John F's DIY: Adjusting the drag (on lever drag reels) on your own!

[Tsutsuma]

I agree with that, but whats with the ANDE we have used it for years with no problems?? I cant say I have tested where it breaks but have luckily not had it fail.

spill the beans what do you know?????

shagnrelease
I have all the interest in the ANDE info as my 4 game rods has TOP SHOT of 80lb ANDE "PINK"
Come on TUNAMAN = give it to us asap
}<(((*>

[TUNAMAN]

I do not want to diss lines publicly but I have spooled to rolls before where we lost fish the next day. On taking it back to the shop I asked them to pull it off. The line had varying diameters through out the spools. It was enough to put me of. As for line that I can guarantee will break on their stipulated rating is DOUBLEX. This is also a line I have exstensively tested. The problem these days is that stores stock the brands on which they make the best margin so usually I do not get the specific XX I'm looking for (rating and colour). I then fall back onto berkley BIGGAME and if there is none I have to take ANDE.

This is merely my experience but what i can add is that the guys who go for records on 2kg and 4 kg classes also take XX before any other and they swear by it.

We should actually run a test and check the results.

[Tsutsuma]

I do not want to diss lines publicly but I have spooled to rolls before where we lost fish the next day. On taking it back to the shop I asked them to pull it off. The line had varying diameters through out the spools. It was enough to put me of. As for line that I can guarantee will break on their stipulated rating is DOUBLEX. This is also a line I have exstensively tested. The problem these days is that stores stock the brands on which they make the best margin so usually I do not get the specific XX I'm looking for (rating and colour). I then fall back onto berkley BIGGAME and if there is none I have to take ANDE.

This is merely my experience but what i can add is that the guys who go for records on 2kg and 4 kg classes also take XX before any other and they swear by it.

We should actually run a test and check the results.

Thanks TUNAMAN
Well - let me tell you this about my ANDE
I have problems with my ANDE
But I thought it was normal
After my Blue Marlin +- 2 months ago -
my ANDE was 80% shot
As I said - I bought the ANDE "PINK" and after the Marlin as let free - my ANDE was not pink anymore - but like dull grey
And to add - the whole strech of ANDE top shot = when you pulled it of the reel + curled into circles of abour 5cm in diameter loops on the floor
I did replace it as I invested in a huge spool I bought directly from Ryan Williamson as his co,pany "Pulsator"
imports ANDE
On my 2 = 30VSX Pen Internationsl reels the same thing
We had a Pack Attack twice of Sailfish where between the 2 = 30VS.s and the 50VSX - had fought 9 sailfish in 2 hours
The same about the colour going dull grey and the line in a mess when pulled off the reels
Is this normal please??
}<(((*>

[Tsutsuma]

Thanks TUNAMAN
Well - let me tell you this about my ANDE
I have problems with my ANDE
But I thought it was normal
After my Blue Marlin +- 2 months ago -
my ANDE was 80% shot
As I said - I bought the ANDE "PINK" and after the Marlin as let free - my ANDE was not pink anymore - but like dull grey
And to add - the whole strech of ANDE top shot = when you pulled it of the reel + curled into circles of abour 5cm in diameter loops on the floor
I did replace it as I invested in a huge spool I bought directly from Ryan Williamson as his co,pany "Pulsator"
imports ANDE
On my 2 = 30VSX Pen Internationsl reels the same thing
We had a Pack Attack twice of Sailfish where between the 2 = 30VS.s and the 50VSX - had fought 9 sailfish in 2 hours
The same about the colour going dull grey and the line in a mess when pulled off the reels
Is this normal please??
}<(((*>

[John F]

TUNAMAN
It is no use Buddy = to go to this extent
I am not any "Expert & have never claimed to be"
But what I can tell you is that my Fishing Results "Speak Louder than Words"

As certain experts should know by now
lol
We are going to do this together on your Team visit to my Paradise
I can not wait Buddy
Carlos
}<(((*>

I wish "non experts" such as Peter Pakula, Bart Miller and many other captains who have caught zillions of granders and actually set their drags using scales and fully recommend it, could read this thread!!!!! I'm sure they could learn a lot from the "real" experts and their monster catches!!!!

