[#1cubsfan]

I JUST WENT TO DICKS AND GOT A NEW OKUMA 9 BEARING REEL FOR ONLY $29.98. REGULAR PRICE ON THE REEL IS $59.99 I ALSO GOT SOME BERKLEY VANISH 8 LB. JUST CURIOUS ON SETTING THE DRAG ON THIS REEL OR ANY REEL. IT SAYS TO USE A WELL MOUNTED SPRING SCALE TO SET THE DRAG AND TO SET THE DRAG AT 25% OF THE LINE TEST. IF I DON'T HAVE THE SCALE WHAT IS ANOTHER GOOD WAY TO SET MY DRAG PROPERLY.

 

[edai2000]

Let me know how you like the reel. I bought the same one (GT-30) about two months ago, and clumsily broke the handle when I dropped the pole (w/ reel attached) on the dirt/grass at Beck a week later. Of course I took it back to Dick's and got a new one.

But for some reason, I feel like this reel is a little bulky--like it gets in its own way sometimes. Probably just me.

 

[Topwater]

What I do, and I'm sure it isn't the 'correct' way to set drag, is to hook the hook on something solid and stable like a dock or tree or something, set the drag so that the rod will bend at least half way down it's length, and then while bent, loosen the drag until it just starts to straighten the pole. If that makes any sense :? It's a feel thing, just too loose and you won't get a good hook set, too tight and you may snap the line...