Fishing Reel Drag Explained: How to Set It

By Miles Prescott

What Fishing Reel Drag Does

Drag is a mechanism built into many fishing reels that lets a fish pull line off the spool instead of snapping the line. The Missouri Department of Conservation explains that drag prevents the weight and pull of a fish from breaking the line, making it possible to land even large fish with light lines. When a big fish runs, line comes off the reel, sometimes with a clicking sound, and the drag system absorbs the surges that could otherwise break your line or pull the hook.

Which Reel Types Have Drag?

Not every fishing rig includes a drag. The Minnesota DNR’s freshwater rods and reels guide lists which setups have drag. Closed-face (spin-cast), open-face (spinning), and baitcasting reels all have a drag system. A simple pole and line, a jiggle stick used for ice fishing, and the fly reel described in that guide do not have drag. (Fly reels vary, so check the specifications of your own reel.)

If you are using a reel with drag, you can adjust it to match your line strength and the fish you target. The table below summarizes which reels have drag and where the control sits.

Where Is the Drag Adjustment Located?

On a spinning reel, the drag control is typically a knob at the top of the spool. The New York State DEC’s saltwater fishing guide says to set the drag by closing the bail, pulling on the line, and adjusting the drag control, which is usually a button or knob on top of the spinning reel. For baitcasting reels, a diagram in the New York State DEC’s freshwater guide labels a “star drag” near the reel handle. Closed-face reels also have a drag, per the Minnesota DNR; the control’s position differs between models, so check the reel’s instructions.

How to Set the Drag

The New York State DEC recommends setting the drag about 25% less than the pound rating of the line you are using. If you spooled 8-pound line, for example, you would adjust the drag so that it takes roughly 6 pounds of force to pull line from the reel. This is done by feel, and the DEC notes that your sense of the right setting improves with experience.

To tighten the drag, turn the adjustment knob one way (often marked with a “+” sign); to loosen it, turn the other way (often marked with a “-” sign). The Missouri Department of Conservation says to set the drag before you start fishing so that line releases before the breaking point of the line is reached. The drag puts pressure on the reel’s spool, setting how much force it takes to pull line off the reel. The tighter the drag, the harder it is to pull line off.

How to Check the Drag

You can check the drag by pulling line off the spool with the bail closed, as if you had hooked a fish; the New York State DEC describes setting it until line is difficult but not impossible to pull from the closed reel. If the line breaks, loosen the drag. If the line comes off too easily, tighten it. For a baitcasting reel, the Minnesota DNR advises checking the lure drop to make sure the drag is set correctly for that type of reel.

The Missouri Department of Conservation adds that when a big fish is pulling, line will come off the reel, sometimes making a clicking sound. Anglers should learn to recognize that sound and not reel while the drag is letting a fish run, because reeling against a slipping drag can twist the line.

Playing a Fish with the Drag

Once a fish is hooked, let the drag do its job. The Missouri guide warns against the temptation to tighten the drag while fighting a fish. Instead, allow the fish to run and take line. Recover line by lifting the rod handle and then lowering the rod tip as you reel in, a technique often called pumping the fish closer. As a large fish gets near the shore or boat, the Missouri Department of Conservation recommends loosening the drag slightly to absorb last-moment surges and avoid a break-off.

If your drag is set correctly, you can set the hook vigorously. The Missouri guide explains that stretch in the line, the drag, and the bend of the rod will absorb much of the pressure, keeping the hook from ripping out. Fishing regulations, including license requirements, gear restrictions, and size and bag limits, vary by state and water body. Always check the rules for the water you plan to fish through your state’s wildlife agency.

Saltwater Gear Care

Saltwater environments are hard on reels. The New York State DEC’s saltwater guide reminds anglers to rinse gear with freshwater after each use to prevent corrosion. This simple step helps keep the drag and other reel components working smoothly, and it is a key part of reel maintenance. For more on how saltwater changes your gear choices, see our freshwater vs saltwater gear guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the drag to stop a fish from running?

You should not tighten the drag while a fish is pulling hard. The Missouri Department of Conservation advises against tightening the drag during a fight because it increases the risk of breaking the line. Let the fish run, and use the rod and reel to tire it out.

How do I know if my drag is set too tight?

Pull line from the reel with the bail closed (or the reel engaged). If the line breaks before it pulls out smoothly, the drag is too tight. The New York State DEC says to loosen the drag if the line breaks during this check.

Do all fly reels lack drag?

The Minnesota DNR’s freshwater rods and reels lesson describes a fly reel that has no drag and does not assist the cast. Fly reels vary, so check the specifications of the reel you own.

For more on choosing and maintaining reels, visit our Fishing Reels category page.

Sources

• Minnesota DNR MinnAqua: Freshwater Rods and Reels
• Missouri Department of Conservation: An Introduction to Fishing
• New York State DEC: I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing
• New York State DEC: Getting Started, Saltwater Fishing in NYC

About Miles Prescott

Miles puts together our beginner & family fishing guides, digging through specifications, manufacturer details and owner reviews so you don't have to.