I got burned on a locked drag earlyer this year . I made 2 mistakes. 1st I was using 20lb and 2nd I had the drag locked because I am used to overpowering the fish. The fish hit the bait as soon as it hit the water and was ripping off line. I engaged swung and started to crank. the fish came twards me a little then turned. I couldnt stop it. I had too much line out to control it and it just went straight out away from me and snapped my line because I was sure I could turn it. I am still kicking myself for not loosening the drag. Now I fish with a little give in my drag and instead of loosening on a big fish, I keep it a little loose and botton it down if I know its not a real big fish.