What is the best method of setting drag on reels? Appreciate any info.

Mount a scale to a sturdy surface and tie your line to it. Pull straight back on the rod & reel and set drag to 1/3 of line weight.

proffesional caster,

In my opinion it depends on the area you are fishing. If you are fishing in open water with nothing for the fish to rap around it is ok to set the drag where you can just pull line from the spool. If you are in thicker cover it is better to tighten your drag down so that a fish can't wrap you up and get off. I personally always keep my drag as tight as I can get it without using pliers. I feel that I get much better hook sets and if I need to I can give the fish line by disengaging my reel and letting the fish run while keeping pressure on the fish with my rod. There are several different opinions out there but this has worked very well for me and I seldom have a fish break my line and I fish with 12lb.-17lb. most of the time.

BigJon

by no means do I recommend this to anyone but I tighten my drag as tight as it will go. I fish using bass tackle for Red Fish Exceeding 10 lbs and they wear out my Drag Washers to quick using the 1/3 Rule. U use 12 and 15 lbs test and with the drag as tight as it will go the line will not break but of course that is my reel and each reel has a unique drag some tighter that others.

Muskie hunters now days are using 80-lb. test braided line and use a hammer to tighten their drag down. They "claim" it's for the sole purpose of getting the fish to the boat and released as quickly as possible.

As far as fishing for redfish with a drag tightened all the way down, to each their own. Get into the right redfish (20-lbs. plus) and you'll get back an empty line with no lure or a lure with straightened hooks.

Personally, I'll stick with my 20-lb. test monofilament, loosened drag (one-hand clinched can strip line), and take my chances that way. I've had clients land redfish larger than 20-lbs. with this method.

[This message has been edited by redfin (edited 07-12-2002).]

Red Fin I am not understanding you. First you say by tightening my drag completely all the way that I will get spooled. The you go off to say that you more or less use the 1/3 rule. I believe you refered to it as the 1 hand clinch style. We are both on the same page knowing how powerful a Red is. Why would you use a loose drag and take more of a chance getting spooled than a tighter drag? Also a rod has a lot to do with the drag as well. I use a 9' G-Loomis and being so long adds to the cusion.

I CANT SEEM TO FIND THE DRAG ON MY NEW CANE POLE.

Jason, I think what Redfin was saying is that if the drag is set too tight, you'll get back an empty line (meaning it broke off) or if not, the fish will straighten the hook and get away. All-in-all, I think you two guys agree (and I agree with you both).