Fightin' drag benefits

[Jim Murray]

Can anyone explain the benefit of the Shimano Fightin' drag system, as opposed to the normal method, which I've never had any problem with, especially with a decent front drag reel?

 

Jim.

[chavender]

the only advantage i can think of is that its awkward to adjust/alter the drag on front/rear drag reels whilst playing a fish but with a fighting drag you can flick the lever with your little pinky to add or subtract from the drag whilst trying to land / play a fish holding the rod in one hand and the landing net in the other.

 

i mostly knock mine down a touch whilst landing a fish in case it decides to run away from the net ! with a short line to a rod under tention.and then return it to the central position when the fish is in open water.

[Newt]

I don't use fixed spool reels for fishing very much these days but do have a couple of multipliers equiped with lever drag which is a version of the same feature.

 

I got the reels specifically for fishing static baits in fast current so I could easily set my normal 'fish on' drag and then after a cast, adjust the lever drag to just hold the bait in current but easily move to my normal amount of drag when I had a take.

 

The normal adjusting process is much slower and way too easy to set things wrong in the heat of battle.

[Eric Allee]

I'm adjusting my drag during the fight..the whole fight usually. Its almost become second nature!!! I'm an old fashon guy who hates change so anything to different I usually don't dig....although here in the states a smooth drag is hard to come by unless your willing to pay big bucks...the most reliable drag for me has always been Pflueger!!!

[edd]

i dont normally adjust the drag.i have it set how i want it 1st then if i hook a fish big enough to use the drag and i want less drag i,ll put my finger on the spool slowing the fish down.

[Ken L]

IMO there is no advantage. The figting drag system sounds like a good idea but a quality front drag is significantly lighter and smoother than either normal rear drag or fight'n drag systems and whilst it takes a little while to get used to front drag, it soon becomes second nature.

[HOPPY4]

As this drag system is not available on their Larger reels, it should say something. These reels are small and are not made for BIG fish. I have a Stradic 4000 and it is in my reel box as a limited Back-up only for Trout fishing. IT has No capacity for line and that is the problem. The Fighting Drag is in itself what Newt has said and works that way. They are not for Heavy fish nor are they for Distance fishing! JMHO!!!!!!!!!!

 

HOPPY4

[jeepster]

i have a shimano fightin drag reel which i've caught a few decent fish on, and i can't recall ever using the fightin drag while playing a fish. set your drag right in the first place and it shouldn't need changing

[poledark]

I have a pair of 4010 Shimanos with the fighting drag, and have had several hundred Barbel up to 12lbs and quite a few ( ) carp up to 25lbs on them, and the drag is as sweet as a nut. Total confidence.

 

I would set mine so that with the lever set to the Right there is a fair amount of drag, so with it set to the Left it acts like a baitrunner.

When a fish takes, simply swithch to the right and play the fish...any extra drag is applied with the finger tip to the lip of the spool, or if a really good fight, I cup the spool with finger and thumb.

 

Not to sure what you mean about the line capacity Hoppy, I certainly get well over 100mtrs of 12lb braid on mine!

 

Brilliant bit of kit

 

Den

Edited February 10, 2006 by poledark

[Jim Gibbinson]

I agree with Ken L. I've a couple of Stradics with Fightin' Drag, and a couple of Shimano Match (can't recall the model number), similarly equipped. Initially I was enthusiastic, but it soon became apparent that you sacrifice sensitivity on the main clutch. You are thus compelled to use the F/D because the main clutch has been adversely compromised. I have now come to the conclusion that reels are better for having just a conventional clutch, no matter whether it is front or rear adjusted (I prefer the former).