[TUNAMAN]

TSUTSUMA check this out http://www.gamefishin.com/wa/features/linetest.htm

[TUNAMAN]

I wish "non experts" such as Peter Pakula, Bart Miller and many other captains who have caught zillions of granders and actually set their drags using scales and fully recommend it, could read this thread!!!!! I'm sure they could learn a lot from the "real" experts and their monster catches!!!!

JOHNF don't freak out now. I did say i set my drag but only on full. My strike drag I determine on feel. These are two different settings.

[John F]

Hey Tunaman,

I'm glad you have confidence in your line... that's the most important thing.

Those tests have been done on lot's of popular brands... just check marlin mag...

I just think it is always wise to give it some margin for whatever may happen...

Tight lines! 

[shagnrelease]

Thanks TUNAMAN
Well - let me tell you this about my ANDE
I have problems with my ANDE
But I thought it was normal
After my Blue Marlin +- 2 months ago -
my ANDE was 80% shot
As I said - I bought the ANDE "PINK" and after the Marlin as let free - my ANDE was not pink anymore - but like dull grey
And to add - the whole strech of ANDE top shot = when you pulled it of the reel + curled into circles of abour 5cm in diameter loops on the floor
I did replace it as I invested in a huge spool I bought directly from Ryan Williamson as his co,pany "Pulsator"
imports ANDE
On my 2 = 30VSX Pen Internationsl reels the same thing
We had a Pack Attack twice of Sailfish where between the 2 = 30VS.s and the 50VSX - had fought 9 sailfish in 2 hours
The same about the colour going dull grey and the line in a mess when pulled off the reels
Is this normal please??
}<(((*>

I have not used the pink one but just the normal clear or green, but certainly if your line has changed colour after a fight then there is something wrong, when line is damaged or has been jerked quickly tight like on a strike it turns a milky colour and weakens, if your line breaks with a dull thud then you know your line has failed, but if it breaks with a LOUD CRACK, then its generally too much tension.

My 30-80lb reels are currently spooled with Berkley big game, and my 12-20lb I am using the IGFA Key Lime, its nice and soft and does not have to bad of a memory. But as Tunaman says the Double x is also very good line.

[John F]

JOHNF don't freak out now. I did say i set my drag but only on full. My strike drag I determine on feel. These are two different settings.

Sorry Tunaman,
You misunderstood me... Not  freaking out at you!

I did get your point and I think we both agree on this....

[TUNAMAN]

I'm fully aware of it and I do work to a system. I will not be on full strike unless it is absolutely necessary. For the rest I do rely on feel. I have done some play play test with guys when they are boozed up. Put them in a chair and tie your 80 pound rig to a tree and dare them to break it. Most cannot break the line which means a lot of us cannot exert the required 37kg to break the line. What I must add is if 80 pound breaks at 50 pound, then there is a serious problem. In fishing however care is to be given to the pressure the fish exerts on the tackle as this is when the fish breaks it without you feeling the full pressure.

[TUNAMAN]

No Problem John. I think I might be to old school and need a grander to teach me a lesson.... ...Will be a bitter lesson learnt.

[Tsutsuma]

shagnrelease & TUNAMAN
Well - I have never had my ANDE Top Shot break
But I never kept my ANDE Top Shot on my reels after it
turned to what I explained.
I replaced with new ANDE Top Shot and fished again
I think I will feel better it I changed to another Brand
I will visit the fishing shop in NRB and get something else before
my return to Maputo
}<(((*>

[shagnrelease]

shagnrelease & TUNAMAN
Well - I have never had my ANDE Top Shot break
But I never kept my ANDE Top Shot on my reels after it
turned to what I explained.
I replaced with new ANDE Top Shot and fished again
I think I will feel better it I changed to another Brand
I will visit the fishing shop in NRB and get something else before
my return to Maputo
}<(((*>

100% you need to be completely confident in your lines, I would do the same after your experience.

[John F]

Hey Tunaman,

I would like to see that test :)! Got any pics? he he he

Good stuff...

