How to Properly Set Your Drag Tension
Being able to adjust drag is vital in bass fishing. Drag allows your reel to release the line if tension builds too much. This helps absorb shock and prevents the line from breaking. Both spinning and baitcasting reels allow you to set drag. Where you adjust the drag on each reel is slightly different, however.
Adjusting Drag on Spinning Reels
The drag adjustment knob on spinning reels is on the top of the fixed spool. You make adjustments by turning the knob to the right to tighten and left to loosen the drag.
You can use a fish scale to measure the exact force of your drag or can pull the line with your have hand and guestimate. It’s better to set your drag on the looser end than have it too tight and risk breaking off when you’ve got a big fish on the line.
Adjusting Drag on a Baitcaster
The drag adjustment on a baitcaster is a star wheel next to the handle. You make adjustments by turning the star wheel to the right to tighten and left to loosen the drag.
You can use a fish scale to measure the exact force of your drag or can pull the line with your have hand and guestimate. It’s better to set your drag on the looser end than have it too tight and risk breaking off when you’ve got a big fish on the line.
How Much Drag Do You Need?
When setting the drag of a reel you want to aim for 30% of your line strength. If you are using a 10lb line then setting your drag to around 3lb is a good start. You want your drag to be strong enough to properly set the hook but not enough to risk breaking your line.
In open water, it is better to have your drag too loose than too tight. Having your drag on the looser side might make it take longer to fight the fish in but it will lower your chance of breaking your line. When fishing near heavy cover it is a good idea to up your drag. Upping the drag will allow you to bring in the fish faster and keep the bass from getting tangled up.