Random reel question..

[piper]

Greetings,

Been poking around looking at reels and had a general question. Im currently using Okuma Magda Pro reels as this was (pretty much is) my operating budget. Ive run into a scenario and hoping it is ignorance and not poor quality equipment. When pulling moderate planer boards Ive noticed Im unable to set the reel in the "open" position in which when a fish hits it and takes it , it will be able to run. When I leave the reel "open" the planner continues to pull line. Ive tried tweaking the knob on the side to no avail. Ive basically been closing the reel after I hit my desired distance and then open up the drag until its just tight enough to hold the line, then spin it tight when I have a fish on. I dont think this cant be right and oping for some insight from the great minds on here.

[mwardncsu]

My reels stay closed - drag reasonably tight - I don't let them run first.....

I expect you can't "open" it to release line due to the tension on the anti-reverse bearing.

[fishhook]

I keep mine locked and fairly tight drag as well, using circle hooks, this is proper. But if you want to let them run, just leave "locked" and back drag off till you get it where you want it set. You can make those reels do anything you want, but you have to tighten the drag up when you get a fish on. I would never pull boards with reels in "free spool", a decent fish could back lash the reel quick.

Fishhook

[Brian]

Keep in mind also that if you intend to release a fish you have a better chance of gut hooking one if you let it run.

[hotdog]

I have some Cabelas Depthmasters that sometimes won't lock in free spool when I'm letting out planer boards. If I turn the spool just a little then they will lock in free spool. Like others have said though, I don't leave them like that pulling baits. I turn off the free spool and pull them on a medium drag.

[smlmike]

I have a couple Cabelas reels, I actually like them better then my Okuma MPs. Body and gears are better quality. Pretty much same price, I can get the Cabelas for around $39.99 when on sale. I usually lock boards and set light drag. Same with trolling U-rig. Then tighten drag to fight.
Anybody use lever drags to fish SML?

[Pete D.]

Piper,

As you may know, I am a fellow Magda owner. These reels are fine for the money. I have caught plenty of nice fish on them. I actually just outfitted all of my magdas with carbontex carbon drag washers, and metal clicker springs (totalling $8 a reel). I can leave my bail open, with the (new)clicker set, and pull planer boards at .7-1.0 MPH on a calm day without bleeding line. But, like many have said on here, I find that I lose 70-80% of my if I allow enough slack for the fish to run while using planer boards. Your best bet is to lock the bail.

All of this adjusting the drag while on the water is past my thinking on the matter. I do not agree with it. I set all of my drags with a scale, to 1/3 the breaking strength of the weakest component on my rod. (In my case it is my leader) I am running 15lb. mono with a 12lb. leader and my drag is set to 4-5lbs. on each reel(set up for Lake Anna). This is the only way to assure that if a fish slams my bait and runs, it won't bust my line. (Without abrasions of course.) When it comes to drags, set it and forget it. All of my friends learned to leave the drags alone on my reels!!!! Drags are made for one reason, and one reason alone. To allow you to pull in a fish larger than the breaking strength of the line that you are using.

[Mike]

Sutor,

I release the drags on my reels after every trip to avoid compressing the drag washers and they continue to be smooth and work fairly well, but have been looking at the carbontex drag washers as understand it could make a big difference in drag strength and performance. What have you seen since repacing your drag washers??

[getlinewet]

Sutor:

Could you tell me where you picked up the carbontex carbon drag washers and and metal clicker springs? I like my Magdas too, and would like to improve them if those upgrades do the trick.

SMLMike: I use your technique. Lock boards and set light drag, then tighten drag to fight.

[Pete D.]

Mike,

That is a good idea to release the drag for preservation, but at 4-6lbs. of drag, there is not much pressure to release. According to the carbontex dealer, the biggest difference for a smooth drag is because with fresh water reels you can wipe clean all the drag grease and install the new washers dry. What I have noticed is I can set the drag accurately to the pound, and when a fish is pulling drag it comes off the spool very nicely, meaning it is smooth and not as jerky. And yes there is a lot more drag strength, but how tight would you want to set your drag anyways? Even with big cats and 30lb. test main line, I still only set the drag at 10lbs., and the stock washers can handle 15lbs.

GLW, I ordered them from a store called Tunas Reel Troubles. I emailed him with my concern and he immediately emailed me back with what parts I needed for my concerns. I think it was $8 for the 4 washers, and $1.25 for the copper clicker spring. I got 8 sets, couldn't be happier.

[Pete D.]

Here's a link to the washers.

stores.tunasreeltroubles.com/1-1a-magda-ma-series-carbon-fiber-drag-washer-set-by-dragmasters/

And here is a link to all of the parts for the entire MA series.


stores.tunasreeltroubles.com/magda-ma-series/

Good Luck!!

[getlinewet]

Thanks sutor.