What is atmospheric drag?

What is Max Drag Capacity on a Fishing Reel?

• I'm wondering what Max Drag Capacity on a fishing line is, is it the max drag capacity the reel has on holding onto a fish ? Say the Max Drag Capacity of the reel is 22lbs does ...show more

• Answer:

  It means that when the drag is buttoned down to it's tightest, it will take 22 pounds of force to pull line out. Of course, you can set it for less (and most of the time you will). Normally when fishing, you want the drag set at no more than about one third the breaking strength of the line (though you may go a bit higher at times), so a reel with 22 pound max is made for 40 to 50 pound test line. With that reel on a balanced outfit, you should be able to land strong fish up to about 50 pounds without much trouble, and maybe 100+ pounders if you know what you're doing.