The drag reel is a highly efficient fishing tackle widely used in the field of sea fishing. Its unique design makes it particularly good when fighting against large fish. The adjustment of drag force is crucial when using a drag reel, which directly affects the success rate and safety of fishing.
Definition and importance of drag force
Drag force refers to the resistance exerted by the reel when the fish bites the hook. As an important indicator of reel performance, appropriate drag force can help anglers gain an advantage in the fight with fish and prevent the breakage of the fishing line or the escape of the fish. Excessive drag force may cause the fish to escape, while too little drag force makes it difficult to effectively control the movement of the fish. Therefore, accurate adjustment of drag force is the key to successful fishing.
Principles of drag force adjustment
When adjusting the drag force, anglers should follow the following principles:
1. Adjust according to the target fish species: Different fish have different strengths and struggles. For smaller fish, it is appropriate to set a lower drag force; for large fish, such as sharks or tuna, a higher drag force is required to cope with their strong escape ability.
2. Dynamic adjustment: During fishing, the reaction of fish may vary, so the adjustment of drag force should be dynamic. Anglers need to adjust the drag force in time according to the struggle of the fish to ensure the best control effect.
Initial adjustment of drag force
Before the actual fishing, it is crucial to make a preliminary adjustment of the drag force. This process includes the following steps:
Pull test: Before fishing, test the initial drag force of the reel by manually pulling the fishing line to sense its resistance and ensure that it is within a reasonable range.
Reference standard: Many rear-drag reels have a calibrated drag force range, and anglers can make preliminary adjustments based on these standards. It is generally recommended to set the drag force between 50%-70% of the target fish species' pull force to ensure that the fish can be effectively controlled without causing the fishing line to break.
Real-time adjustment of drag force
During fishing, the struggle and reaction of the fish will continue to change, so it is particularly important to adjust the drag force in real time. Here are some specific adjustment tips:
Observe the behavior of the fish: When the fish is hooked, it is necessary to carefully observe the way and intensity of its struggle. If the fish shows strong struggle, increase the drag force appropriately to prevent the fish from escaping.
Relax in time: When the fish's struggle weakens, you can relax the drag force appropriately to avoid applying too much pressure to the fish, which can reduce the fish's tension and reduce the possibility of its escape.
Use the brake system: The rear drag reel is usually equipped with a brake system, and the angler can adjust the brake force at any time as needed to react quickly during the fish's struggle.
Precautions and common misunderstandings
When adjusting the drag force, anglers should pay special attention to the following matters:
Avoid excessive tension: Many anglers increase the drag force excessively due to tension when fighting with fish. Excessive drag force will not only cause the fishing line to break, but also may cause the fish to escape. Therefore, it is very important to stay calm and adjust in time.
Check the equipment regularly: Check the reel and its components regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly and avoid affecting the fishing effect due to equipment failure.