Question for Real Reel Experts! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

addicted2sp33d · 09-05-2012, 10:30 AM

I recently inherited a Shimano Corvalus 301 (Lefty).

I really like the low profile size, but I noticed on the spec sheet that the drag maxes out at a weaksauce 11 lbs.

What are some ways that I can increase this max drag? Can I just add some drag discs, or is that max drag limited by something else?

In case anyone is wondering, the reel is very smooth, with very little play, and even though it is the lowest rung in the Shimano Round Baitcaster lineup, it's actually a very nice reel. It even has Levelwind and Shimano's VBS, in addition to static drag adjustments. On this particular model, the Levelwind mechanism disengages on the cast.

oneyedeer · 09-05-2012, 10:48 AM

what you be trying to fish? remember drag should be 33% or even 25% of your line weight depending on type of line and rod you using

carbontex drags is a start if you want an upgrade

mtnbykr2 · 09-05-2012, 11:12 AM

I have had a few of these, they seem to be a pretty bullet proof reel,
unless you have a yard sale, which is what happened to mine, but sent them in to Shimano and they fixed them, one was bad enough I guess they sent me
a new one...beef up the drag and you are set....

skrilla · 09-05-2012, 11:33 AM

11# is plenty for a baitcaster.

I've had 2 of these reels that were upgraded to custom cut HT-100's (before Carbontex sets were available). They were great bassin' reels using 12-15# test. Never needed anymore drag even when hung up in the thick stuff.

seriola_killer · 09-05-2012, 12:07 PM

It's perfect for fishing the Calico's and Spotties, and even Halibut. If you are after YT and WSB, you may need to consider a different reel.

lowprofile · 09-05-2012, 02:25 PM

anything more will probably damage the reel. the "max drag" isn't always what it will be set to when buttoned down. i know i can lock down my calcutta 200GTB but the max drag is only like 9lbs. the max is the most a reel can be set and properly function.

besides, 11lbs is a 30lb line reel. load it up with braid and put a 25lb floro leader on it.

bus kid · 09-05-2012, 06:41 PM

Easy drag upgrade Get a revo inshore!

Carbontex and some cals grease will help you a lot.

Biggameaddict · 09-05-2012, 09:22 PM

Watch out! Anymore than 11 pounds on that reel and the brass gears will strip. I do reel repair and have good prices. Youll see me on craigslist im arts reel repair.

T-Rex · 09-06-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowprofile

anything more will probably damage the reel. the "max drag" isn't always what it will be set to when buttoned down. i know i can lock down my calcutta 200GTB but the max drag is only like 9lbs. the max is the most a reel can be set and properly function.

besides, 11lbs is a 30lb line reel. load it up with braid and put a 25lb floro leader on it.

Ditto. Maybe I've just got a bad one, but I've got a Corvalus that I've found to be pretty unreliable. I'm always having to remove the side plate to get the clutch plate to engage properly. With all the plastic and stamped parts, I wouldn't consider using it for anything more than a bass or halibut reel. The reel's not designed for big fish at higher drag settings.

lowprofile · 09-06-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Rex

Ditto. Maybe I've just got a bad one, but I've got a Corvalus that I've found to be pretty unreliable. I'm always having to remove the side plate to get the clutch plate to engage properly. With all the plastic and stamped parts, I wouldn't consider using it for anything more than a bass or halibut reel. The reel's not designed for big fish at higher drag settings.

same with my calcutta 200B. i wont be using shimano anymore. they just don't last and the drags suck.

bus kid · 09-06-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowprofile

same with my calcutta 200B. i wont be using shimano anymore. they just don't last and the drags suck.

Daiwa and Abu have never let me down.

MarkT · 09-06-2012, 02:33 PM

Drags are rated in the max pounds of pressure they can put on the line, not the line they're rated for. Usually you set the drag to 1/4 - 1/3 the breaking strengthtof the line so 11# of drag could fish up to 30# line. I wouldn't use a Corvalus for fishing 30# line... maybe 20# max.

I love my old Calcutta 250's with 12# line. I put greased Carbontex drags in (no Craptanium washers in them) and have no issues.

09-05-2012, 10:30 AM	#1
addicted2sp33d Here fishy fishy fishy... Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 774	Question for Real Reel Experts! I recently inherited a Shimano Corvalus 301 (Lefty). I really like the low profile size, but I noticed on the spec sheet that the drag maxes out at a weaksauce 11 lbs. What are some ways that I can increase this max drag? Can I just add some drag discs, or is that max drag limited by something else? In case anyone is wondering, the reel is very smooth, with very little play, and even though it is the lowest rung in the Shimano Round Baitcaster lineup, it's actually a very nice reel. It even has Levelwind and Shimano's VBS, in addition to static drag adjustments. On this particular model, the Levelwind mechanism disengages on the cast.

09-05-2012, 11:12 AM	#3
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	I have had a few of these, they seem to be a pretty bullet proof reel, unless you have a yard sale, which is what happened to mine, but sent them in to Shimano and they fixed them, one was bad enough I guess they sent me a new one...beef up the drag and you are set.... __________________

09-05-2012, 11:33 AM	#4
skrilla Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 664	11# is plenty for a baitcaster. I've had 2 of these reels that were upgraded to custom cut HT-100's (before Carbontex sets were available). They were great bassin' reels using 12-15# test. Never needed anymore drag even when hung up in the thick stuff. __________________ Urban Camo Trident 13

09-05-2012, 12:07 PM	#5
seriola_killer Sled Peddler Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bonita, Ca. Posts: 236	It's perfect for fishing the Calico's and Spotties, and even Halibut. If you are after YT and WSB, you may need to consider a different reel. __________________ Jerry Moore Need a car or truck to yaul your yak? Ring me up. (619)988-3325

09-05-2012, 02:25 PM	#6
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	anything more will probably damage the reel. the "max drag" isn't always what it will be set to when buttoned down. i know i can lock down my calcutta 200GTB but the max drag is only like 9lbs. the max is the most a reel can be set and properly function. besides, 11lbs is a 30lb line reel. load it up with braid and put a 25lb floro leader on it. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

09-05-2012, 10:48 AM	#2
oneyedeer Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orange County, ca Posts: 684	what you be trying to fish? remember drag should be 33% or even 25% of your line weight depending on type of line and rod you using carbontex drags is a start if you want an upgrade

09-05-2012, 06:41 PM	#7
bus kid Team Keine Zugehörigkeit Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Way out there Posts: 2,854	Easy drag upgrade Get a revo inshore! Carbontex and some cals grease will help you a lot. __________________ Não alimente os trolls------------Don't feed the trolls---------------インタネット荒らしを無視しろ

09-05-2012, 09:22 PM	#8
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	Watch out! Anymore than 11 pounds on that reel and the brass gears will strip. I do reel repair and have good prices. Youll see me on craigslist im arts reel repair.

09-06-2012, 02:33 PM	#12
MarkT Deep Release Specialist Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 94	Drags are rated in the max pounds of pressure they can put on the line, not the line they're rated for. Usually you set the drag to 1/4 - 1/3 the breaking strengthtof the line so 11# of drag could fish up to 30# line. I wouldn't use a Corvalus for fishing 30# line... maybe 20# max. I love my old Calcutta 250's with 12# line. I put greased Carbontex drags in (no Craptanium washers in them) and have no issues.