setting drags

[eliteftlaud]

i'm trying to figure out where i need to set the drags on my reels vs line strength. all i've ever done is made sure that i could pull line without breaking it, i'm getting a little more serious now, so i want to do everthing correctly.

thanks for the input

[Capt Rick Hiott]

It should be set at 1/3 of the breaking strength of the line with a weight scale.

[pmagrady]

Yep, 1/4 up to 1/3 of the line's "test", unless you use braid. Braid's breaking strength is usually higher than mono for most applications. For instance I use 80lb test braid for bottom fishing, but my reel will not give me 26lbs (1/3) of drag. I set that drag for 20lbs.

[eliteftlaud]

so you would set your maximum full lock up to 1/3 or just where you leave it set while under troll?

in other words, lets say your concerned about being spooled, would 1/3 of line test still be the most, or would you leave some drag available to go up to 1/2 or 2/3 breaking strength?

Edited April 6, 2010 by eliteftlaud

[LuckyLady]

1/3 rd at normal strike setting leaves more drag at full, probably about 2/3 rds of line strength.

quote name='eliteftlaud' date='05 April 2010 - 07:36 PM' timestamp='1270514212' post='32416']

so you would set your maximum full lock up to 1/3 or just where you leave it set while under troll?

in other words, lets say your concerned about being spooled, would 1/3 of line test still be the most, or would you leave some drag available to go up to 1/2 or 2/3 breaking strength?

[Capt Rick Hiott]

Remember guys,,,as the size of the spool decreases, the drag increases.....