Cumberland, stripers-bass

[aceoky]

that rod tip went south big time...next thing I know...POP!

We've pretty much "all been there" at least once, but I have to wonder IF just perhaps we just might have our drags a bit too tight for really big fish? To me it's far easier to tighten a too loose drag with a big fish on than to try to loosen it while the line is breaking...

I have been using a loosened drag; and believe especially on the big fish it "is the way to go" (unless in heavy snag infested areas etc.)

Thoughts?

[fishincreek]

I'll second the drag thing, but that still won't make MHall feel any better. Hate to kick a fella when he's down(but doesn't mean I still won't give it a try!)

[aceoky]

I was in No way trying to "kick anyone" while down or otherwise, just something I'd spent some time "pondering upon", and thought it best to share, to be taken lightly (or not at all) or at least considered a bit.
I do think by sharing what we've learned (or what we think we may have learned) we aid each other in something we all love to do!

I apologize IF it seemed I was in fact doing so.

I know it's tough losing any fish , a really big fish so much more so; and if by some chance the drag idea helps anyone here to not lose even one, it's served it's purpose .

I also believe as many more of us are using low/no stretch "superlines" the drag issue has much more importance, "something" has to make up for the no stretch qualities we love for "feel", but are not kind to keep fish hooked all of the time IMO

[fishincreek]

Anyone that can fish with Andrew can take a good kickin' once in a while!!! I've lost a few nice ones out of the back of his boat, but becuase I got impatient and tried to horse them in. I now have to tell myself not to rush- that I have all night if need be. Besides- I don't mind losing the fish- but I HATE losing the bait! Tha is what bothers me the most.

[apb]

... becuase I got impatient and tried to horse them in....

Even when I tell him not to try and horse it in he does this

I agree on the lighter drag. Especially for stripers/hybrids. The way they'll take off at times, if the drag is too tight, its gone. 15# mono usually set around 4# drag. If I need more, I use my thumb on the spool, carefully. I also swapped out my stock Abu drag washers for smoothie drag washers. Much smoother on the drag so no real jarring on the line.

Andrew

[mhall]

Guys I keep my drag fairly loose. In fact I checked it right after it happened and it seemed fine, however it did not slip the way it should have. It just happened so dang fast, it felt like your bait was in the highway and a passing car got it hooked on it's bumper.
Yea Creek I know..... I had grown quite fond of that sliver it had caught a number of fish for me the last couple of years, and now it's gone, sacrificed to the Striper Gods. It was 14lb test, I may bump up a few lb's but that's the first one I've broke off, you should have heard that line. I'll get her next time.

[Chubminnow]

Drag, some drag, lots of drag, no drag....we make sure everything's just right and THEN.... there's always the shale with sharp edges

[aceoky]

however it did not slip the way it should have.

Really sorry to hear that.

[BRS]

I don`t use it often but sometimes I do and that is braided line. Hook him with that and then you will turn him. He might pull the boat for a while but how long can that last.