I a total newb when it comes to offshore reels, I know this is a dumb question, but I need some info about Lever drags, and how they work. What is the "strike" position for, when do you use it, and why? How do you know how many lbs of drag you are applying? Is it labeled on the reel? Or is it feel just like any other type of drag system? Why do you ever need a line that is heavier than the max drag? If a reel has 30lbs of drag, and you have 40lb test...how can it break? I know it can, I just don't understand how it works. Any help would be appreciated...I know these are amature questions, but there's only one way to learn right? Thanks in advance.

1. "Strike Position" is a location on a lever drag reel about all the way up too the full position on the reel. I set my drags about 1/3 of my mono rating so if I'm fishing 30lb mono I set my drag at 10lb's of pressure. Setting my drags like this allowes me to add some more drag pressure if I need it by moving the lever a little further or moving it all the way to full.

2. I use a spring to set my drags at higher line ratings say 60lb mono and heavier ligter lines I can do by feel. The nunbers on most reels just show if you are increasing the pressure or vice versa but dont mean anything else regaurding the lbs of drag applied.

3. See answer #1 set drags 1/3 0r less of line rating. 30lb's of drag is way too much for 40lb mono and the reel needed to offer it will be way too big for your needs.

No questiones are bad but some of the answers suck...lol

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SoCalAngler,

If a reel has 30lbs of drag, and you have 40lb test...how can it break?

One of the biggest factors is the increased load on the line is water resistance. The more line out the more water caused resistance.

Now, there might be some lame questions but if one is seeking answers, questions are one of the best ways to get them.

Possman, ideally drags should be 1/4 to 1/3 the line rating so that you don't overwork the drags and burn them up and it allows you to actually fight the fish. The amount of drag will constantly change depending on the amount of line left on the spool, the diameter of the line, etc. so everything says it set your drags at 1/4/ to 1/3 breaking strength of the line. If you have a fairly trained hand you can check the drag that way, but to get an accurate measure of your drags settings, you need to use a scale, preferably a spring type, with the reel mounted on a rod and the rod bent as if you were actually fighting a fish, when the drag starts to slip that is how much drag your reel is set to. Good luck and don't worry we were all beginners at one point, so don't be afraid to ask questions and always pay attention to the deck hands, the captain and other "experienced" anglers. There's a wealth of info out there and sometimes it can be overwhelming, but don't let that discourage you. Good Luck and welcome!

First, thanks a ton for the info, it's awesome to have people so willing to help.

When would one use the "strike" position then? Is it any different than any other drag setting on the reel? Or is it just there to give you idea of where to place the drag?

Once you use a scale to find a drag setting (with a lever drag) is it common to mark the spot where the lever is for that poundage? Or would that make me look like a moron with sharpe marks all over my brand new avet?

Thanks again.

Possman,

Strike position on a lever reel is marked on the reel it's self also most reels click into that position or have a stop there.

You should set your drag while in free spool, meaning that you put the reel in free spool and move the drag setting knob to increase or decrease the amount of drag pressure. Then you put the reel into the strike position and check the drag pressure with the scale. If you need more or less pressure put the reel into free spool and adjust. Like stated above you want to adjust the drags to 1/4 to 1/3 of your mono rating.

If you can come by the shop and myself or any of the Chark crew can show you how its done.

Edit: By setting the drags at "strike" allows you to increase or decrease the drag while fighting a fish by moving the lever forward (increase) or backward (decrease).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SoCalAngler,