Broomsticks make the hauling easier. I use medium-light gear back when it was all about the fight. Now I need a broomstick rod to haul them in. My drag was tight as well but it holds at 12lbs. Going to have to switch to my heavy gear I guess. You should try light gear fishing.hahaha, my pole is literally unbendable which helped the top snapped a while ago. Also had the drag on tight and it almost ran off with everything
what areas do you fish?
I fish Long Island Sound usually inside the Westbrook (CT) breakwater since I got rid of my boat. I fish from the beach w/o a surf rod. I have a small 10' tender and a friend keeps telling me to take out his 16'. Maybe I will next summer.
Thank you everyone. BTW - he made a great meal!