Setting Drag with a scale

Set the strike drag with the rod held securely in a holder.  The scale should read between 25 and 33 percent of the unknotted line strength when the drag starts to slip.

                                                

                     For example using 30-lb test line (shown above) should have a strike drag setting of between 7 1/2  to 10 pounds.   

           If you set the drag on a light-tackle outfit such as on 12-pound test, as illustrated below, with the rod tip pointed at the scale (top image), the  reading should be about 15 percent of the unknotted line strength.  When the rod is in the fighting position (bottom) friction will increase the drag.