Best strike drag for lures Blue Marlin fishing?

[tailwalkerfred]

Like to see what some of the theories are on the hooking drag setting for hooking bluemarlin using big lures trolling at 8-9 knots when using 130's? After the hook up what is the best drag setting for the strike drag position? I've been usung 15#'s trolling with a 26-28 strike drag. It has been suggested this is too much for BM. I like to hear from expert BM fisherman their settings?
Thanks,
Fred
PS We pulled off a nice one last week. Drag setting too high????

[Deep C]

Hotly debated issue among those of us that dabble... I have been up and down the range a few times. Changing my mind like a woman, I keep comming back to 17pounds for hook up and I go light for the fight at 22 on eighty gear. On 130's gear I have historically used 28-32 for fighting. 17 also at strike. I can't say for sure if it is too much or not enough. Giant tuna we set them at 45 and have had no problems.
At the bite though I can say that we had a ton of problems years back in St. Thomas when we went over 22lbs... By 26lbs we were pulling off a bunch of them. AT 28 almost all. The problem was way compounded on stainless hooks..I wish I could find the old film a buddy shot of stainless bending out at 26lbs then springing back to shape when they let go, so we never knew that they were straightening..

[Banshee]

I guess everyone has there own method, My mate likes HEAT. It anything pops a rigger clip its hooked. Our motto is stoppem or popem!!!!
JW