gettin that drag set

[basshuntin]

I know this has probably been mentioned before but what method do you guys use to get your drag set properly?

[elnutsmalljaws]

For me it is just strong enough to not slip during the initial hookset. If she is a monster (happens rarely to me) then I will loosen the drag even more the closer to the boat she gets. Smallies are notorious for that one last sprint to the bottom and I learned my lesson (many times) early on to not tighten as the fight goes on but loosen.

Tight Lines

[apb]

If you have a spring scale, you can use that to help set the drag. Set it for about 1/3 the breaking strength of the line. I'll check mine before I start fishing. Adjusting the drag during the fight is just asking for trouble. If it is set right in the first place, you are good to go. If you need a little more, on the hook set for example, your thumb on the reel will do the trick. I've seen guys with spinning reels do something similar by laying a few fingers over the spool.

Andrew

[DJD]

My method for mono line is to tug the line about 3-4 inches up from the spool. Experience tells me when it's right. I know many people say not too but it has rarely if ever failed me. For braid i go even less taught than mono since so much power is transfered to the lure, gotta be careful not to tear the hooks out or snap your rod if by chance your fishing with gorilla tackle and flipping heavy cover. When i fish crankbaits i keep it more loose than when fishing with jigs or soft plastics. Maybe my method seems cumbersome but it works great for me and becomes second nature. I check my drag on every reel prior to the first cast, after i catch a fish(check my line for stress and scrapes like this as well) and throughout the day, again it becomes second nature. Hope this helps, Good luck.