Drag setting question

GotHooked · #1 07-31-2009, 03:36 PM

Okay, before everyone starts screaming at me to do a search, I've already done that and just have one question that didn't seem to be answered on any of the threads I read. This is what I know (which ain't much): generally you set the drag to about 1/4 the breaking strength of the line (maybe as much as 1/3); it's best to use a hand scale when measuring this; and I should loosen up the drag after each trip to reduce premature wear on the mechanisms. This is what I don't know and my whole reason for this post: Where do I measure the drag from? Do I do it directly in front of the reel or do I measure it from the tip of the rod. I know this may sound trivial and insignificant, but I'm a friggin' perfectionist and there is definitely a difference in between those two spots. If this was mentioned in another thread somewhere, I apologize and someone please direct me to where it is. Thanks for all the help so far guys! Been a heck of a season so far.

Tight lines

GotHooked

JakeF · #2 07-31-2009, 04:02 PM

You want to measure the tension as it would be if you were fighting a fish. The friction on the guides adds to the tension much more than you would think, that's why you do not want to measure it right at the reel. I hook my scale on the bumper of my truck, hook the scale with a plug (you could use a snap swivel, or a bait hook if that's your preference), and get in the fish fighting position, rod at about 2 o'clock. Slowly tighten down on the drag until it just starts to slip at the desired poundage on the scale.

GotHooked · #3 07-31-2009, 08:18 PM

Thanks for the info Jake!!!

jerseystriper · #4 08-01-2009, 07:12 PM

I measure drag in a similar way.

I do always wonder how much drag is to much though.
Is this to much drag?

Can you guess who this is, Jim and Zim should know the 2nd one

rambov · #5 08-01-2009, 08:21 PM

I know the second one. That's Oscar. The first one now I'm not too sure about.

On topic I do play with my drag a lot. I usually keep it a little loose it when I'm dead sticking. Especially at night because I want to hear when I get a hit.

GotHooked · #6 08-01-2009, 08:40 PM

I'm using a baitrunner reel, so if I deadstick I flick the switch and use the baitrunner drag setting. I got sick of playing with the drag constantly and I saw way too many people break off when doing that. And Jersey... that's a little too much drag IMHO.

jerseystriper · #7 08-02-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambov

I know the second one. That's Oscar. The first one now I'm not too sure about.

On topic I do play with my drag a lot. I usually keep it a little loose it when I'm dead sticking. Especially at night because I want to hear when I get a hit.

Right on that is Oscar. The first one is Rudy Guilliani (sp?)

I try not to touch my drag when fishing, when using my Abu I just set the clicker and I'm good to go. I do like to loosen it when not in use, well atleast when I remember. To set it I usually use a spring scale or will even use some weights I have-either plates or dumbells.

rambov · #8 08-02-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseystriper

Right on that is Oscar. The first one is Rudy Guilliani (sp?)

I try not to touch my drag when fishing, when using my Abu I just set the clicker and I'm good to go. I do like to loosen it when not in use, well atleast when I remember. To set it I usually use a spring scale or will even use some weights I have-either plates or dumbells.

Oh Oscar.....This one cost him...

I lost a big boy and almost my rod and reel in the canal due to not setting my drag. Went to truck get a cooler.....

zimno1 · #9 08-02-2009, 02:48 PM

we know who it is..