Line Drag

Question
Hello. Do you set drag the same way with braided line as you would mono? I was considering buying heavy braided line since the diameter is as small as light mono. Setting the drag at 25% of a line that is really heavy seems like it would not leave room for me to "play" the fish. How do you set the drag of a really strong braid, but leave it loose enough for a bass to pull line out?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Bing,

No matter how strong that braid is, you still have to set the drag like you would with mono.  When you are fighting the fish, something has to give a little.  As a rod builder and rod repair guy, lately it is the rod that breaks.  Braided line has become the biggest culprit of broken rods, eclipsing ceiling fans, screen doors, rod locker lids, and trunk doors.  

The other thing that gives is the hook.  Most hooks are not made to withstand 50 pounds of tension.  If they don't straighten, they tear out of the fishes mouth.

Also, I would NEVER use braid direct to the lure or bait.  Fish can see it.  So you need to add a 6-8 foot piece of mono or fluorocarbon leader material to the business end of the braid.  A double uni-knot works well.  At that point, the leader is the weakest link and the drag should be set accordingly.  Remember, there is no stretch, so lighter is better on the drag.

I am not a big fan of braids and I know a lot of guides in both fresh and salt water that are going back to mono.  It has a few applications that it works well for, but the monos are so good that I don't see the need for braid under most circumstances.  

I have had several people come to me inquiring about going back to the old slow action glass rods to compensate for the no-stretch qualities of braid.  It's crazy talk.  Stick with a good quality mono and you don't have to dummy-down the rods.

Good fishing.

Marc