Hi guys, I follow the Randy Blaukat YouTube channel and recently he talked about how to fight the fish properly by relying on pushing the thumb bar and apply pressure on the spool by thumbing in order to react to fish runs, so he has the drag set to max I guess.

I know most anglers and Pro as well rely on that technique, but why?

By clicking the thumb bar the spool remains engaged/blocked for a fraction (a second or less for ex) and that can stop the fish surge unless you follow the fish movement and that can be a problem if you don't react instantly.

Reel drag exists for a reason and I rely on that plus the rod flex to fight the fish accordingly to line lbs test and type of hook I'm using. I prefer to set the drag a bit looser (let's say than normal) and than control de pressure of the spool by thumbing if needed, ...unless I'm flipping or punching obviously.

I always set the hook while I'm thumbing the spool and I never had any issues by doing that, but that is my style and I know everyone is different.

But I'm open minded and I would like to know what's the advantage by using the thumb bar and not the drag.

 

Edited March 28, 20215 yr by Emiliano
gramm error

We discussed it here

I'm putting that on your thread @ATA

Edited March 28, 20215 yr by Emiliano

Yeah, but he thinks an unfinished particle board ceiling makes sense, so...