This is probably the most overlooked setting that we have control over.  Most of us have been or are guilty of not using proper drag settings for optimum performance when fishing.  A lot of anglers think that little to no drag is the way to go with heavy line since they aren't worried about it breaking.  But line break is just a small part of the use for drag settings.

    Most of us all test and set our drag by pulling on the line right in front of the reel, but that is far from accurate.  The best way to set drag is by using a digital scale, if not available any other scale will do.  The proper drag setting should release at 25 to 33 % of the lines test strength.  For example, if you have 14 lb test line tie it to the scale and have someone hold and read the scale while you pull on the rod as if you were playing a fish.  With 14 lb test, the drag should start to slip at 3 1/2 lbs to 4 lbs 7 ounces or close to it.  If using 12 lb it would be 3 lbs to 4 lbs, and so on.  See the Setting Drag Illustration page.

    If you don't have a scale then the next best way is to have a buddy hold the other end of the line while you pull on the rod as if playing a fish again.  Try to use your best judgment with this method.  You want the drag to slip right after a hard hook set some but not so much that it takes away from hook setting power.

        On crank bait rods, allow a little more slack than on other reels since you'll be fighting bass with treble hooks in their mouth.  Not enough drag can easily result in the hooks pulling out of the mouth.  Try keeping cranking reels adjusted so that a 2 lb bass can pull out drag if it is running out in front of the rod.  Not easily though, but just enough that the fish can pull it if it runs.

    Often when fighting bigger bass from 4 lbs and up, play with the drag while fighting the bass.  You should try to free spool (see Free Spooling and Hook sets page) the reel by clicking the thumb bar if a big fish runs under the boat or from side to side.  Use your thumb on the spool to control the line tension.  Drag does not pull out the same when a fish is right up on you and is going from side to side.  

    Everyone will have different drag settings that they prefer over the ones mentioned here.  And it will vary a little from one rods action to another since some are very soft while others are stiff.