{"id":1830,"date":"2022-06-22T17:14:23","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T17:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.outdoorsniagara.com\/?p=1830"},"modified":"2022-06-22T17:37:49","modified_gmt":"2022-06-22T17:37:49","slug":"how-to-set-the-drag-on-a-reel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.outdoorsniagara.com\/how-to-set-the-drag-on-a-reel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set the Drag on a Reel"},"content":{"rendered":"
There are tons of tips and tricks that you can follow to make the most out of your fishing experience.<\/p>\n
Possibly one of the most important, and also one of the easiest, things you can do to improve your fishing ability is to adjust and set the drag on your reel.<\/p>\n
One simple change can mean the difference between a catch and the one that got away.<\/p>\n
Below, we are going to take a look at how to set the drag on a reel to help you have the most success possible on your fishing adventures.<\/p>\n
Let’s get to it!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Contents<\/p>
The drag on a reel refers to the friction plates that hold the line in place when pressure or weight is added to your hook.<\/p>\n
You can adjust the drag on your reel quickly and easily, ensuring that your catch stays on the hook without unnecessary damage to your line, rod, or reel.<\/p>\n
When your reel faces any resistance from a fish pulling on your line hard enough, the friction plates cause the reel to rotate in the other direction<\/a>.<\/p>\n This, in turn, releases some line to give you the chance to reel it in safely.<\/p>\n The drag on your reel<\/a> can be set according to the type of fish you hope to catch and the waters you are fishing in and is also dependent on the type of rod, reel, and line you are using.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before we show you the easy steps you need to take to adjust your drag, there are also a few other important things you should know about the drag and how important it is to ensure that your drag is set correctly.<\/p>\n According to reel and line manufacturers’ specifications, the pounds of drag on your reel should not be more than 25% of the line’s maximum resistance or breaking strength.<\/p>\n You can check for this number on your line packaging.<\/p>\n Take the maximum breaking strength and divide it by four to get the drag amount<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is a rule of thumb that fishing line manufacturers use when determining how much additional pressure their fishing line can withstand.<\/p>\n Now that we have looked at the numbers behind setting your drag, let’s dive into how to set the drag.<\/p>\n You can easily test the breakage strength of your line and the resistance of your reel by attaching a scale to the end of your fully assembled rod.<\/p>\n Here is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on checking and adjusting the drag on your real.<\/p>\n Set your rod, reel, and line up as if you were about to go fishing.<\/p>\n Add on your hook, sinkers, and any bobbers you may be using.<\/p>\n These should be placed a few inches above the end of your line, leaving space for a spring scale to be attached to measure the amount of pressure your reel can withstand before the pair of friction plates or drag give in and the line extends.<\/p>\n A luggage scale is ideal, but you can also purchase a scale from any fishing tackle shop.<\/p>\n Tie the scale to the end of your line with the hook and any bobbles or sinkers above the scale.<\/p>\n Ensure that it is tied tightly so as not to come loose while testing your line’s breakage strength.<\/p>\n This is to mimic your rod’s position if you were fishing.<\/p>\nHow to Adjust and Set the Drag on your Reel<\/span><\/h2>\n
Step #1: Assemble Your Rod<\/span><\/h3>\n
Step #2: Attached a Scale to The End of Your Line<\/span><\/h3>\n
Step #3: Position Your Rod at A 45-Degree Angle<\/span><\/h3>\n