Max Drag Setting?
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765 Posts
You are not in danger of breaking your spectra using a 50 percent drag setting assuming that you are using hollow core spectra and have pulled an end loop in your spectra rather than a bimini. The problem is the lack of stretch. You'll pull more hooks and loose more fish without a long (100 ft) top-shot to absorb the shock.
I like to use a 25 ft wind-on and set my drag at one third of the break strength of my mono or spectra whichever is less. This is often short of the strike button on my reels. I will advance the drag after the fish has settled into the fight.
That's my way. It ain't right for everyone but, it works well for me.
I like to use a 25 ft wind-on and set my drag at one third of the break strength of my mono or spectra whichever is less. This is often short of the strike button on my reels. I will advance the drag after the fish has settled into the fight.
That's my way. It ain't right for everyone but, it works well for me.
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366 Posts
I'll agree with Deep Sea Gull here,
If your connections are strong (i.e. tested) there is no reason you can't go past 50% drag relative to breaking strength. That said, the type of fishing you're doing, your rod, and your physical ability all play into it. For example, if you're jigging for AJ's then setting strike at near 40% (can you and your gear even handle 32#'s drag?) is not bad since the goal is to stop the fish right off. However, if you're fishing for something (tuna) that runs some distance you might be better off setting the drag lower at strike.
2 of the biggest issues people forget when fighting fish is that the drag increases in direct proportion to the diameter of the spool + line remaining AND that the drag increases dramatically when more line is in the water due to drag. Understanding these effects (as well as knowing the strength of your connections) is key to administering the max drag at a certain point during the fight. Sadly there is no easy answer. Obviously you can use 25% at strike and 33% at full as is prescribed, but to move beyond that requires an understanding of what is happening to your reel and line at that given moment. Truely as much art as science.
If your connections are strong (i.e. tested) there is no reason you can't go past 50% drag relative to breaking strength. That said, the type of fishing you're doing, your rod, and your physical ability all play into it. For example, if you're jigging for AJ's then setting strike at near 40% (can you and your gear even handle 32#'s drag?) is not bad since the goal is to stop the fish right off. However, if you're fishing for something (tuna) that runs some distance you might be better off setting the drag lower at strike.
2 of the biggest issues people forget when fighting fish is that the drag increases in direct proportion to the diameter of the spool + line remaining AND that the drag increases dramatically when more line is in the water due to drag. Understanding these effects (as well as knowing the strength of your connections) is key to administering the max drag at a certain point during the fight. Sadly there is no easy answer. Obviously you can use 25% at strike and 33% at full as is prescribed, but to move beyond that requires an understanding of what is happening to your reel and line at that given moment. Truely as much art as science.
G
Guest
·the key here is that it doesn't take very much drag to get your ass pulled overboard. there aren't many folks that can fish any where near as much drag as it would take to break 80lb spectre and still be in the boat with the rod and reel attached. i have been almost pulled overboard more than once just fishing 40lbs of drag and losing my balance due to slipping or boat rocking.
and as sea crappie stated as your line goes out the diameter of the spooled line gets smaller increasing the amount of drag on the line that is coming off the reel.
so please use common sense when setting and applying drags. just because an avet t-rex can put out over 100lbs of drag doesn't mean that you will ever be able to use it in a fishing situation. although i have a few situations that i think i might be able to find a use for a t-rex...lol...rick
and as sea crappie stated as your line goes out the diameter of the spooled line gets smaller increasing the amount of drag on the line that is coming off the reel.
so please use common sense when setting and applying drags. just because an avet t-rex can put out over 100lbs of drag doesn't mean that you will ever be able to use it in a fishing situation. although i have a few situations that i think i might be able to find a use for a t-rex...lol...rick
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106 Posts
just because an avet t-rex can put out over 100lbs of drag doesn't mean that you will ever be able to use it in a fishing situation. although i have a few situations that i think i might be able to find a use for a t-rex...lol...rick
Rick,
I think you might need to beef up the gunnels of the phat cat before you embark on that adventure.
Brad
Rick,
I think you might need to beef up the gunnels of the phat cat before you embark on that adventure.
Brad
Brad I think Rick is talking about using it as a wench when his Ford Excursion gets stuck. 
For your 80lb spectra set the full position at 25-30lbs and just use strike until the fish is in its death spirals or you will most likely end up pulling the hooks because of lack of strech.
For your 80lb spectra set the full position at 25-30lbs and just use strike until the fish is in its death spirals or you will most likely end up pulling the hooks because of lack of strech.
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