In general, the drag on a spinning reel should be set between one-quarter and one-third of the lightest rated strength between your line and leader. If you're using a 10 lb monofilament line with no leader, the drag should be set between 2 and 3 lbs. If you're using a 20 lb mono line with a 15 lb leader, the drag should be set between 3 and 4.5 lbs, based on the rated strength of the leader in this case.
Getting a Feel for Drag Setting
If you're just starting out with surf fishing, we recommend that you start off by actually measuring your drag. This can be done with a small fish scale, like this one. Follow these steps with a buddy before your first cast:
- Attach the scale to your line or leader. You should choose the lighter rated one of the two. Most fish scales come with a hook attached, so you'll need a loop or hook attached on your line/leader to help make this connection
- Step back with your rod and reel while your buddy holds the scale
- Have your buddy pull the scale away slowly as you listen for the drag to engage
- Look at the fish scale measurement while the drag is engaged to measure the drag
- If the drag is heavier than 20-30% of the line weight, lighten the drag and repeat steps 3 & 4. If the drag is lighter than 20-30% of the line weight, increase the drag and repeat steps 3 & 4.
- Once you have successfully set and measured the drag to fall between 20 and 30% of the line weight, take a moment to pull on some line out to get a feel for what that strength feels like.
If you don't have a fish scale and still want to get started, find something that weighs about a quarter to a third the rated strength of the line, tie the line to it, hold the rod parallel to the ground and pick it up. If you're able to pick it up without the reel letting line out, you've got the drag set properly.
The objective is to actually measure the line at first to set a baseline for yourself. Then learn what that baseline feels like so that you can get to a point where you look like a pro and can set the drag by feel. Learning the right feel of the drag takes time and experience, and you may end up losing a couple of fish while learning the hard way.
Adjusting Your Drag Setting During a Fight
To reel in a fish, you must maintain the right pressure in the line throughout the fight. It can be tempting for fishermen to fiddle with the drag when reeling in a fish. We recommend avoiding changing the drag when reeling in a fish as you may overtighten it and cause the line to break unintentionally. There are better ways to do this, including palming the spool, or applying pressure to the spool with your thumb to create more drag with the ability to instantaneously release that drag. Doing this with braided line can cut your hands, so we recommend wearing a fishing glove, like this one by Gill, if you intend to do this with braided line. Our Complete Guide to Braid Fishing Line has more insightful tips too!
Additional Drag Setting Considerations
When thinking about your drag setting, keep in mind the purpose of drag and how it works. It is intended to prevent the line from breaking by letting extra line out once the drag setting weight is exceeded by the force of a fighting fish. If you set the drag strength too high and a fish is fighting hard, the line may snap and you'll lose a fish. If its too loose, you could let a fish pull so much line out that it takes you forever to reel in a small catch. A drag setting in the sweet spot will allow for a good hook set and a reasonable amount of fighting from the fish.
Also, remain aware of other fishermen around you. When you're reeling in a fish, they may reel in their line to avoid a tangle if they're close enough to you. If your drag is too loose and you're letting the fish swim all over the place and fight too long, you may end up annoying them. Set a good example by being conscientious of other fishermen.
Some fishermen recommend adjusting the drag based on the amount of line left on the reel. This recommendation comes from the perspective of offshore fishing in a boat, and does not apply to surf fishing since it is unlikely you'll see the same amount of line let out.
With surf fishing, you have the unique advantage of breaking waves assisting with pulling in a fish. You can also help prevent losing a fish by reeling it in while the waves are actively pushing the fish towards shore, and not pulling it back out. Try to fight the fish, not the waves!
Tight lines and high tides, y'all!
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