I have 2 and they have worked great for me for 3 years. I only use them for crappies, but I have had catfish take my crappie minnows and the reels work great, no drag problems. I've iced 28" catfish with those reels. However, I lube all my reels once a month, I don't know if that makes a difference with the HT reels or not, but it can't hurt.
Inland Guide Service: Servicing NE Ohio lakes: Deer Creek, Atwood, Berlin, Dale Walborn, PLX, and Nimisila; for crappie, bluegill, saugeye, and walleye.
Team Wilcraft!
Pro Staff: IceFishOhio, JM Jigs, Eurotackle
Custom jigs available--pm for details