[TUNAMAN]

I have not used the pink one but just the normal clear or green, but certainly if your line has changed colour after a fight then there is something wrong, when line is damaged or has been jerked quickly tight like on a strike it turns a milky colour and weakens, if your line breaks with a dull thud then you know your line has failed, but if it breaks with a LOUD CRACK, then its generally too much tension.

My 30-80lb reels are currently spooled with Berkley big game, and my 12-20lb I am using the IGFA Key Lime, its nice and soft and does not have to bad of a memory. But as Tunaman says the Double x is also very good line.

I trust Berkley biggame but it has a tad too much memory for me. This obviously hassles only if you hook other lines in the spread and yes it does happen to me at times. But I trust it to be the same everytime. Have used SUFFIX key lime and have no complaints on the line. There is only one line however I will put my life on, when it is in stock...lol. Another think DOUBLEX has a platinum range. It is a line with less diameter than there counterparts. This only comes in one colour a type of white/clear.

Shag you are a marlin guy. I will learn from you on the nitty gritty side of things.

[Tsutsuma]

100% you need to be completely confident in your lines, I would do the same after your experience.

shagnrelease & TUNAMAN
I have called "Spinner & Tackle"
They do not have the Berkley Big Game Blue range of Mono
What do you suggest please??
}<(((*>

[TUNAMAN]

shagnrelease & TUNAMAN
I have called "Spinner & Tackle"
They do not have the Berkley Big Game Blue range of Mono
What do you suggest please??
}<(((*>

TSUTSUMA I'm not surprised. I would suggest DOUBLEX but as I have mentioned BERKLEY is good to. I can order for you whatever you want and then you can get it from me next week?

[Tsutsuma]

I trust Berkley biggame but it has a tad too much memory for me. This obviously hassles only if you hook other lines in the spread and yes it does happen to me at times. But I trust it to be the same everytime. Have used SUFFIX key lime and have no complaints on the line. There is only one line however I will put my life on, when it is in stock...lol. Another think DOUBLEX has a platinum range. It is a line with less diameter than there counterparts. This only comes in one colour a type of white/clear.

Shag you are a marlin guy. I will learn from you on the nitty gritty side of things.

I have booked the only big spool Double X they have in the store
I will collect it when I arrive in NRB
Thanks for all your FAST assistance here
You guys rock
}<(((*>

[miles]

Hiya

The  idea behind a lever drag reel is to be able to set your drag to a pre-determined level, so that it takes the 'guessing' of your drag out of the equation. Anyone who would want to 'fish by feel' is simply negating the advantages of the lever drag.

The standard accepted practice is to set the drag at strike, at 1/3 (33%) of your breaking strain. Why only at 33% of the breaking strain? Well, as mentioned, the start-up inertia of the drag when a fish strikes is one reason. When one knots the line, be it leader connections or tie-ing on terminal connections like hooks, swivels, lures, etc, the breaking strain will drop. After a few fish, the line can offen have nicks or abrasion damage which will also weaken the line. Yet another very important, but not mentioned factor is that when a fish empties your reel, the drag setting will get higher. In other words, the less line there is on the reel, the higher the drag setting will be, even though you haven't touched the lever drag. These and many other factors mean that using 33% of the lines breaking strain as your strike drag will ensure minimal fish being lost.

Discolouration of line. When targeting large fish, line MUST be seen as a consumable. When the fishing is good, i replace all my lines every two weeks, and that with 130lb line (mono). With 30lb and 50lb, after a good trip or two, with big fish, i'd suggest changing the line. When line starts discolouring, its a good sign that the line is starting to wear to the point where changing it is imminant.

IGFA rated line is MADE to break as close to the breaking strain mention, but never OVER the stated breaking strain. THIS is why anglers buy IGFA rated line.

I've used ANDE pink 80lb line commercially for a few years now and can highly recommend it. Never had any problems with line breaking.

I set my drag a simpler way. I put the rod and reel into the boats rod holder, thread the line through the eyes and attach it to a digital scale. Set the reel on strike and simply walk away from the set-up, whilst pulling the line. Check the highest reading on the scale in my hands and then re-adjust where neccessary. Simple and effective.

Drag setting DO start fluctuating and i normally check mine every 3 weeks or so. If the fishing has been VERY good, every second week, i'll check the drags.