The drag power of a fishing reel refers to how much resistance the hooked fish feels when it pulls on the rod. It allows the lie withstand pressure from the fighting fish and appropriate drag power prevents the rod from breaking during the tussle. Drag power is measured in pounds and it is adjusted manually for older reels while for modern reels, setting the drag power is much easier and they often come with maximum drag settings. We have compared the drag power of the 10 best fishing reels. It shows that the more powerful the drags are, the more expensive the reels are.
A drag system is essential in a fishing reel because it allows the application of differing pressure to the spool, serving as a brake on it. This brake ensures that the line is made resistant after hook up and aids the landing of the fish while ensuring the rod remains intact.
Thus, rods can be used to catch fish that weigh beyond the straight strength of the rod. Drag systems present on spinning reels could either be a front drag or rear drag. Adjustment for the front drag is done on the spool while the adjustment for rear drag is usually found on the back of the reel.
Drag Specifications
Different reels come with different drag specifications and the type of reel to be employed depends largely on the water and the type of fish anticipated. The optimum drag power to be employed during fishing expenditures is also determined through experience and drag settings are adjusted during the tussle with the fish.
Although modern reels come with high maximum drag specifications, more often than not, maximum drag need not be employed. The goal in fishing is to tire the fish out and at high drag power, the reverse could be the case. But for some cases, however, max. drag power may be employed because fight time is shortened and lactic acid build up is prevented, ensuring the quality of the fish is maintained.
All in all, rushing things is a bad idea. It is better to sit back and enjoy the tussle with the fish. Enough pressure should be kept on the fish to hold it on the rod and the drag power should be just adequate to prevent the rod from snapping.
[jetpack-related-posts]
