I'm just curious, I've just lossed a record fish this weekend....
I was being tooo greedy, Thought my 20Ib test would have hold for a sec there... but it snapped like 30 sec into the fight = ( I've brought in a 34 inch without drag.... but damn what a loss = (:mad:

20lb test= 4-6lbs drag

There are very few situations where I don't use drag (like, bottom fishing for critters in rocky structure).

In most other situations, not using drag is like driving without using your brakes.

As Specialist hinted at, you should set your drag at 1/3 the rated MONO lb. test (adjust accordingly with braided lines).

Let the drag tire out the fish!

-WW

Absolutely, as a matter a fact when I buy a reel the first thing I look at is the drag system. I have landed 40+ inch fish on 15lb mono.

Same here as Ragfly (and most others I imagine) - I've had 25# fish all day long on 12# and 15# line and don't think much of it. Bad stretch of line? I'm usually using 20# for bigger rods (and like many others, lost a trophy on it :crying: )

With good mono relatively cheap (Like Big Game), re-spool frequently...

How do you normally set your drag?

Originally posted by TheSpecialist
20lb test= 4-6lbs drag

How do you set your drag for a specific #? Say, 4-6lbs as mentioned above.

MtnBrz,
Use a scale.

no drag = no fish = no fun

They actualy make line scales...I don't own one and have always eyeballed the drag amount based on experience. Fresh line should test at the rating but put a nick in it...even a small one and that rating is history. Hence, 1/3 the rating is the rule of thum.
I am also in the re-spool frequently camp. mono is cheap and fishing trips are not. Whenever I fish serioulsy for big fish I have fresh line. My everyday surf rod I probably had the line respooled 10X last season. I don't even do it myself anymore...I bring in a handfull of spools now and the to my favorite shop and he zips them off in a no time. Don't screw with cheap or old line....it aint worth it. The only line I leave on my reels for more then one season it dacron line on some of my larger trolling set-ups that I don't use all that often. Dacron seems to last and it never makes contact with rocks.

Record fish so early in the season?....lucky stiff!

MtnBrz, you can simply use a bathroom scale and fill a water jug for the approximate weight you want to set your drag to. attach to the end of your line and lift the jug adjusting the drag so that the weight of the jug pulls line slow and smooth. Then, when finished get a feel for it by pulling the line by hand so when your on the water, you'll know where you want your drag just by feel.

Thanks folks! :)

Mtn breeze have someone help you set your drag. One holds the rod at a 45 degree angle, fighting angle. Pass the line through the guides, put a loop in the line. Attatch the loop to the hook of your scale. Loosen the drag, and then tighten it some, now pull away from the rod with the scale, while pulling read the scale. Adjust up or down accordingly.

I appreciate the inputs and your 2 cents... I shall be much more successful now!:D

I use the drag and for a really good drag get an Ahab

I landed a 25# (38") Redfish on a cheap Walmart spin outfit with 12# test. The drag you use or you will lose. Good luck on your next outing.