question about setting drag

OK how do y'all set your drag I've heard to leave it loose so the fish runs with it and swallows it I've also heard to have it tight so the fish pulls and hooks him self I would appreciate any insight.

A good starting point is to put your rod in a rod holder, aim it almost straight up and start pulling line. Adjust the drag so the rod bends when line comes out.

If you're using braided line, you can really tighten down the drag and let the rod bend do it's job.

I know there's a general rule of thumb something like, adjust your drag to x% of the line lb test, I don't have that number off the top of my head, sorry. lol..

I use 25.# mainline and usually have the drags tightened all the way down using circle hooks.

Tug o war mono by team catfish and lock the drag down.

I have mine set to about 5lbs of drag. I can always tighten if necessary.

same here

If you are flathead fishing from the bank you want your drag loose so the fish feels no tension....or use a baitfeeser spinning reel that has a double drag setup

OK thanks for the info ill just leave them set with tension on them

A flathead will load up a rod and hook himself with circle hooks, just like blues will.

I have all my drags tightened all the way, like tom said. If the fish feels 20+ I'll back the drag off a little if I think I need to. Abu's will release drag with 30lb line, even when it's tightened all the way down.

Depends on the line weight you are using, I set the drag on mine to where I know it will pull drag before the line breaks.

Yea I've got 50lbs braided and abus

Not all the time....

Braid digs in...especially if you get hung up and try to pull it loose. I use the clicker with loose drag when fishing a bunch of rods at once, or night fishing. I would rather lose a fish than lose a rod...and you can always tighten down on them once you secure your rod in hand. My .02.

I have my drag set so that if a big one hits it can pull some drag till I get there. You can always tighten up during the fight. I don't want to break a rod or tear up any gear. Just my .

Yea I had it dig in bad yesterday when I hung up but there ain't much you can do

Carry a screwdriver with you and wrap the braid around it until you can pull with it throufh the rod eyes...that will help with the digging in when hung up.

I use both tight and loose drag. When I'm in the fight I adjust my drag loose when they get to my yak. They see the boat and go for a good run.

I just guesstamate it.

I set mine at 5 lb.! That way i don't have to worry about breaking anything!

I use 7-10 ft salt water rigs with clickers and live liner reels. My bait or strike drag is set by feel nice and light to let line out delending on wind conditions for the main drag I use my digital scale to get about 1/3 or 1/2 of the rated breaking strength of the line with the rod bent. I never fuss with the drag once a fish is on.

+1

A lot of it depends where and what im fishing for.

Big fish in timber I tend to have it heavy off the bat and will loosen as the fish gets closer to the boat.

Open water I will leave it light and tighten it accordingly. The lakes I fish I end up catching a lot of redfish also if you crank the drag you will break off a lot even with braid, maybe not all the time but have watched several people do it.

matt

First rule is to make sure your rod holder can support the drag setting.

I set my drag at 3 pounds and haven't had any problems setting circle hooks or needed to tighten the drag on a fish under 15 pounds.