My dad and I have had this conversation for a while now. He's a big proponent of putting his thumb on the spool during a hookset. I've tried to a minimal degree to attempt it, but when I feel that bite, I usually forget and set the hook without my thumb on the spool, thus relying purely on the reel's drag for resistance during a hookset. I'd like to see what the verdict is from the TFF, thumb on spool during hookset or not.

Hooksets single choice

Thumb on Spool (14%, 17 Votes)

Thumb Not on Spool (86%, 106 Votes)

Total Votes: 123 Voting on this poll ends: 03/11/17 02:58 AM

Sorry dad, no spool for me.

I developed that nasty habit fishing the Carolina rig. It causes me to break off. I had to unlearn it.

I dont clamp down on the spool. But my bad habit is probably just as bad. I always hold the rod with my left hand on the foregrip (in front of the reel). When I get a hit, I clamp down on the line with my lef thumb onto the foregrip.

Learned awhile back not to do this with braid.

No. My drag is cranked down tight.

the drag system is there for a reason

X2

What Ted said. With a thumb release button spool you'll only do it once. Dont ask. LOL.

Sounds like a good way to risk breaking off with a big fish. If you're using strong enough line not to worry about breaking off if they pull the wrong way right as you set then your drag should be up high enough that you don't need your thumb on it. If you're using light line and have your drag set low, it's set low for a reason and you want it to be able to pull out if there's enough resistance.

yeah right after you get that hit where when you think your drag is tight enough and when you set the hook the big girl pulls it out and gets off. then it becomes thumb time for a while.

One may be in need of better reels then.

only on braid, and that's just for comfort. no other time will I put my thumb on the spool, that's just asking for a heartbreak. the drag should be set correctly and you wont have any issues. a lot of times I turn the drag looser if its a larger fish and I have room to play with them. then, tighten it back to where I like it before the next cast.

Usually not. However, if I back the drag off on a technique, I may manually control the spool. It is rare for me!

Drag is adjustable. Can't see why you'd ever put your thumb on the spool for a hookset.

This thread is as painful as the youtube threads. Can he get a special icon?