By Nick Simonson

Drag is that mechanism by which anglers tire big fish out and prevent their lines from being broken in the process.  Few things excite in the outdoors as much as a big muskie, pike or channel catfish charging off into the depths with the resulting whir, whine or pinging of a drag mechanism paying out line and respect to those true lunkers.  While it certainly helps provide anglers with the reassurance that their line likely will not break in the heat of battle, a good drag mechanism requires some fine-tuning and some management in order to make it work the way it should and prevent the fish of a lifetime from turning into the one that got away.

Whether it’s the twist-top of a favorite spinning reel, the star at the side of a go-to baitcaster, or the small circle on the side of an equipped fly reel, understanding the various settings of drag and when and how to employ it is often the facet of fishing that differentiates great anglers from good ones.  Familiarity with not only the line on the reel and its breaking point but also at what level the drag needs to be when trolling, casting, and setting the hook is crucial when connecting with fish.  Too tight when trolling and that walleye may get away with a favorite crankbait stuck in its jaw when the line snaps just after the hit.  Too loose when hauling back on a spring smallmouth and getting the hook point through a soft plastic just won’t happen.  While some of these settings come through trial and error, generally each style of fishing, each bait, and even each species pursues dictates how a drag should be set.

After the hookset, the latter factor often controls how drag is adjusted during the battle.  For big, hard-charging fish that can accelerate rapidly – think pike and muskies – once the hookset is made, dialing things back a bit on a drag mechanism can help pay out line and play the fish until it’s tired and ready for a landing.  How much depends on how strong the line is.  Heavy braids like those used for muskies, sturgeon and catfish have a little more resistance to stress than monofilament lines, which often have more microscopic nicks and weak points in them which can’t be detected with the eye but can quickly be discovered when a fish makes a charge and the line snaps.  Drag settings and adjustments in the moment can be loosened to account for the perceived strength of the fish early in a fight or at any time between hookset and landing, and adjusted back to a tighter setting with a twist as greater control of the fight is gained by an angler.

Once a fish is played out, or an advantage is gained, tightening down on the drag helps bring them up and prepare them for a better landing.  While some thrashing and last second runs can happen, it’s easy to dial things down until control is regained and a big catch can be guided into the mesh of a net.

This spring and summer, experiment with the drag mechanism on your favorite reels and do a little research on the water to find the ones which are best employed in your pursuits.  Over time with a bit of experience and trial and error – and hopefully plenty of big fish to put your skills to the test – you’ll find the best way to manage drag without missing any once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!