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I basically know what it is, but not like some of you that have a deep understanding of why you need it, the subtle differences in diff reels, and how to use it. Can anyone write a brief paragraph on this subject? Thanks in advance.....
It's not brain surgery Glen. Drags are just like brakes on your car, the harder you press the quicker you'll stop (in general). The only variable as it pertains to fishing is the weight of your line, condition thereof, size of reel and applicable drag, plus muscle you use thereafter. I'm sure someone else will give you a more in depth analysis, but that's all it is really.
Glen,
There certainly will be a wealth of information you will likely get from THTers, some right on and some not so right on. I have a paper file and a computer file of all the articles that I find useful. Though I consider myself a decent fisherman, I like to think of myself as a continual "student" of my passion. Here are some great articles that explain the concept of drag that you should read and print out:
I have to agree with this one from Anthem's links: "As a fish continues to run off line, the diameter of the line on the spool decreases, which, in turn, increases drag. Also, more line pulled through the water creates more pressure. When in this situation, slowly back off the drag as the fish runs, to alleviate the tension on your outfit. There will beenough drag from all the line in the water to keep the hook in a fish. Never tighten the drag if a fish is taking a lot of line." Other than that there's not much to it as far as we recreactional guys are concerned.
I have to agree with this one from Anthem's links: "As a fish continues to run off line, the diameter of the line on the spool decreases, which, in turn, increases drag. Also, more line pulled through the water creates more pressure. When in this situation, slowly back off the drag as the fish runs, to alleviate the tension on your outfit. There will beenough drag from all the line in the water to keep the hook in a fish. Never tighten the drag if a fish is taking a lot of line." Other than that there's not much to it as far as we recreactional guys are concerned.
Twotems, what you quoted from the article I have is one of the most important tips. I think the natural reaction from some people is when the fish is taking line, they'll tighten the drag...not good. I'll point the rod at the direction of the lure/running fish and then work the line with fingers and/or spool with my thumb for extra tension without running risk of a breakoff.
Look at drag on a reel as compared to brakes on a car. Brakes on aFord Escort will stop the car safely but a finely tuned luxury sports car, say a BMW M6 rag top for example, will stop the car smoothly from high speeds and over and over and over before it needs a brake job. The brakes of the M6 are larger (diameter and thickness), have holes and a groove(s) which help dissipate heat.
The better reels are larger, made of better materials, are smoother during the pressure of a blistering run and dissipate heat well so they stay smooth just like the brakes of a car. Heat in the drag will cause it to grab erratically and ultimately seize, which isn't good. When you have a trophy on the line you don't want the drag to be jerky.
Check out www.smoothdrag.com for one of the best after market drag manufacturers out there. There's a page that explains drag also.
I read all 3 articles and all of the comments posted so far. Good info and advice. One thing I'd like to add, though. If a fish gets down toward the bottom of ths spool, increase the drag until the line breaks before it gets to the knot at the bottom of the spool. I've heard too many people say "He took every inch of my line and I had to use another reel." Unfortunately, the fish dies when that happens.
If you increase the drag before the fish gets to the end of the line, 99% of the time, the line will break where it has seen the most use, close to the leader.
Also, if the fish has pulled off a lot of line and you need to chase to recover. Follow the line and not the fish. If you follow directly after the fish you could cause a huge bow in the line that will continue to pull line off the reel - or break the line altogether. This is caused by the resistance of the line through the water.
Glen put your rod in the holder attach a scale like a berkley digital or rapala or any other put the reel in the strike position now walk away with the line attached to the scale when it reads 1/3 of the breaking strenght it is set 7# for 20#test 10# for 30# test etc. now walk 100' away and check the # on the scale 200' same deal 300' same thing With braid it doesn't grow as fast because the dia of the spool is less affected but with mono it changes faster especially with heavier(bulkier) lines that would change the dia faster.
mark a piece of tape on the side with the lever to where you should move it to(the lever) to remain at the 1/3 breaking strenght
I would suggest that you set your drags at 1/4 of the breaking strenght till you get the hang of changing the drag pressure in a long run from say a good king or sail it will give you plenty of time to clear other lines and circle to the running fish to fight
If you hear a drag screaming when you hook a Grouper, chances are, you are gonna get cut off. I fish 80# mono with the drag locked as tight as it will go. I want the fish to break the line, not cut me off. If the drag starts to slip, I put lots of thumb pressure on the reel.
As far as Jewfish go, my hooked to landed ratio is 50% or a little higher but I fight a big fish terribly hard on very heavy tackle. I regularly land Jewfish in excess of 400# in under 5 minutes on my trusty 9/0 Senator. Year before last, I caught at least 25 over 300# in water no more than 30' deep. If you want to see an old man (me)in a down and dirty Jewfish fight along with how I rig and bait, I'll send you a link to a professional video. (Filmed this August)
Screaming drags are mighty fine on fish that don't head for holes.
Thank you Glen for asking the question. Truthfully I know so little about fishing I generally just surf here to see what I can pick up, but I'm learning! I printed the articles linked, thank you Anthem.
__________________ Carpe Diem
01 Tiara 2900 Coronet
So what am I missing when it is stated that you should not tighten the drag when the fish is taking line, but when a tuna or marlin hits the lure and is taking line, you let them take it for a little bit, then you should increase the drag sharply to set the hook. (assuming J hooks...not circle)
So how is this different than what was stated or am I doing it wrong for the initial hook set?
can someone explain drag? 
