On The Fly 6 Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 So, I recently purchased a St. Croix CLA 456 model reel to go on my 5 wt' rod. I like the reel itself...but Im having trouble adjusting the darn thing to keep from spitting so much line out at me whenever I start stripping it out to make my casts. Ive taken the thing apart and tried adjusting the problem but no luck so far. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! "The difference between fly fishers and worm dunkers is the quality of their excuses." -Anonymous "I am not against golf, since I cannot but suspect it keeps armies of the unworthy from discovering trout." -by Paul O'Neil
hoglaw Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 You shouldn't have to take it apart. If I understand your issue correctly, the drag is too loose. There should be an external drag adjustment, though I'm not familiar with that particular model. Is there an external drag knob?
jjtroutbum Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 I usually turn my drag up till stopped then slowly adjust it looser till I find the sweet spot. Didn't get anything like oil or reel lube on the friction surfaces did ya? Jon Joy ___________ "A jerk at one end of the line is enough." unknown author The Second Amendment was written for hunting tyrants not ducks. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." Benjamin Franklin, 1759
On The Fly 6 Posted July 12, 2009 Author Posted July 12, 2009 There is an adjustable drag knob on the reel, but it has no effect on the rate of speed the line comes out whenever I start stripping it out to make my casts. I dont think I got any grease or lube anywhere it wasnt suppose to go. Grr...its aggravating! "The difference between fly fishers and worm dunkers is the quality of their excuses." -Anonymous "I am not against golf, since I cannot but suspect it keeps armies of the unworthy from discovering trout." -by Paul O'Neil
Terry Beeson Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 I would say there is a defect in the drag. Take it back to where you bought it and see if they can help. TIGHT LINES, YA'LL  "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Zack Hoyt Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 This is totally out of left field, but could it be setup for the left hand versus the right(I am assuming you are right handed). On most reels you can setup for left or right, and if somewhere along the way, someone swapped it over to the other hand, then tightening the drag wouldnt matter. Is there an affect on your reeling of the line in? I know this is kinda elementary, but worth a mention. Zack Hoyt OAF Contributor Flies, Lies, and Other Diversions
Bman Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 This is totally out of left field, but could it be setup for the left hand versus the right(I am assuming you are right handed). On most reels you can setup for left or right, and if somewhere along the way, someone swapped it over to the other hand, then tightening the drag wouldnt matter. Id thee an affect on your reeling of the line in? I know this is kinda elementary, but worth a mention. I agree, for a new reel a common mistake. The only good line is a tight line
esox niger Posted July 13, 2009 Posted July 13, 2009 ive had a number of low end reels that esentialy have no drag....despite an external adjuster...i was just pondering this today...but could be if your reel is cheap...the drag could be "nonexistant". id talk to someone in the shop or customer service. i just looked at your real on google shopping....at that price i dont think you get much in the way of drag. to step up...ive got a Lamson Konic....130$ same drag as their 400-600$ reels or you could go with the orvis barstock at 99$...otherwise be careful not to jerk any line off so as not to get a backlash and learn to palm that baby for drag...or finger that line ( get some fuzzy black gloves from the gas station for 2$ you can use the left one on the right hand when it evetualy wears out, you will love the feel of the line over the glove, its so so much better than stripping over your bare finger, I would hate to fish without my glove. it number one increases your ability to feel the strike and secondly it works very well as a drag....that can be an exciting way to fish...my original reel was the same as yours, i used it for 10 years...just learned to not to jerk line off, and to palm the reel. the glove is a new thing i would have fished my whole life if i had know the difference it made. try it Missouriflies.com Online Carp Fly Store
Gavin Posted July 13, 2009 Posted July 13, 2009 That could cost you a big fish someday. If that reel doesnt have enough drag to prevent a birds nest when you strip line. Return it and get something else. Cheers.
On The Fly 6 Posted July 14, 2009 Author Posted July 14, 2009 Thanks for the input fellas, I really appreciate it! I am right handed, but I reel left handed and I followed the instructions in the package to adjust it accordingly. It is a cheaper reel and I guess I got what I paid for! I can use it as a back-up and work with it whenever Im just out goofing off catching perch. I have a pair of gloves, but I normally use them in cold weather..but It would make sense to give them a try and adjust the way I pull my line out, I guess im just spoiled on the reel I have on my 3-4 wt rod! Thanks again for the feed back! "The difference between fly fishers and worm dunkers is the quality of their excuses." -Anonymous "I am not against golf, since I cannot but suspect it keeps armies of the unworthy from discovering trout." -by Paul O'Neil
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