The drags on those little Zebco rods are actually pretty good (get the ones with the dial drag, not the star drag). Your arms take some of the bend out of the rod and prevent you from putting to much pressure on the fish.

I have taken many a silver, up to 10 pounds, on them, one small king, and a few humpies. The key is to load up on the power pro, and to be prepared to chase big fish. Fights are about the same duration as with a normal rod, just different. The looks you get are priceless!

I am still trying for a steelhead and a chum, but that should be taken care of this fall.