Testing-setting drag

[4THALOVE 45]

hi alljust wondering how everyone tests and sets the tension on there drag. i personally have just adjusted it by feel, but im hoping some one can give me a bit more of an insight on how they do it?is there a tool you can buy ? the 2 reels i mostly use are my shimano charter special and calcutta 400.cheers 4tha.

[mully_madness 1]

the way we used too do it was by tying a loop knot and put it through the hook on a pair of scales and load the pressure you want usually 2/3's of the braking strain from memory,although personally i just go with what feels right at the time.Although it is a good way too check your available drag pressure aswell too know when its time for new washers.MM

[Guest boys day out]

multimeter :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I use scales to do that

[Mr_Willy 3]

I've only ever done it on feel and never had a problem... Think you can over analyse things with fishing sometimes...

[Mick013 2]

same as mully - use some scales, easy as.i think it makes a difference if you pull direct off the reel or use the bend in the rod but im not 100%

[urhookedfish 12]

I attach mine to a live fish about the size I want to catch and if it can pull drag Im set. :boot:

[Ranger 48]

I too attach a set of fish weighing sales to the end of the line, and get a friend to hold the scales while I load it up.In the absence of a friend, the scales can be attached to any firm object; door handle, fence post, etc.I set my drag to one third the breaking strain of the line.The Charter Special is no problem, as being a lever drag the drag is preset, and you cannot ever exceed the breaking strain of the line once the drag is set.The Calcutta being a star drag is another issue, as when you then turn the drag up mid fight, you are only estimating and can easily exceed the breaking strain of the line, then it's all over red rover, fish wins.

[chuckemback 0]

i too go by feel during a hook up. im always messin with the drag every cast !have seen others preset their big leaver drags tho.......and seen you tubes of drag settings with those spring type fish scales.

[jigsaw 0]

I've only ever done it on feel and never had a problem... Think you can over analyse things with fishing sometimes...

things do for sure,but this is a basic fundemental ,and should be taught properly right from the start.one third breaking strain of the line through a loaded rod,and or one quarter breaking strain on a straight pull from the spool.when you lose your fish of a lifetime,you'll wish your "sense of feel was better"........or you'd done it properly the first time.....