Each one of us have different rod & reels. Each one of us use different kinds of line. Each one of us are different.
I'm hoping to start a good discussion on "How To Set Your Drag".
Is there a proper way to set the drag on your favorite reel? Or is it just by chance? Or is there a scientific way to set the drag properly?
What all comes into play when setting your drag?
Line weight?
Rod type or length?
Fishing Brush piles or open water?
I would like to hear some discussion about this and I'm sure many others would too!

What size line I am using is what I mainly go by. I just set it so that it is fairly easy to pull out without much force on 10 lb test. If I am fishing in tight brush I may tighten it up some to avoid the fish wrapping me up. On other fish such as bass, striper or catfish I set the drag a lot tighter. Just so that you can pull it out. Of course I am using heavier line also.

I think the 'proper' way to set your drag, is to hook your line to a set of scales and pull your rod up at a 45 degree angle, then pull the line and set the drag until the scales read slightly less then the pound test you have. But who really has time or the partner to help with all that?

Usually, I just do what Cliff suggested.

I tend to set mine by feel, just pulling straight off the reel, and adjust it accordingly depending on what rod it's on, what hook I've got, etc. Rarely get my line broken unless it's a weak spot that I ignored.

I saw in another post you use 20lb power pro. I bet you use a pair of pliers.

Depends on the rod...The heavier the rod the tighter the drag.

Drags get tight or stuck after thay sit for a few hours.And really tight or stuck after a week or more of not being used. You can set a drag loose and leave it for a week and try to pull the line out and the drag will be really be tight or stuck.Go out in the gaurage and try one thats been sitting for a week.Point is you should always slip the drag at the first of every fishing trip and every couple of hours after depending upon the quality of the drag.
I like to slip a drag on a spin cast by just simply turning the spool with my fingers.On a bait cast I hold my thumb on the spool and spin the crank handle.On a closed face you have to pull the line it self to slip the drag.After Slipping The Drag Is The Time To Set The Drag Not Before.Setting the drag is done by feel.Go out in the yard and hook up with some tree limbs, fence, car or anything else.Tug on your rod keeping the rod handle at 40 to 50 degs to the line no matter if your holding your pole to the right, left or straight up and down. Set the drag getting it as tight as you like without breaking the line or rod.Your arms can and should become part of your drag system also.By letting your arms extend forward on hard fast pulls of the fish or pulling your arms towards you if the fish turns toward you in order to keep the line tight. Reeling all the time keeping the rod at 40 to 50 deg. Also where the drag is located and which way to turn the drag for tighter or looser adjustment should be second nature to you. I hope this makes some sense.Just my opinion.

2nd what Cliff said!!!! Always works for me!!!!

Set the drag? I just put mine on the tightest setting and hold on for dear life.

+1

guy, joe is looking for you.
george

I think I am saying the same as a couple of you but i pull the line off the rod to set the drag not the reel because it adds extra tension depending on how stiff the rod is.