How to set drag properly with a digital scale?

[MuskieBait]

(09-10-2013 03:34 PM)OldTimer Wrote:  Then there is the variable effect of friction through the line guides and varying rod arch radii and line angle exit and contact area at the tip top,........ and the variable effect of lubrication due to the wetness/dryness of the line,.......... and the effect of ambient temperature on the drag system and mechanical properties of the line, and the varying effect on how quick a pull is due to elasticity of the line, and the varying effect of thermal expansion on the drag adjustment system, and the settings on one rod for a particular reel will be totally different for another rod with a different length or action...........and............and.........and............

A bit too complex for me.

I find that within a few trips using any rod/reel/line combination that I "sorta" learn where my comfort range is for the initial drag setting...... and then adjust/palm/bow and line clamp as necessary on the fly.......... Been workin' out so far.

Besides........... I like a little bit of mystery and gambling associated with fishing............. smile.

Cheers,

OT

^ EXACTLY!

That's why it's good to determine by scale what certain lb of drag feels like by hand, and then do it on the fly...that way I can adjust it based on the different rod and application as needed.