How do you set drag

[89MJ]

Is it set depending on the line strength you are using? I never really understood it and just ignored it. But since getting back into fishing I have been setting it and pulling on the line until it comes off with a decent pull.

[roadwarrior]

Set your drag at 25-30% of the breaking strength of the line as long as it is within the specifications of the rod. For example, with 12 lb test line you would set the drag at 3-4 lbs.

To measure the weight, put free weight in a plastic grocery bag and tie the bag to your line. GENTLY lift the bag off the ground and set your drag accordingly. This can also be done with a direct tie to a scale.

I think you will find that 3 lbs is about all you will want, depending on your rod and the stress you can see and feel.

8-)

[Matt 825]

I set my drag differently depending what type of bait and what type of cover I am fishing.

If I am fishing a Jig or something in heavy cover then I set it as tight as I can and if I hook into a monster I will press the button and thumb the spool instead of the drag.

For light line applications such as dropshotting I am usually using 4 or 6 # flurocarbon so I set my drag very loose and adjust it as I go. For spinning reels make sure you get a reel with a good drag if you are using light line. I love the Shimano Stradic reels for light line. They have a great reliable drag system.

[roadwarrior]

Well, let me just say that I have never been broken

off by a fish using the method I described to set your drag.

Precisely measuring the setting will prevent rod damage,

too. I see no reason to adjust your drag for changing conditions.

25-30% is the range, regardless of the challenge you face.

8-)

[tyrius.]

I agree with RW's method and use it.  The only reason to change the drag is when you change the line size or type.

[Matt 825]

But what do you do when your buddy loosens or tightens your drag when you are taking off a big fish because you are catching all the fish and he isnt?  Then on your next bite he has a big goofy grin on his face as you are scambling to fix it.  ( we have a buddy who is notorious for loosening all our drags before each trip, he thinks its hilarious)    lol    :-?

I like your method Roadwarrior, I'd guess mine is set on about 1 pound for 4Ib test.  I"ll check this week.  

[tyrius.]

But what do you do when your buddy loosens or tightens your drag when you are taking off a big fish because you are catching all the fish and he isnt?

I'd dump him in the water and leave him there. Or cut all the line off his spool.  Maybe toss his tacklebag in the lake.

If he's purposefully messing up my chances of catching fish, then he isn't much of a friend.  And I'd end up with telling him to grow the F up and quite being such a baby.

[roadwarrior]

Once your drag is set properly on a paticular rig, you can

pull line and get a "feel" for where it should be. I only use

a precise measure on new set ups or occasionally, just for

fun! I think the biggest surprise for most people is that their

setting isn't as high as it should be. 3-4 lbs puts a lot of

pressure on most rods.

BTW,

If you are doing the math, use "actual breaking strength".

For example Hybrid #6 is 11.9 or 12 lbs rounded. My spinning

tackle is set at 3 lbs.

8-)

[Raul]

Well, let me just say that I have never been broken

off by a fish using the method I described to set your drag.

Precisely measuring the setting will prevent rod damage,

too. I see no reason to adjust your drag for changing conditions.

25-30% is the range, regardless of the challenge you face.

8-)

I have to agree with the sheriff here, I 've  been fishing for more than three and a half decades, never lost a fish due to line breakeage even when I fish them tuff submerged mesquite trees and huizache brush.

[crankbait2009]

But what do you do when your buddy loosens or tightens your drag when you are taking off a big fish because you are catching all the fish and he isnt?

I'd dump him in the water and leave him there. Or cut all the line off his spool. Maybe toss his tacklebag in the lake.

If he's purposefully messing up my chances of catching fish, then he isn't much of a friend. And I'd end up with telling him to grow the F up and quite being such a baby.

;D, i was rolling after reading that!!!  that was some funny crap right there!!!!!  that would definitley be the last time he goes fishing with me!!   >

[.RM.]

I personally have always used the 1/3rd rule, much like RW.

But what do you do when your buddy loosens or tightens your drag when you are taking off a big fish because you are catching all the fish and he isnt?

He's not a buddy, kick him over board and leave his smart arse floating....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!

[Grey Wolf]

But what do you do when your buddy loosens or tightens your drag when you are taking off a big fish because you are catching all the fish and he isnt? Then on your next bite he has a big goofy grin on his face as you are scambling to fix it. ( we have a buddy who is notorious for loosening all our drags before each trip, he thinks its hilarious) lol :-?

I like your method Roadwarrior, I'd guess mine is set on about 1 pound for 4Ib test. I"ll check this week.

Can you whip his *** ?

[Raul]

Can you whip his *** ?

I don 't see no reason why you can 't ...... well, in case he ain 't bigger than you.

[adclem]

Good info, Thanks RW

Later,

[89MJ]

Thanks Everyone. I will use RW's method in the future. Is a little more accurate than what I have been doing.