Drag

[Five O'Clock]

How does one figure out how to set their drag?

Obviously it depends on the fish you are gunning for, just looking for some info, even a website will do.

Thanks.

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Drag

Not how to set it on the reel, but how much to set it on the reel.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Drag

general rule of thumb for offshore and nearshore fishing is 1/3 your line weight. so if you have 25 lb test, set the drag for around 7 or 8 lbs. this is done by tying to a scale and pulling like you're fighting a fish. you want to be precise.

for my lighter tackle (spinning reels) i usually just set my drag by feel, which is usually set where i can grab my line by hand and really pull hard to just get the line coming off. i usually tighten up a little once i have a fish.

if you use J hooks, your drag will need to be a bit tighter to allow for the hook set. i use circle hooks (as everyone should), so the fish sets the hook itself and then if he peels drag, i tighten it a bit.