Drag Lockdown

[lectricbassman]

Is drag lockdown the same as max drag? I lockdown my drag when frogging and its never slipped, jusy curious if locking it down prevents slip or am i not at max drag force when i set the hook and fight the fish

[rippin-lips]

Yes, max drag is measured at lockdown.

[lectricbassman]

So if my max drag is 13lbs at lockdown why the need for 50lb plus braid? I could see 20 to 30 lb braid, but does the line itself ever see this kind of strain before the drag slips? Is it more of a diameter issue or is there a point where braid fails before the drag? Just a thought thats been rolling around in my head the last few times ive been out.

[georgeyew]

So if my max drag is 13lbs at lockdown why the need for 50lb plus braid? I could see 20 to 30 lb braid, but does the line itself ever see this kind of strain before the drag slips? Is it more of a diameter issue or is there a point where braid fails before the drag? Just a thought thats been rolling around in my head the last few times ive been out.

 

When you are fishing in areas where there is a lot of rubbing and abrasion, you need extra heavy braid so it does not get cut through. It's not just about matching the max drag pressure.

[J Francho]

Have you tried frogging with 20 lb. Braid? I bet you go back to bigger diameter line real quick. Digging, abrasion, shock resistance, and overall handling is better with 40+ lb. Braid.

[Angry John]

It has most to do with shock.  When you set the hook the peak pressure on the line will snap it quick.  The speed of the rod will have a lot to do with how light you can go safely.  I use 65 because I like it.  Could you get away with a lot less most likely.  Some people claim that you need up to a 100lb for punching in the delta.  I don't think I would ever need that so I don't.

[SirSnookalot]

Being a spinning user it's 15# braid for frogs.  I don't treat a frog much different than any other lure except maybe a click tighter drag for a better hookset.  I don't lock down the drag but if I did I'm not catching any that pulls out 15# of drag so no fear of my line breaking.

Heavier braids are strictly line a management issue.  Hard to imagine a fish snapping 65# braid with a breaking strength higher than that.  Your line breaks, it isn't the fish it's a weak spot.