With the 2lb and less line, how do you first set your drag? I spooled up a reel yesterday and broke the line three times just trying to tie it on the spool. This is my first experience with this light line. I am use to 4 and 6lb test.
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With the 2lb and less line, how do you first set your drag? I spooled up a reel yesterday and broke the line three times just trying to tie it on the spool. This is my first experience with this light line. I am use to 4 and 6lb test.
If you want to be precise, have a friend hold a spring scale. Tie a loop in the end of the line, hook it to the scale, and back off about 30'. With the drag screwed down tight, bend the rod like you're fighting a fish. Adjust the drag so that it starts slipping when you've got a typical "fish fighting" bend in the rod.
The rule of thumb I've always used is set it a 20-30% of the breaking strain of the line. So, if you're using 6# line, you'd set the drag to slip at around 2#. For 2# line, you'd have to set it pretty light.
What line are you using?
What disco said. When I went totally to UL angling it was a very frustrating few weeks getting used to 2# test line. I learned to fish it catching white bass. I broke off a ton of fish....but eventually got it down. Looking back on it white bass are a pretty good fish to learn UL angling skills.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quailtail
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Are you sure the line is good. Shouldn't break spooling up - especially if you have experience with 4lb test.
I set my drag kind of heavy - do most of the fighting with the rod.
if I went to 2 lb I wouldn't ever ketch a fish short of a minnow …..just saying :Rofl
The advice above sounds good. I back reel, which is manually giving line by turning the reel in reverse, so I don't set the drag precisely. I don't back reel because I think it is better in general, just because I use reels at the lower end of the cost spectrum that don't have smooth enough drag systems for reliable operation with 2 lb. line. If you have a nice reel the drag should work fine once you get it set right.
4# for me, anything less is more trouble than fun, my 2Cents
I remember watching Jerry McKinnis back reel - a true master - REELY miss his show. I tried but could never master the art.
Probably wouldn't catch half the fish, I stumble across, if it weren't for 2lb test. The 2lb test line I use is not certified.
I’m no good at back reeling either. Using 2# test line will increase catch rate....no doubt about it.....no matter the specie of fish.Quote:
Originally Posted by LedHed
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Well the rods the gentleman is using 2# test on are not rated for 4# test.....3# test is the high end probably for the rods he has....so 4# is a no no......especially 4# test lines sold in the USA which are more like 6-8 pound in breaking strength.Quote:
Originally Posted by trypman1
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One of the best fishing shows ever: no screaming, no infomercials.Quote:
Originally Posted by LedHed
I had this UL book, and there was a short section on JM. Apparently, he used light or UL tackle a lot. The book mentioned how he would even use light gear for bluefish on saltwater trips..
Ok so I will ask here as it seems relevant, what braided line from the US would you use on an entry level JDM rod that was rated for 1-4 and/ or 3-5lb test line. I read the article that Alphahawk linked to and understand that Japanese rod ratings and line ratings mirror IGFA standards, but the drag question does come into play that the OP mentions and I like what DBD alludes to - set a light drag and fight the fish with the rod. I do not want to break a nice JDM rod with the wrong line, but want to enjoy the performance of a sensitive and lightweight weapon when panfishing.
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I've gotten really good at it, but for the most part my bluegill and Redears max out at about 10 inches. In my early days I'd bicycle to the pond and use the same outfit with 4 lb. test for both bass and bream. It was those bass encounters that gave me some great practice. Now I often catch them as incidentals with the 2 lb. test.Quote:
Originally Posted by LedHed
Speaking of which, if you "look inside" here, you can read about JM on pages 13-15:Quote:
Originally Posted by deathb4disco
Ultralight Spin-Fishing: A Practical Guide for Freshwater and Saltwater Anglers: Peter F. Cammann: 9780881503012: Amazon.com: Books