Spinning reel drags in cold weather

[JustinJ]

So today I pre set my drags at the house before heading to the lake. After fishing a bit I tested the drags again on both of my spinning rods and the drags were considerably tighter than when i had set them earlier. Does cold weather have an effect on spinning reel drags?

[Deleted account]

I've never noticed a difference, but It's possible depending on the individual model I guess.

[Bluebasser86]

How cold is cold? 

 

I'm a back reeler, so my drag sticking isn't a huge concern, but I've noticed in extreme cold they'll either slip or seem to tighten at times. I assume this is from moisture getting inside the reel and expanding. Seems to really be an issue once the air temps are below about 25*

[OkobojiEagle]

I suppose it could be an issue if you use a reel with greased drag discs.

 

oe

[J Francho]

15 hours ago, JustinJ said:

Does cold weather have an effect on spinning reel drags?

I find that it does.  In freezing temps, they can get stuck, if they're not a sealed drag.  All my sub freezing set ups use a dry Carbontex set up.  This ensures the drags operate smoothly, regardless of temps.

[Todd2]

Interesting, I've never noticed this, probably will now though...lol

[J Francho]

Some greases get thicker in the cold, and sometimes water gets in there and freezes.