Reel Question

[Sea J]

I have Shimano Tiagra 50WLRSA's and would like to know the proper way to set the drag (I have a 100lb spring scale). My target species will be tuna. Also...I read the manual and it mentions the "strike" button but doesn't say how it's used correctly...Thanks in advance for the help...Capt. Rick

[Bert Rodgers]

As a rule of thumb drag settings are set at 25-30% of line rating at the strike position. So if you are spooled with 80# test the drag should be between 20 and 24#.

Settings should be made off the rod tip not a straight pull from the reel. To set the drag tie a large snap to the end of the line and put the rod in a rod holder. Attatch the scale to the swivel and pull (lever on strike) till the line slips noting the wieght. Now back the lever to free and adjust the drag. Push the lever back to strike and recheck.

Keep in mind that when trolling 20 - 24# is ,in a lot of folks mind, too much pull for hook setting (depending on hook/leader size, quarry etc.). But the drags should still be set by the 25-30 rule. Use the lever to back off.

The strike button is simply a mechanism to keep you from inadvertantly pushing the lever all the way to the full position. In general you only use full when the fish is getting close but is dogging. ( Or pulling groupers from the rocks).



Bert

[Sea J]

Thanks for the info....that helps alot

[POON MAN]

Ditto on what Bert said with one addition , I like to pull it several times before
setting to heat up the drags a bit

[Peter Mancuso]

That was really helpful information .
Thanks

[RUGGERDUDE]

Thanks guys!