High drag settings and unhooking tuna

Spinning Reel · 05-28-2007, 06:20 PM

In my last trip I had on what I think was a YFT and after the first run that I eventually stopped with increasing the drag (probably close to 20lbs), it got unhooked (I was fishing with a Rapala).

I left the drag pretty high even afterward and a few fish didn't hook on the strike.

Do high drag settings translate in more unhooked fish? Especially YFT and especially during the fight?

Thanks.

etan · 05-28-2007, 07:12 PM

Don't increase the drag when a fish runs. As line leaves the reel the drag increases because there is a smaller diameter on the spool. Most of the guides here in Port A use fairly light drags to avoid ripping the hooks out of the fishes mouth. If you aren't using circle hooks there is a risk of coming unbuttoned with high drag settings. At least thats my opinion.

Spinning Reel · 05-28-2007, 07:43 PM

I like to fish with small spinners with hotrodded drags so I can't really use a light drag.. but thank you for your opionion, your point is well taken.

fishr1989 · 12-28-2007, 09:55 PM

I have had the same thing happen when trolling for bluefish, although a much smaller species, the best way to hook them was to troll with a light drag, barely tight enough to keep the lure from peeling line, and then to tighten the drag after the fish takes the plug.

gman · 12-28-2007, 10:29 PM

I wait until the fish has stopped its first run then gradually increase the drag but I always fish heavy drag once fight is on

fishr1989 · 12-28-2007, 11:13 PM

same here, pushing the drag while the fish runs is the fastest way to lose one

bunile · 02-21-2008, 06:43 PM

I have always set my drag correctly ( use a scale and it should slip at 25-30% of the leader's rated test) and then I don't play with it unless I forget that I had already set up the drag correctly in the first place. If the fish keeps taking line then I'll be patient and let her get tired, (FISH WILL) and in the mean time I keep away from anybody who wants to adjust "MY DRAG" and especially if I don't know them from ADAM.
If setting drag with a scale isn't doing it well enough, "Then the fish must be doing something wrong" I tell 'em.

05-28-2007, 06:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Spinning Reel Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 30	High drag settings and unhooking tuna In my last trip I had on what I think was a YFT and after the first run that I eventually stopped with increasing the drag (probably close to 20lbs), it got unhooked (I was fishing with a Rapala). I left the drag pretty high even afterward and a few fish didn't hook on the strike. Do high drag settings translate in more unhooked fish? Especially YFT and especially during the fight? Thanks.

02-21-2008, 06:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
bunile Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: surf Posts: 108	I have always set my drag correctly ( use a scale and it should slip at 25-30% of the leader's rated test) and then I don't play with it unless I forget that I had already set up the drag correctly in the first place. If the fish keeps taking line then I'll be patient and let her get tired, (FISH WILL) and in the mean time I keep away from anybody who wants to adjust "MY DRAG" and especially if I don't know them from ADAM. If setting drag with a scale isn't doing it well enough, "Then the fish must be doing something wrong" I tell 'em. __________________ IT STAYS WITH YOU

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05-28-2007, 07:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
etan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 182	Don't increase the drag when a fish runs. As line leaves the reel the drag increases because there is a smaller diameter on the spool. Most of the guides here in Port A use fairly light drags to avoid ripping the hooks out of the fishes mouth. If you aren't using circle hooks there is a risk of coming unbuttoned with high drag settings. At least thats my opinion.

05-28-2007, 07:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
Spinning Reel Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 30	I like to fish with small spinners with hotrodded drags so I can't really use a light drag.. but thank you for your opionion, your point is well taken.

12-28-2007, 09:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
fishr1989 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Newport, RI Posts: 358	I have had the same thing happen when trolling for bluefish, although a much smaller species, the best way to hook them was to troll with a light drag, barely tight enough to keep the lure from peeling line, and then to tighten the drag after the fish takes the plug.

12-28-2007, 10:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
gman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 977	I wait until the fish has stopped its first run then gradually increase the drag but I always fish heavy drag once fight is on

12-28-2007, 11:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
fishr1989 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Newport, RI Posts: 358	same here, pushing the drag while the fish runs is the fastest way to lose one

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