sticky drag on reel

[jmg]

I have a Gander Mtn. ice fishing spinning reel which was part of a combo my wife got me for Christmas a few yrs. ago. The reel is nice and smooth to crank, but has had an issue with a sticking drag since it was new. It acts as though the drag is set to max and I have to manually pull line out or turn the spool to get it to work properly. Once that is done, the drag is as smooth as silk, so to speak, until the handle isn't turned again for a little bit. Then it sticks again. Very aggravating, since I broke the line twice while battling fish, due to this "malfunction". Have re-lubed it a couple of times, but didn't do any good. Any ideas? Hate to get rid of it, since I know she paid quite a bit for it and I didn't take it back because I have been accused of taking back too many outdoor things she's bought me.

[BoxMN]

I also have a gander reel (tourney gsx or somoething) that is similar. I don't think the little spring thing in the spool itself is working right. I added a small washer there, to sort of work like a thing "bearing" and now it is working fine. I didn't try the other spool yet to see if that one is doing to as well.

Good luck.