Fly Reel Drags: Which Reel is Right For You?
By Son Tao, March 31, 2025
Selecting the right fly reel drag system is essential for maximizing your time on the water. Whether targeting trout on a quiet stream or battling powerful saltwater species, the drag system you choose can significantly impact your success and enjoyment. In this blog, we'll compare the three main types of fly reel drag systems: disc drag, cork drag, and click-and-pawl.
Disc Drag
How It Works: Disc drag systems use friction between discs made from materials like carbon fiber, Rulon, or Teflon to apply smooth, adjustable resistance.
Advantages:
- Incredibly smooth and consistent drag performance.
- Excellent heat dissipation and durability.
- Precise adjustments for different fishing conditions.
Ideal For:
- Saltwater anglers.
- Large species like salmon, tarpon, and steelhead.
- Anglers seeking modern reliability and control.
Popular Disc Drag Reels:
- Abel SDS - Ideal for all large saltwater or freshwater fish. 20+ pounds of braking power. Made in USA.
- Hatch Iconic - High performance reel with sizes for trout through large saltwater species. Made in USA.
- Nautilus CCF-X2 - Free spool to 15+ pounds of drag in 6 turns. Available in 4 sizes. Made in USA.
- Bauer SLT - Available in 3 sizes. Made in USA.
- Mako 9600/9700 - When you're going after the biggest of the salt. Made in USA.
Fishing Experience: Disc drag reels offer confidence and ease, giving anglers the control needed to handle long runs and hard-fighting fish.
Cork Drag
How It Works: Cork drag systems use a drag plate pressing against cork material to provide smooth and reliable line release.
Advantages:
- Smooth, strong drag with excellent stopping power.
- Low start-up inertia, preventing breakoffs.
- Often associated with high-end craftsmanship.
- Easy maintenance.
- Typically lower cost than disc drags.
Considerations:
- Needs occasional lubrication and maintenance.
- Ensure you rinse the reel after every saltwater outing.
- Do not dunk the reel during winter fishing.
Ideal For:
- Saltwater fishing.
- Pursuing large, powerful fish.
- Anglers that enjoy the old-school feel, sound, and performance.
Popular Cork Drag Reels:
- Tibor - Famous for bulletproof construction and smooth drag that can handle the largest of fish. Made in USA.
- Abel Rove - Ultra tough, ultra reliable. Made in numerous sizes for all fishing needs. Made in USA.
- Hardy Lightweight Reels - Timeless beauty and been around for 80+ years. Made in England and Korea.
- Islander - Reliable drag system that is perfect for fresh or salt. Made in Canada.
- Shilton SL - Powerful drag system. Made in 5 sizes. Very popular in the Seychelles. Made in South Africa.
Fishing Experience: A cork drag reel feels luxurious and powerful, designed for anglers who need both finesse and brute strength.
Click-and-Pawl (Click 'n Pawl)
How It Works: A simple spring-loaded pawl clicks over gear teeth to create light resistance, relying on angler skill for additional drag control. Also great for those that love the loud, clicking sound of a big fish taking line.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and minimalist.
- Traditional, hands-on fishing experience.
- Simple, durable mechanics with classic aesthetics.
Ideal For:
- Small to medium trout fishing.
- Pairing with traditional fiberglass or bamboo rods.
- Anglers who love simplicity and old-school feel.
Considerations:
- You must use your palm to slow larger fish.
- Not ideal for larger species.
- Typically lower cost vs disc or click 'n pawl drag systems.
Popular Click 'n Pawls
- Abel TR - Precision balanced clicker. Available in 3 sizes. Made in USA.
- Ross Colorado - Lightweight, large arbor. Available in 2 sizes. Made in USA.
- Orvis Battenkill Click - Extremely affordable. Available in 3 sizes. Imported.
- Hardy Marquis- A classic. Available in 5 sizes. Made in England.
Fishing Experience: Click-and-pawl reels amplify the excitement of each fish, making every catch feel personal and rewarding.
Conclusion
When comparing disc drag, cork drag, and click-and-pawl fly reels, it comes down to your fishing style and target species. Disc drag is versatile, powerful, and low-maintenance for big-game and saltwater adventures. Cork drag offers premium, buttery-smooth performance for heavy-duty challenges. Click-and-pawl provides a simple, traditional feel perfect for trout streams and anglers who enjoy classic gear. By understanding these systems, you can confidently choose a reel that matches your angling goals and elevates your time on the water.
