". Its not real complicated. I have landed some huge fish on light line using my thumb, patience and experience. 

 

I really think this is a non-issue.

2 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

How did that rod not snap at this point?

I think the drag slipping saved it.

5 hours ago, Dogface said:

Now I'm not as experienced as some of you guys. I've only been fishing for about 70 years. In those 70 years I have fished all over this country and Canada. It has been only in the past few years I've seen "pounds of drag" become an issue and I think it is more of a selling point than a real (or should I say reel) issue.

 

I set the drag depending on line pondage and "add thumb pressure as needed". Its not real complicated. I have landed some huge fish on light line using my thumb, patience and experience. 

 

I really think this is a non-issue.

Ditto!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

9 hours ago, Dogface said:

Now I'm not as experienced as some of you guys. I've only been fishing for about 70 years. In those 70 years I have fished all over this country and Canada. It has been only in the past few years I've seen "pounds of drag" become an issue and I think it is more of a selling point than a real (or should I say reel) issue.

 

I set the drag depending on line pondage and "add thumb pressure as needed". Its not real complicated. I have landed some huge fish on light line using my thumb, patience and experience. 

 

I really think this is a non-issue.

Unfortunately to many folks think bearing count, max drag and casting distance are important factors in reel quality...........