FS Digest

Trying to get into bass fishing and wondering what to set my drag at.

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by purifiedwater34

FS Digest

On your reel, it’s usually pretty obvious where it is

That’s a sarcastic joke btw, before any pros start ripping on me for offering bad advice(jokes)

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by rjand13

FS Digest

But do you have an answer? Just trying to catch some fish.

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by purifiedwater34

FS Digest

No sorry bro I just do bad jokes, generally set your drag to the size of the fish your targeting and the breaking strain of your line. I set my drag pretty light as you can always tighten it slightly after the strike

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by rjand13

FS Digest

I set my drag to about half the poundage of my test. Or my best guess anyways

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by mstar2356

FS Digest

I always set mine to where you can just pull it out by hand.

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by Psychoticdell81

FS Digest

Get a spring loaded scale and use that to set your drag. Start with 1/4th of your line strength and go from there. I tie it own at the end of the rod to test the drag. If you are fishing a frog, set it as tight as you can to help set the hook.

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by nobodyhelp69

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

I do like the idea of tying a "known weight" to the end of the line, but; I usually just "ballpark it", by pulling on the line/ one hand, while adjusting the drag/ the other... I usually keep it pretty snug, no matter what I'm trying to catch.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Remember too tight and they could break off - all depending on your line. I usually have mine set so I can still pull it out but moderate tension. I use 20# Power Pro V2 braid for the bass, wipers, stripers and 60# for the muskies so not much stretch on the line. Just my set up.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

For bass fishin , you want it tight enough so as not to have line come off when you set the hook really hard, but loose enough for line to come off when fightin the fish so as not to break the line.
If you can pull it off the reel with your hand but it won't slip when you set the hook then it is set pretty well.
Remember, you can always adjust it as needed. When first fightin the fish, you need it tight enough to gain line when you turn the handle. If line is goin out DON'T try to reel the line in. You will put a twist in your line. Either tighten your drag ,OR wait till it stops pullin so hard, to reel. Also, when you get the fish to the boat make sure the drag is loose enough for the fish to take line out if it makes a hard run from the boat. Especially big fish. That is usually when people lose fish. Their drag is set for getting the fish to the boat but can't handle the added pressure of a hard run on short line when the fish gets to/sees the boat. If the drag isn't loose enough when the fish gets to the boat loosen it a little so line comes off easily and the fish doesn't pull the hook or break your line. This happens ALL the time to people who have their drag set too tight when the fish gets to the boat, or shore if shore fishin.
Hope this helps. Good luck, and tight lines.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Well put there Saw. Explained nicely.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Thanks guy. I hope it helps and is easy enough to understand.
I hate it when somebody tries to explain something to me and all it does is confuse me more.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Thats is what happens with my wife when I tell her anything. Just simple things - she has to open her mouth instead of her ears😂😂🙃🙃😂. Ouch

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Well, I say the reason God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth is because we are suppose to listen twice as much as talk. Just Sayin.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Exactly what I tell her all the time when she yaks before I hardly get a word out- and I have the bruises to prove it🤪😜