I have two black max reels and they both have the same problem. No matter how much I adjust the star wheel, one way or the other, I cannot pull any line out no matter how hard I try.  It must be something simple and I must be an idiot because it is the same problem on both reels. I have another baitcaster that I can adjust the star wheel and change the drag just fine though. Any idea

Interesting, I’ve owned several over the years and I’ve never had that issue. I wouldn’t think you could tighten the tension knob enough that you couldn’t pull line but have you checked it? 
 

I agree it has to be something simple. 

Have you ever had them

apart ?

I have two BM reels and I’ve never had an issue adjusting the drag. If you’ve turned the star as loose as it will go and still can’t pull line, you’ve got an internal issue. Just make sure you are adjusting it looser and not tighter. 

Sounds like the drag stack is stuck together, fairly easy fix. The fact that 2 reels are doing it sounds like it may be something like dunking them, or getting gunk in there somehow may have caused it.

I am going to take them apart today, they have both been sitting in the kayak in the garage since October, they had both been submerged at least once last fall but were working fine the last time I had used them.  

This is a superb value for money reel, but it's drag washeras are made of a cardboard-like material, one shimano called ''dartanium'', in the past. Very low quality stuff for the task.

I was able to fix them both easily. I just loosened the drag all the way and pushed forward on the spool with my thumb as hard as I could while pulling the line and it popped loose. Didn't have to take them apart. From now on I'll store them with the drag set to "loose" I think that may have allowed it to bind up while they were in storage. 

A good argument for Cal's drag grease on drag washers. 

The inside and outside thickness of drag washers need to be greased, to keep them from seizing in the main gear recess and on the main shaft.