When to Lower/Tighten your Drag: Hey guys, I've been fishing for about 5-6 years now. So this might be a pretty 'late' question to ask, as I've never fully been told if this is right...

FS Digest

Hey guys, I've been fishing for about 5-6 years now. So this might be a pretty 'late' question to ask, as I've never fully been told if this is right or not.

But from what I understand, when fighting a fish (especially a big one pulling drag), if the fish seems to be pulling drag way too much - in this situation you would want to tighten the drag right?

And you'd only loosen the drag if it's not pulling drag but rather creating tension on the line itself - where loosening would lower the chances of it snapping?

I just sorta want reassurance that I've got this right in my head haha

--
by storm85620error

sytheteacher Loc: Brooklyn N.Y.

I never make my drag too tight. What I do is thumb or cup the spool with my hand to prevent the fish and slow the fish down from spooling my reel of line.. But when this happens it is a great experience.. Best of luck to everyone and stay healthy, Sy..

Joecat Loc: Florida / Rhode Island

sytheteacher wrote:

I never make my drag too tight. What I do is thumb or cup the spool with my hand to prevent the fish and slow the fish down from spooling my reel of line.. But when this happens it is a great experience.. Best of luck to everyone and stay healthy, Sy..

The only way to actually do this right is to set your drag with a scale to 1/3 The lb test of the line (12 lb test = 4 lbs of drag) set the drag with a scale and a bend on the rod as if a fish was on

sytheteacher Loc: Brooklyn N.Y.

I like your method also.... But we both must agree that it is a great thrill when the fish starts his run and starts to spool the reel....

Joecat Loc: Florida / Rhode Island

sytheteacher wrote:

I like your method also.... But we both must agree that it is a great thrill when the fish starts his run and starts to spool the reel....

If the fish is large enough it will take drag that’s the purpose it can run till it can’t run no more reel it in

sytheteacher Loc: Brooklyn N.Y.

A number of times over the years I have been spooled by big fish and skates. It's all in a day of fishing..

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

I’ve learned by feel according to the test of the line and the pull of the fish against my standard setting. I believe strongly in letting the fish tire itself and not “horsing” it in as my daddy said. When we were fishing bass in lake michigan I hooked at 20lb king salmon with my 6ft light/med Philipson pole and ultralight shakespeare spinning reel with...8lb test. I was 24yrs old and my dad never once had to tell me how to fight it. The salmon spooled me down to the knot and I yelled for my dad to crank up the motor and get me some line back. Did that twice. I only had 100yds of 8 mono. Took me 30min to boat it.
Learn to fight the fish with your equipment and you will lose very few fish.

sytheteacher Loc: Brooklyn N.Y.

Ryp Hankins wrote:

I’ve learned by feel according to the test of the ... (show quote)

Now that must have been a great fishing experience.. And what makes it better is that you were with your dad.. Great fishing memories..

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

sytheteacher wrote:

Now that must have been a great fishing experience.. And what makes it better is that you were with your dad.. Great fishing memories..

Yes, sure was. Amen

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Set the drag before you cast. Once set, keep your hands off the spool, and drag. Any change defeats the purpose of the drag. With most fly rods, the drag is minimal and serves to prevent the reel from free spinning. Manual drag is expected to be applied when using many fly reels. Trying to adjust with a fish on is purely guess. The drag is not only resisting you but the fish as well. There is no way to measure the fishes pull. The scale thing to adjust your drag is good to learn just how much drag is really being applied. The truth be told, most people set things by feel. Be sure to check your drag regularly, especially with star drag. Many people change the drag without intention by pushing against the star while reeling or catching something on the star.

EdwardL Loc: Tenino Wa.

Ryp Hankins wrote:

I’ve learned by feel according to the test of the ... (show quote)

I feel like you on drag setting
But if you watch the fishing shows like
Bass Masters there is no playing in the fish I have seen them jerk the fish out of the water from one side of the boat to the other side. They just snatch them out of the water

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

EdwardL wrote:

I feel like you on drag setting
But if you watch the fishing shows like
Bass Masters there is no playing in the fish I have seen them jerk the fish out of the water from one side of the boat to the other side. They just snatch them out of the water

Couple differences, they dont want tangles and most times in a hurry. That’s ok, they need to. I dont.

Tyee Loc: Normal, Illinois

A fishing buddy of mine actually loosens the drag when he’s fighting a big fish, to reduce the possibility of breaking the line.

There are downsides to a looser drag, too. 1) the longer you play the fish, the more chances there are to lose it; and 2) when you have a prolonged battle with a big fish, it gets worn out and it’s harder to revive and release. I caught a 50”+ musky on 6# test, took over 30 minutes to land her, and 45 minutes to resuscitate her.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

EdwardL wrote:

I feel like you on drag setting
But if you watch the fishing shows like
Bass Masters there is no playing in the fish I have seen them jerk the fish out of the water from one side of the boat to the other side. They just snatch them out of the water

They also use very heavy line, know when the fishes swimming helps rather than resists the snatch, and move to the side of the boat to hand land bigger fish. There are no absolutes in fishing. Remember, when you are a pro, just one more cast can be the difference of $100,000+. Personally, I would rather feel the fight and appreciate the antics a fish will use to escape.

sytheteacher Loc: Brooklyn N.Y.

I was just thinking that we are all involved in such a great sport..