Thread: Adjusting Drag

If you want to be precise, have a friend hold a spring scale. Tie a loop in the end of the line, hook it to the scale, and back off about 30'. With the drag screwed down tight, bend the rod like you're fighting a fish. Adjust the drag so that it starts slipping when you've got a typical "fish fighting" bend in the rod.

The rule of thumb I've always used is set it a 20-30% of the breaking strain of the line. So, if you're using 6# line, you'd set the drag to slip at around 2#. For 2# line, you'd have to set it pretty light.

What line are you using?

Originally Posted by Quailtail

With the 2lb and less line, how do you first set your drag? I spooled up a reel yesterday and broke the line three times just trying to tie it on the spool. This is my first experience with this light line. I am use to 4 and 6lb test.

What disco said. When I went totally to UL angling it was a very frustrating few weeks getting used to 2# test line. I learned to fish it catching white bass. I broke off a ton of fish....but eventually got it down. Looking back on it white bass are a pretty good fish to learn UL angling skills.

Regards


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Are you sure the line is good. Shouldn't break spooling up - especially if you have experience with 4lb test.
I set my drag kind of heavy - do most of the fighting with the rod.

if I went to 2 lb I wouldn't ever ketch a fish short of a minnow …..just saying

The advice above sounds good. I back reel, which is manually giving line by turning the reel in reverse, so I don't set the drag precisely. I don't back reel because I think it is better in general, just because I use reels at the lower end of the cost spectrum that don't have smooth enough drag systems for reliable operation with 2 lb. line. If you have a nice reel the drag should work fine once you get it set right.

4# for me, anything less is more trouble than fun, my 2Cents

I remember watching Jerry McKinnis back reel - a true master - REELY miss his show. I tried but could never master the art.
Probably wouldn't catch half the fish, I stumble across, if it weren't for 2lb test. The 2lb test line I use is not certified.

Originally Posted by LedHed

I remember watching Jerry McKinnis back reel - a true master - REELY miss his show. I tried but could never master the art.
Probably wouldn't catch half the fish, I stumble across, if it weren't for 2lb test. The 2lb test line I use is not certified.

I’m no good at back reeling either. Using 2# test line will increase catch rate....no doubt about it.....no matter the specie of fish.

Regards


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app