Drag?

fishON,
 
I hope that somebody more knowlegable will weigh in for your couple of questions.  I believe that a drag setting depends largely on several factors like line strength (lb. test), ability of line to stretch, length and type of rod you are using and finally the reel itself.  I am a goof who fishes with a really long rod that has a good amount of backbone.  I use 6lb YoZuri hybrid line.  Last summer I caught 15lb+ carp and the drag only spun once!  Again the idea is to have the line be able to stretch but NOT break.  Before it breaks, the drag should spin and prevent the line from snapping.  I am not sure of a good scientific way to set the drag on a rod and reel combo.  I am confident that other members on this board will come up with better advice.  There is rarely anything wrong with taking your time to land a fish.  The danger of setting too light is that you will not have enough power to get a decent hook set.  I typically set my drag a little light on a given day or outing and then I adjust it on the first hook up.  If your rod reel combo is close to well matched or balanced, and you use reasonalby fresh line, this may not be the biggest deal of the day.
 
Hopefully someone else chimes in soon
Regards,
Brent
 
PS your avatar is unique. . .what does it represent

I am by no means an expert, but I think its all in the feel.  After you have caught a few, the feel will naturally come to you.  I would start by setting it at a medium light level and thats where you can pull it out by hand somewhat easily, but with a fair amount of tension.  I would not recommend setting it too lightly or you might have a mess when setting the hook for the first time.  Adjust accordingly while you are fighting the fish.  No worries, it will come to you naturally.  Keep in mind, all of this is also dependent on what pound test you will be using.  I prefer 6lb or 8lb. and I really do not see the need for anything more or less for stealhead fishing.  Good Luck.

ORIGINAL: ShutUpNFish

Adjust accordingly while you are fighting the fish. 
 

 
Definitely not an expert, but took me a good 10 lost hook ups to learn this, so hopefully you can avoid that.
 
15 years ago, when I first started fishing steelhead, I was using a stockie set up.  4lb line on a light medium rod, and even ultra light on occasion (wouldn't recommend - really **** off others waiting 1/2 hour for you to fight a fish to fatal exhaustion).  I'd either immediately snap on the first or second run, or end up with a birds nest while setting the hook.  I good guy across the stream gave me the simple advice to loosen the drag a bit after setting the hook. 
 
With the new lines (poly, hybrid, ect.) you can get a 6-8lb line that is a thin as the 4lb line of 10 years ago, so definitely take advantage of that.  A longer rod will take a good bit of pressure off of the line too.  If you go the 4lb route, set your drag as you would for regular trout fishing for hook set (3lb of pressure or enough to have drag on a "normal" fish).  Loosen immediately after hook set, since most of these fish, especially in the fall, are like rodeo bulls.  A 7lb fresh steelhead swimming as fast as it can, with the help of some current, can put some pressure on your line...  If you are casting spoons or fishing for other fish that don't have as much of an eye for the line, then moving up on line wt. isn't a bad thing to do.  I have 13lb poly on one of my set ups, that is thinner than most 8lb lines.  While I am casting light offerings further than most of my fishing buddies, I have yet to hear the dreaded snap.  That line may be a little much for stream fishing steelhead, I'd definitely use it for the lake though.  I still have the drag set as if it was maybe 10lb line though.
 
DO NOT keep really when the fish is taking drag!!!  This will only twist your line.  Let him/her run, then reel when they are not running, hear drag, stop reeling, repeat...

i would like to know if he's using a fly rod or a spin outfit?

I am using a Spin rod set-up. 10ft. noodle and a shimano sidestab rear drag reel. I have yet to get any line but I plan on using 6lb. Any suggestions on exact brand names? Thanks again.

Here's what I use for the 14# stuff, which is the thickness of most 8# (.28mm).  They have a 10# which would likely be like most 6# (.23mm).  Not a bad price either ($11 for 1/4 lb spool - spool the size of a pop/beer can).
 
http://breakawayusa.com/shop/acc.htm
 
I ordered some Cabela's Copolymer line in 6lb, for stocked trout and panfish.  I haven't used it, but will let you know when I do.  It's on sale pretty cheap now.  Mixed reviews, so not sure how good it is.  It is thinner than the 4lb that I replaced on the reels.  I've used the Cabela's Salt Striker Copoly line, and seems to handle well, and much less diameter than regular mono.
 
Remember to put it on correctly.  Someone had a great trick posted a few weeks ago.  When putting it on, crank a few cranks on your rod, then dip the tip of your rod towards the spool.  If it twists up, then it is going on wrong.  Flip the spool over and proceed to fill the spool.  That's all you need to do to check.  Wish I knew that trick sooner!!!

  Tim,

if you are fillin from a 330 yrd. spool & windin with your left hand most times the lable ov the spool should be on the floor. If usin the bulk sz. spools I'll line from the top not bottom with the spool in a horz. pos.

dude, set your rod up the way you are going to fish, hook and everything, attach hook to some thing, door @ home or on the car, start with drag set way too loose & tighten gradually while you pull back(just like you had a fish on)so not matter  how quick or hard you jerk your line doesn't break, if it does re-ty check, after some time doing this you will be able to gauge it by feel, but this way is foolproof... hope it helped!!!!!!!!