Bring it up in the downrigger as then you dont put strain on the rod by poping it off I have seen many a rod bust on guys popping it off on the downriggers.
Last year saw a client of CODFISH's do it and watched as the rod blew up.Got to give credit to Dave all he did was laugh good on you as i would have been pissed.
So the rountine I do is swival my downrigger back hit the switch on the down rigger reel in the rod just was doing this with a guide on here a couple weeks back and on the way up pop of the rigger and I got a nice bbq spring!!!!
So now its right beside me clip,line and brings up all eel grass,weeds etc give it a good couple of shakes and most of the time the weeds flick off, unclip then with the clip in hand I clip it onto the wire so its not dangling or if you run long clip leaders hang it over for resetting.
check the bait, roll etc usually because you did bring up all that weed and eel grass prior there will be none on the flasher and bait (usually), reclip as it right there handy now because you have elimanted steps prior re send down.
I can burn through gear in about 2 mins this way.
I laugh at people out there who take all that other time out there fiddle F#$$^** around and there gear is out of water for ten mins and they have trolled tru the best part with no gear down. OR even better when both guys in the boat check gear at the same time and troll 300 yds with no gear what so ever in the water and they are usually the ones back at the dock saying they didnt touch one fish.
Simple keep the gear in the water as long as possable and as check as fast as possable you will get better results.
As for the drag thats one of the things you have to "live with " there famous for that,I just found out the other day too that them reels are only warrantied for 2 years and thats it!!!WTF
Thats a alot of money for a reel of that calibre with a short warrenty!!! just my thought.
good luck Wolf
Blue Wolf Charters
www.bluewolfcharters.com