Ask The Pros

Should I rely on the drag of my reel when fishing finesse styles?

Question:
Is it better to rely on the drag of your reel when fishing finesse styles such as drop shot or to flip the back reel switch and back reel the fish when the pulls. And for those that say back reel, how do you determine when and how much back reeling you do?

-Jeff

Answer:
No, you don't have to rely on the drag I like to keep the drag tight so I get a good hook set and can control the fish at all times. When I now it is a good fish that is when I flip the switch to back reel once I have control of the fish and have it away from any cover. I will back reel only when the fish is BULL DOGGING once the fish is wearing down I will flip the switch back to lip the fish this is the tricky part because as the fish gets close to the boat it my spook and make another run so I like to be ready to flip the switch back so I can back reel again. I have caught lots of Big fish on a spinning outfit and light line using this method.

FISH HARD!

Mark Tucker