Rod and reel

[Murray]

Are lever drags more susceptible to water than star drags? Seems like my 'charter special' lever drag does not like the kayak environment much.......had to replace drag system due to water in the reel. What are the advantages of lever drags when trolling macs? Also wondering how difficult it is to service lever vs star reels.

[maquinapescado]

Originally Posted by Murray

Are lever drags more susceptible to water than star drags? Seems like my 'charter special' lever drag does not like the kayak environment much.......had to replace drag system due to water in the reel. What are the advantages of lever drags when trolling macs? Also wondering how difficult it is to service lever vs star reels.

Penn Fathom Lever Drag is where its at. I can cast them as far as any of my older star drags, partially engage lever for big baits and massive drag power so you can fish whatever you want. I'm a Calstar guy. I'm happy with the factory wraps and I am a big advocate of stainless steel guides with no inserts. My favorite rig is a Fathom 30 on Calstar 8' heavy west coast deckhand. It is heavy which isn't a concern on the kayak(IMO) but if you are working baits at the rail on a boat all day and you're not in shape, you're arms with be beat.

Oh, E-Glass, not graphite. I do not like graphite rods. The E-Glass is what contributes to the extra weight.

[Murray]

Originally Posted by maquinapescado

Penn Fathom Lever Drag is where its at. I can cast them as far as any of my older star drags, partially engage lever for big baits and massive drag power so you can fish whatever you want. I'm a Calstar guy. I'm happy with the factory wraps and I am a big advocate of stainless steel guides with no inserts. My favorite rig is a Fathom 30 on Calstar 8' heavy west coast deckhand. It is heavy which isn't a concern on the kayak(IMO) but if you are working baits at the rail on a boat all day and you're not in shape, you're arms with be beat.

Oh, E-Glass, not graphite. I do not like graphite rods. The E-Glass is what contributes to the extra weight.

thanks for the info. funny that we had posted previous posts at the same time so I missed your comment reartially engaging lever for bigger baits. any input regarding other questions I had?

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by Murray

Are lever drags more susceptible to water than star drags? Seems like my 'charter special' lever drag does not like the kayak environment much.......had to replace drag system due to water in the reel. What are the advantages of lever drags when trolling macs? Also wondering how difficult it is to service lever vs star reels.

Not sure on the water suseptibility, but my avet mxl is a breeze to service compared to some of my other reels.

[maquinapescado]

The Fathom is a really well sealed unit. No vents, peep holes or anything. Can't speak for other models other than a POS Okuma I had. It did not like fishing let alone water. No difference on service if you are a do it yourself person.