How hard can you lean into a fish on your gear?

[OldTimer]

I’d say that the majority of weekend anglers DON’T really know how much pressure they can safely apply to a fish once they've hooked it.

Typically drags are set fairly lightly to avoid the shock breaking a line on a HARD “cross their eyes” hook set.

True – one must consider the target species and how soft its mouth and tissues are - like crappie and whitefish- ….. But other species if well hooked (and not in the edge of the lip) can be much more aggressively handled.

Yes – I know you don’t want to lose the fish – but its real handy knowing what you can do – before you experiment in real fight time.

Most anglers will have a “general” outfit ……. Say with 8# test on a 6.5 or 7 foot rod.

Try this with that outfit – get a large used plastic jug (gallon) from vinegar or laundry stuff…………. Fill it about half way with water…….. tie yer line on the handle……. Then actually pick it off the floor by tightening your drag to the point where you can do so…….. Now look at the substantial arc in your pole……….. That’s not even 5 pounds………. Ya still got lots of room to the 8 pound line strength.

(a litre of water weighs a kilogram, or 2.2 pounds)

Just imagine what is possible with 15 or 17 pound test outfits….or 30…or 50..etc……… try a test at that level…..

I’m not saying that initial light drag settings are not the way to go…… I do it…........to offset poor knots, line nicks, poor hook sets, etc……. Just this: learn the limits of your gear and you’ll be much more prepared when you do hook into a monster and need to max out that days outfit.

The above… and a bit of ultra-light fishing (using a 4# or less system) for big carp will prepare you for most everything.

Cheers,

OldTimer