Just wondering how most folks set the drag on thier spinning reels. I’ve always just pulled line off the reel and adjusted the drag till it “felt right”. This has always worked pretty well for me. Anyone do it different. Always willing to learn a new trick or two.
Depends on…
Capability of the reel to retain a smooth drag at higher settings
The power/strength of the rod
line/leader strength
hook strength
If you fishing heavy structure and need to turn a fish quickly
and the type of fish
…After contemplating all that I pull off some line and adjust 'til it feels right too.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Hairball points out that there are many many factors. The older spinning reels had very little forgiveness in messing with he drag setting. One turn on the drag went from no drag to full drag. Most drags can be adjusted while a fish is “on” now-a-days. The fact that you pull the line before you start fishing is probably the best thing to remember.
My method (unless I am fishing next to piles or oysters) is to set the drag only tight enough to set the hook and then dial the drag tighter based on what hind of fish I have hooked. Light drag for smaller fish and more drag for fish with more pull. This is just MY method. All of my spinning reels have very fine drag adjustability. That’s why I buy them.
I forgot to mention one of the smoothest and bar none fastest adjusting drag that everyone has…your hand. When I have a fish charging structure I place my reeling hand under the spool and apply pressure with my fingers. This is often called “cupping”.
Just last week I had a nice 23" black drum at the boat when it got angry and charged back to the jetty 50 feet away. I run a pretty tight drag with 30# PP at that spot, but if I didn’t lock down the spool with my hand the drum would have easily been in the rocks.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”