Looking for input, thoughts on drag for bait casting reels.  Is there a certain amount you like for specific applications, or what is an approx poundage you prefer, i.e. 10, 14, 20 lbs, etc  drag? 

Anything above 10 is adequate

what's most important for most presentations is smoothness. Your reel might button down to 15#, but if it releases line erratically the likelihood of the fish throwing the hook increases. The only time I use more than maybe 6# of drag is when I'm flipping into slop and woodpiles.

In all the years I've been fishing I never checked what the actual pondage of drag each reel is set at..casting or spinning.

Actually, I've never given it any thought.

The only thing I can add to help you is consider line diameter, depth, cover and reel drag spec and adjust accordingly...with all that said I don't see how you would keep track of all the numbers for each possible combination for each combo you have.

Mike

In all the years I've been fishing I never checked what the actual pondage of drag each reel is set at..casting or spinning.

Actually, I've never given it any thought.

The only thing I can add to help you is consider line diameter, depth, cover and reel drag spec and adjust accordingly...with all that said I don't see how you would keep track of all the numbers for each possible combination for each combo you have.

Mike

Adding to this I never tighten my drag 100%, usually around 75-80%!

Drag is something every reel has, and something measurable. Any time you have something that meets those two criteria, you're going to have it marketed to. Weight, ball bearings, material, price, gear ratio, ect. are all similar in that respect. Companies will use anything they can to gain an edge because some people do in fact buy on specs.

 

Drag, like poinsonokie says, really doesn't matter when you're looking at "max drag" specs. This is especially true with bass fishing. Almost any reel you're going to find will snap the line before your drag slips (at max settings), but the reels with a good drag well let it out smoothly when it does slip. 

 

One reel I fish with is the Chronarch Ci4, and it has one of the lightest max drags on the market. I will tell you though, when there's a good fighter on the end of the line, having a nice, smooth drag gives you peace of mind that you can fight the fish the way you want, using the line you want, without worrying about losing tension or snapping off. 

 

That's what matters to me. 

 

Unless you're reeling in a tree with a 10lb bass wrapped around it, you're going to be just fine.

8lbs is plenty for bass fishing.

Thanks for the input...  I have one Lew's at 10 pounds, another Lew's at 14 pounds and a Revo at 20.  Very similar reels in most other respects.  Have to admit I've never had a "drag" problem with any of them and I started to wonder if I missing out on something ~

When you set the drag by pulling on the line with your fingers it's less than 8 lbs, the line cuts into your fingers anything higher than that.

Simple test to pull test your normal hand drag setting; attach the end of the line to 1 gallon jug of water ( 8 lbs ) and try lifting it with your bass rod....you can't do it, the drag will slip or your bass rod will break first!

I set my drag using a scale at 1/3 the line strength for mono/FC line. Been doing this for decades and can tell within 1 lb what it feels like. 6 lb line, 2 lbs drag, 12 lb line 4 lbs drag, 15 lb line 5 lbs drag, 6 lbs is the highest setting for my bass fishing, including swimbaits using 25 lb line. If I need momentary increased drag, use my thumb to increase the force if needed.

Tom

PS, my tuna and marlin reels are set at 1/3 line strength, never more than 12 lbs!

The rule of thumb for setting drag pressure is 1/3 of line weight. Under that scenario 7# drag would be appropriate for 21# line, as heavy as you'll lkelt ever use. In the case of braid, go by line diameter equivalent not breaking strength. Too tight of a drag puts unnecessary stress on rods, reels, knots etc

I've never checked max drag nor have I ever set my drag with a scale. I've really had no reason to. Learn to set it by feel. I set my drag tighter with single hook applications and lower with trebles. 

I used to always look into reels with strong drag but after catching a 6lbder on a ultralight reel witb 4lb max drag i realized you dont need a lot. What matters is how smooth it releases the line