A fishing reel’s drag tension should be set to release line when necessary to prevent breakage, but also to relieve pressure to avoid other mishaps, like a hook pulling out. Setting a drag is not an exact science. Individual preferences come into play. Consider these tips when adjusting a reel’s drag.
The bent-rod method
My preferred method is to set a drag based on the amount of bend I want in the rod when fighting a fish. Experienced anglers can often figure this out by pulling line off the reel’s spool and judging whether a drag’s tension is where they want it based on the resistance felt. Another option is letting out a few feet of line, closing the reel’s bail, and then pulling the line to load the rod. The drag should slowly and smoothly start releasing line once the rod loads up to where you want it.
For reference, the goal is for the rod to do the bulk of the work when playing a fish. A straining arm or a blank approaching a “rainbow” bend are signs the drag is too tight.
The scale method
Search online for how to set a fishing reel drag and you’ll likely come across the scale method. Those new to fishing may find this offers a good reference point for determining what drag setting works best for their angling style and preferred techniques.
Connect the line to the clip of a fishing scale. Next, use opposite hands to pull the rod combo away from the scale. Observe the weight displayed on the scale when the drag starts releasing line. The general consensus is that the scale should display around 20 to 30% of the line’s strength (e.g., two to three pounds when using 10-pound line). Take this recommendation with a grain of salt. When testing this method, I discovered some of my spinning reels had drags set at 10 to 15% for braided line and finesse presentations.
Locking down for power
When power-fishing and targeting big predators with heavy power casting rods, strong line, and stout hooks, many anglers prefer a tight, “locked-down” drag. The thinking here is limited line slippage ensures maximum power transfer at the hook-set, which helps quickly establish and maintain control during the fight to get the fish in fast. If an especially big, powerful fish is hooked, tension can be adjusted via the drag control knob. Some anglers, however, prefer putting the casting reel in free spool, and then using their thumb to control spool tension and how much line is released to the fish. This method takes practice.
Reel’s drag settings when trolling
Boat momentum and how aggressively fish are striking should be considered when setting drags for trolling. There should be enough spool tension to prevent a lure or a planer board from pulling line off the reel, but there also needs to be sufficient give to allow a striking fish to get a mouthful and for the hooks to stick. Trolling too fast with a tight drag risks yanking a lure away from a striking fish, despite the presence of razor-sharp hooks.
Originally published in the August 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
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