[Redkorn]

I got a T-bar awhile back but had some spare time today to play around with it and set my drag setting for both my Avets.

I saw a few comments around the web on the setting that should be use.

7%-14%-30% of the line test.

The AVET owners manual said 25-30% of the lines breaking strength. Giving the users a safety margin in case of weak points and frays in the line.

So I took the inter webs advice and Avets. Keeping a lower setting lower then what the manual said.

14% of 17 lbs (SX) = about 3lb's (I set mine around 2 1/2 just to be safe)

14% of 30 lb (MXL) = about 4lbs 30% of 30lbs = 9lbs (I found it better to set it at 6lbs)

What do you guys think? Should I go back and change the setting or are they good enought for Yellowtail and halibut?

[tackleholic]

I've never set my drags by a scale, just by feel. With that said, the drag sounds a little lght for yellowtail...they pullpretty hard...a lot harder than halibut and their mouths doing. are a lot tougher. Theres a lot of factors...hook size...fishing platform...whether there are seals in the water and barneys on the boat. If its packed and its a party boat and theres a good chance youll end up with many lines on you, hate to say it but be prepared to loosen that drag way loose at a moments notice...and let that fish run you out of the tangle unless the deckhands know what they are doing. If there are seals around, you want to up your line size if possible to even a 40 or 50 lb. topshot and try to get bit on a jig...then just crank like crazy and get the fish to the side to be gaffed asap. Thats why id recommend a heavier outfit with at least 65 to 80 lb braid with a heavy topshot, just in case the seals are a problem. If the seal does get its teeth into your fish and you have to play tug of war with your yellowtail, at least you have a chance to get back your fish with hopefuly only a few bite marks. My last trip down to Baja, i got three this way at San Martin island, lost like 6 to the seals. Had to break off 3 seals with 50 lb topshott when they wouldnt even leave my bait alone. So afterwards, i just switched to jigs and buttoned down the drag. Ive done that at catalina too with bonita when the seals became a nusiance and i was loosing all my bonita. Switched my 20 lb topshot to 40 flouro, tied on the megabait, the when they hit...wind em straight in and bounce em . Not sporting, but if you want some fresh fish to take home without fido mauling it, sometimes its the only way.

[RobF]

Drag? What's that? Here's how I set my drag for shore rock fishing.

(1) Can I still pull the line out with a gloved hand?
(2) if yes, tighten more and go to step 1
(3) if no, then done

I think there is a famous line from a movie, "Drag? We don't need no sinking drag!" Or something like that.


But back to your question. Do you ever test the breaking strength of your rigs? I use an inline scale to test mine. It's interesting to see what the weak points are. Should help you set a good number for your drag.


Rob