Rod - Maximum Loads

[yakfishing]

Gday,

Bit of a rookie question, but if I have a rod specified for 2 - 5 kgs line, what is the maximum drag setting I can use? I dont want to push it too far unless I know it can take it (im paranoid of snapping my new rod).

[kbark]

I do a "dry run" buy imitating a hook up in the backyard and setting the drag where I feel comfortable with the rod. A little over the rod rating is usually fine, but I don't bother measuring.

[davester28]

This is a good question and there's no straight answer as different manufacturers seem to use different ratings conventions.

Jap rods often have a PE rating (eg. max PE 6) but also a max drag rating (eg. 10 kg).

I reckon this is a great system as you know exactly what your rod is capable of.

However, a lot of other rods available locally have just a line rating (eg. 2 - 5 kg or 6 - 10 kg) but you would be safe fishing a higher line class (with braid) while ensuring your drag was below the max rating.

eg. Lots of people would have no hesitation fishing 24 kg braid on a 10 - 15 kg TCurve Bluewater or Nitro Godzilla, but with the drag set at 8 kg.

So, to answer your question (eventually!), your rod, in theory, *should* be able to fish a drag of at least 2 kg. But kbark is right, just load it up to what seems comfortable for your rod.

And remember not to high stick! Extreme angles break graphite rods, no matter what line class. You can grab the spool to lock up if you fish a shallow angle or point the rod at the fish.

[Jigholio]

Most rods on the Oz market are rated for an appropriate drag setting. ie. a manufacturer recommends their rod for 3-5kg, you should set your drag at quarter to a third of 3-5kg. So it's not rated to deadlift 3-5kg more like 1-2kg. The exception is some american made rods & blanks which rate for deadlift,but these are specialist, and yes the new PE ratings for high compression carbon rods are a big step forward. Dave's point is spot on, never lift a carbon rod (under load) more than 45deg from horizontal.

Yak you should take the whole lot down to ur local tackle shop, get them to spool it, set the drag etc. They're enthusiasts like you & I and won't steer you wrong!

cheers mate

Jig

[yakfishing]

With this 45 deg rule does that mostly apply when you are playing a fish that is under (or there-abouts) your boat? I mean say Im flicking plastics in 1m of water and a flatty grabs it at the end of a long cast, even if I high stick it the angle of the line relative to the rod wont be that great right? My instinct is to high stick a lot of the time especially with a sluggish fight from a flatty and Im trying to keep the pressure on him. Ive always been under the impression that the drag setting prevents any "rod-snapable" loads being imposed. So whats the deal will 1kg of load at an extreme angle create more of an arc in the rod than at a lower angle?