Spinning reel drags
and how to use them
WaterLine photo by Josh Olive
A stack of drag washers from a typical spinning reel. Yes, that's really all there is to it.
WaterLine photo by Josh Olive
Here's the stack disassembled. The three light-colored washers are oiled felt, which provides the friction. The two metal washers with slots are keyed to the shaft; the one with tabs is keyed to the spool.
WaterLine photo by Josh Olive
This is how the drag washers fit in the spool.
Tackle Tech
By Jeff Kincaid
“Fish don’t break tackle. Fishermen break tackle.”
Why does my reel have a drag? Your drag is there to let your line slip before it or anything else breaks. That slippage takes the pressure off your tackle: Reel gears, rod, line, hooks and knots. A functional drag lets you catch a much larger fish than would be possible if your line didn’t slip.
