chucked

Yes, I can definitely hear the clicking sound or however you would describe it. I cannot pull the line out comfortably with my hand using braid unless I turn the drag way down....at which point it makes the same sound. Not sure if the rod creates leverage on the reel cause 3+ lb'rs have no issue pulling drag at times.

No backing, just electric tape on the spool and straight braid with a Fluoro leader. I don't think its slipping since I can hear the spool being pulled backwards/drag slipping when I set the hook or have a larger fish.

Its a Pflueger President, either 6925 or 6930. Its the drag that is too weak. I have it maxed out or maxed out and backed off 1 click. Anything 2LB or larger and the drag will slip on hook sets. Anything over 3lbs and the drag is constantly slipping and very hard to land fish. Caught a 4.8lb this week and it probably took a good 3-4 minutes to get in, from only 15' so off the bank. Anytime I'd get it close the bank, it would run and pull drag. I ended having to hold the line against the rod to get it out of the water. I typically don't have this problem with either of my bait cast reels, a regular LFS and a Tournament MB.

Hi all, first post here! Looking for new bait cast setup to replace my current spinning setup. My reel is a bit under powered and I tend to have trouble landing anything over 3.5lbs (due to drag). I also bank fish and its a bit awkward to carry along with one, sometimes two bait casters. Its also heavier which isn't a huge deal, but it does add up when walking a mile or more. I also get "wind knots" (using braid) randomly which I can normally get out, but are annoying. I only use it for senko type baits and occasionally a shaky head with zoom trick worms. I'd rather just get a nice bait cast setup instead of upgrading the reel. I've narrowed it down to three setups, all in the $350-$400 range. Lews Speed stick Lite 7' Medium/Fast with a Team Lite Speed Spool 7.5:1 $400 *** *** Black 6'10" Medium/ Fast with a *** 8.1:1 $370 Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium/Mod Fast with a Curado 70 8.2:1 $390 I already have a MH /Moderate bait cast that I use for pretty much everything else - swim baits, spinners, and a whopper plopper. I plan on getting another Heavy rod for frogging and heavier jigs. I prefer to use braid with a 3'leader as that's the easiest for me to see and what I've gotten comfortable with. Any recommendation or opinions on the above combos? What pound braid would you recommend for these for use with senko style baits?