How to Set Drag on Spinning Reel: You've cast your line, enticed a fish, received a bite, and set the hook. You are now ready to reel in the fish. Learn how to set the drag on both conventional and bait caster reels.

How to Set Drag on Spinning Reel

WHAT IS DRAG FISHING?

You've cast your line, enticed a fish, received a bite, and set the hook. You are now ready to reel in the fish. A broken line is the last thing you want to experience while learning to fish. Most breaks in drag fishing can be easily avoided by learning how to set the drag on your fishing reel.

What exactly is drag fishing? Simply put, if you're fishing with a rod and reel, as opposed to pole fishing or trawling with a net, you'll most likely need to adjust the drag at some point.

Drag is simply a pair of friction plates located inside fishing reels. If the fish pulls hard enough on the line, the friction is overcome and the reel rotates backward, allowing the line to exit and preventing the line from breaking. 

Before your first cast of the day, you should set the drag on your fishing reel. It can be difficult to adjust while fighting a fish. Furthermore, drag fishing gear is not typically designed to be adjusted while fishing, so doing so may result in damage.

HOW TO SET DRAG ON CONVENTIONAL REELS

How to Set the Drag


  • The simplest way to set the drag on a spinning reel or spin cast reel is to first test it by pulling on your line directly above the reel with your hand*.
  • If the line pulls out too easily, tighten the drag on your spinning wheel by turning the front drag adjustment button a few clicks to the right. If the drag is too tight, loosen it by turning the crank to the left with a few clicks. Closed-face spincast models are typically equipped with a top-set roller drag adjustment mechanism.
  • If you don't think you can judge the force accurately, a small spring scale like the ones used in Boca Grips or other catch-and-release fish handling devices can help. Hook the weight by holding your rod at a 45-degree angle. For the best results, the drag setting should be able to hold a third to half of the line's weight before moving (e.g., a 20-pound line should not move until the hook holds seven to ten pounds).
  • It's better to have too much drag and fight a fish for a little longer than to have too little drag and break off a big one.

HOW TO SET DRAG ON BAITCASTER REELS

Setting drag on bait caster reels is similar to setting drag on conventional reels. The only difference is where the drag adjustment mechanism is located.

How to Set Drag on Spinning Reel


  • The drag mechanism on most bait caster reels is star-shaped and located next to the reel. Turn right to tighten the drag and left to loosen it, just like the other reels.
  • If you're using a braided fishing line instead of monofilament, test the drag by wrapping it a few times around the handle of your fishing pliers or a pencil instead of using your bare hands. If you pull too hard on the braid, it will sever your fingers.