Rods :re line class

[Bushbasher]

Does the "line class" printed on a rod signify the heaviest line the rod is rated for or the heaviest drag weight it can handle?
For example , I have a beach rod rated at 6-8kg ,so does that mean I should only be using 8kg line max(hence only 2.5-3kg drag pressure) or does that mean I shouldn't put more than 8kg of pressure on the rod via the drag if I use a heavier line?

Hope this isn't a silly question,lol

Cheers
Bushbasher

[mackmauler]

Usually it means line class, however there is variation, the american ones are normally way to flimsy to fish the line class they are rated for, A very good quality game rod rated 6-8kg can often fish up to 15kg line at the normal 1/3 preset, your on the right track, get some scales and test your gear, its the only way to know for sure, start off at a kilo or 2 that should be about right.

Cheers

[Lucky-Phill]

The numbers on the rod are for line class. 6 - 8kg line.

Drag pressure depends on you.

You'll get to know the limits of the rod, reel and line soon enough.

I have a TLD15 loaded with 50lb braid on a 8kg rod.

So realistically it's a 15kg reel with 22kg line ( drag set at around 10kg ), on a rod with a light tip but strong butt area. I have used this for quite some time and am well versed in it's capabilities.

If in any way you are unsure of the capabilities of the rod, reel or line, stick to what the manufacturer says.

Having said that, I have a 6kg spinner with 3kg line on. DOH ! go figure ! Not so bad as I will be using it for speedy fish, but using the light line means more hook ups and the slightly heavier reel, means it'll take more beating from fast runs etc.

One thing I have learned about fishing, is that " you'll never stop learning". ;D ;) ??? ;D

[Bushbasher]

Thanks guys , I guess I'm on the right track then .
As I don't have any fish scalesI've been setting my drags by weighing buckets ,on some digital bathroom scales, filled with water to about 1/3 line class for my various rigs then hooking the line to the bucket and lifting the bucket with the rod then tightening up the drag till the drag just creeps under the load. Maybe not as accurate as other methods but it seems pretty close to the mark.

Mackmauler, you mention that the yank rods tend to be over rated (re class) ,I've just invested a good hunk of change on an Okuma T50L then spooled it with Penn 10X 50lb mono and have bought a 15-24kg Penn Mariner Plus to put it on; so the question is - have I bought a rod that is going to be too flimsy for the 50lb line with the drag now set at 8kg?

[mackmauler]

No, but it wouldn't be able to cope with a lot more either, and thats not a good thing imo.

Cheers