Use drag or Not?

[Snyder Rods]

Unless the rod is as stiff as a pool cue, the drag won't work properly on a baitcaster... the line will typically hit the blank between some of the tip guides when bent, and the friction there will stop the line.

In many cases you will need a spiral-wrapped rod for the drag to work properly on a baitcaster. Or, you'll need to go to a spinning rod.

[mhood]

In many cases you will need a spiral-wrapped rod for the drag to work properly on a baitcaster. Or, you'll need to go to a spinning rod.

[Snyder Rods]

In many cases you will need a spiral-wrapped rod for the drag to work properly on a baitcaster. Or, you'll need to go to a spinning rod.

- The line will hit the blank when it bends under pressure (normal rod, guides on top)... this will effectively increase the drag. Try it.

[mhood]

You're going to cut yourself splitting all those hairs.

I've tried it lots of times...I call it fishing.

[Buck2thPerch]

- The line will hit the blank when it bends under pressure (normal rod, guides on top)... this will effectively increase the drag. Try it.

Never had any issues as such.

[Spot King]

- The line will hit the blank when it bends under pressure (normal rod, guides on top)... this will effectively increase the drag. Try it.

Never had any issues as such.

Yup, a good rod that has enough guides and are wrapped on the spine; won't have that problem with the line touching. Now a cheap rod, fewer guides; might. I have some older rods and if you bend them; the line will actually go under the blank. LOL My newer rods, quality rods; don't do that.

As for using the drag, it depends. Spinning rod, light line; I fish a light drag and use it. Baitcasters, tighter drag; don't use it. If a fish makes a run, I'll click the thumb bar down, keep my thumb on the spool; and use thumb pressure as the drag. Or if I'm using heavy enough gear, I'll have the drag locked or close to it; and just grind them in. We all fish for different reasons. Mine's not for the fight.

[Fishn_Fatboy]

I use the drag but on the light side. Its not hard to tightn it up if need be. I agree it is there for a reason

[lpquick]

Baitcasters, tighter drag; don't use it. If a fish makes a run, I'll click the thumb bar down, keep my thumb on the spool; and use thumb pressure as the drag. Or if I'm using heavy enough gear, I'll have the drag locked or close to it; and just grind them in. We all fish for different reasons. Mine's not for the fight.

Spot King IMHO if you ever hook that fish of a lifetime and she decides to stop, change direction and make a run for it. You won’t have enough time to click the thumb bar and thumb the spool to fight the fish. The fight will be over, either you’ll win or the fish will get away by breaking off or the hook will pull out. Second thought it’s pretty hard to push the thumb bar down while theirs a lot of pressure on the drag. Seems so easy to me to use enough drag to fight the fish and use your thumb to lock it down or add more pressure, why chance it?

[db220]

For baitcasting equipment and heavy line with largemouth I usually use a tight drag. When it's a big striper I lighten up the drag and use it.

[BASSFIEND]

For all those who crank down on the drag...remember to loosen it back again before you store the reel,or you will be damaging the drag and its lifespan(baitcasters) There are those who back reel on a spinning setup but that was never my thing.The spinning reels I use all have top notch drag systems and it would seem a waste to me to not use them.

[taylor5877]

I like mine pretty loose...like 2-3 pounds no matter what I'm fishing. IF it's in the slop, it's to protect my reel on the hookset. If it's when I'm moving bait fishing, it's to keep the fish from throwing hooks because I pull too hard.

Either way, it's what I've found works best for me.

(making mental note as to the users who lock theirs down and fish braid...calculate new gearset into any trades... )