Bass Pulling Line Out (Smallmouth)

[Bass-A-Potamus]

Hey guys. Haven't fished in awhile but I went out today. I caught a few small mouths but I also lost a few. I noticed on a few battles that the fish were pull out my line. Is this normal? Is there something I can do better to land thefish? I use Abu Garcia Silver Max with 10lb Pline fluro. 5'10 med Jim Grandt rod.

[aqualkinbush]

If your worried about them taking line you can dial up your drag, but honestly it's no big deal better they pull line than you have your drag so high they snap it, unless your running on low line and your worried about getting spooled.

[papajoe222]

First off, welcome to the board.  Be sure to stop by the introduction forum a tell us a bit about yourself.  In answer to your question; It sounds like your drag is set a little too loose. Check it by pulling on the line directly in front of the reel.  If the reel dishes out line too easily, a simple adjustment may be all that's needed.   If the reel has been in storage for any length of time (talking a year or more), the drag washers may need replacing, although that is doubtfull.

[Bass-A-Potamus]

Thanks to all. Yea you guys are right. I had to adjust the drag when the fish were on.

[SirSnookalot]

If a fish is pulling out more line than it should for it's size, just tighten up the drag a bit as you've done.  I like my drag just tight enough for a good hookset, they can take out all the line they want after that, chances of getting spooled is pretty remote.  

[Comfortably Numb]

And never reel when the drag is pulling/clicking. You will get twist/tangles in your line that way.

[Crestliner2008]

Welcome to the forum! Best there is. Some good advice already given, but if you are really concerned about it, try back reeling, instead of relying on the drag. Extremely effective technique. I use to back reel all the time, but getting older now I enjoy listening to the whining of the drag being stripped off. Music to my ears.

[Christian M]

Welcome to the forum. If you are using spinning gear you can also palm the reel, I do this sometimes when I'm using light line and I want to control the amount of line that the fish takes. With experience you'll learn how you like your drag set.

[Bass-A-Potamus]

If a fish is pulling out more line than it should for it's size, just tighten up the drag a bit as you've done.  I like my drag just tight enough for a good hookset, they can take out all the line they want after that, chances of getting spooled is pretty remote.

So once you get a good hook set it is normal for the fish to pull out some line. If I tighten it too much I could snap the line especially since I'm using flurocarbon

[SirSnookalot]

So once you get a good hook set it is normal for the fish to pull out some line. If I tighten it too much I could snap the line especially since I'm using flurocarbon

Yes, the drag is what tires a fish out.  Some that use very heavy line do lock it down all the way and just crank them in fast, not my brand of fishing.