I had some stainless helical spring stock the same diameter, slightly thicker wire, and made a spring for an M-77W that was enough for salmon.
A click pawl check is intended to be an overspeed check to prevent spool backlash. You're going to have to use your skill to thumb brake on the face plate or inside the spool against the line.
I always show this (as one of Many) example(s) of putting the rod across your chest, which places the reel in the correct position for thumb brakes.
big fish on click pawl is its own reward (1930 Medalist)