Drag settings

[Reelscreamer]

Hey ya'll I just bought a Penn International 50VSW NIB and I have 60# High Visable green line on it and I am wondering what # of drag I should put on it at strike? I am thinking anywheres from 20-24 lbs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks ya'll,
Jeremy

[ocalex]

that seems kind of high depending on what you are fishing for rule of thumb seems to be 1/4 of the lines breaking strength which would be 15. 20-24 would be better in the corner

[WAHOONBOX]

that seems kind of high depending on what you are fishing for rule of thumb seems to be 1/4 of the lines breaking strength which would be 15. 20-24 would be better in the corner

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[frankypettolina]

MIght I suggest adding a piece of tape over the word strike and down to the free spool button. Set your drag at 15 at strike, but also mark off other increments maybe 10 and 5. Then you can monitor where you have your drag set when waiting for a bite (10 for instance), or while the mate is grabbing the leader in case he has to dump it you can ease the shock and prevent a pulled hook (5 pounds for instance). I don't have a pic of this at home, and all of my rods and reels are in MHC, but I am sure someone can post an example. I like yellow electrical tape and balck sharpie markers.

Good luck with the new equipment.

[canyongear]

that seems kind of high depending on what you are fishing for rule of thumb seems to be 1/4 of the lines breaking strength which would be 15. 20-24 would be better in the corner

I didn't realize Penn reels had 2 drag settings? Strike and Pinned? I agree with Ocalex arond 15 at strike is where you want to be. I think in actuality what you get at the pin is what that particular reel will give you, nothing more or less and Im not saying Ocalex said you could set the Pin strike #lbs of drag, that number will be what that particular reels drag system will give you at the pin based on 15lbs at strike.

Don't forget to heat the drags up prior to setting the strike#, ie: pull and wind method with a "good" drag scale. Set drag adjust in "free spool" and continue with the pull and wind untill it is set correctly.

[pitch bait]

If you "heat up your drag" then check it at strike how much will it change if you checked it cold at strike?

[merry marlin]

Great choice of reel, you won't regret it!
All has been said above for the strike zone.
Now if you hook the Grandma of the that fish in your avatar you may need to go fairly rapidly to more drag (at least 30) and let her pull a couple long rushes boat stopped. If your knots are good that line will sing beautifully. Then she'll then come up for a clean release!... Try running yourself a 100 yards with that drag
MM

[Capt Lindsay]

We set our 50s at 17 (1/3) for trolling. We back them off slightly for chunking.


Capt. Lindsay Fuller
June Bug Charters
609-685-2839
http://www.Fish-JuneBug.com

[Dockrat]

i was taught to put them at 20% of whatever pound test line you have. i have all mine set at around 17-19 lbs

[frankypettolina]

A "warmed up" drag tends to be less than a cold drag- especially true on TLD series.

I also think this is why you should check your drags several times throughout the day, get a feel for it by hand. If you set it out and it has not been bit for an hour (and it should have been checked by then anyway)- give the drag a tug or 2 to make sure it feels right.