Drag settings on popping

[Halezan Hassan]

Hi,

Aprreciate if someone could share what is their favourite drag setting for popping game. For example, I have 1 Stella 10000HG and Saltiga Z 4500H. Doesnt matter how much drag both reels got, I just wanted to ensure that I have good setting on drag when strike the fish. I have drag checker so I just dont want to set very high drag or too low. Please advice. Thanks!

[Sachin Chaudhry]

Hi Halezan. That depends on a couple of factors.
Firstly, what test line are you going to use? You also need to consider what the size of the fish is around the areas you fish. If you are unsure I suppose starting out at 10kg should be okay but most guys tend to fish at least 12kg if the terrain is rough. With really heavy lures you have to dial up the drag a bit to prevent line slip when you cast. I also tend to  back the drag off a the fish is close the boat in case it starts acting up close in. In any event you would have to experiment as to what sort of drag suits your area and fighting style the  best.

[Brandon Khoo]

What Sachin wrote!

It really comes down to what line you're using, the size of the fish you want to pursue, the terrain and what level of drag you're capable of fishing.
For me, I'm normally fishing 12-16kg on PE8-10. It depends on the location but I'm generally fishing on the high end of that range.

[Halezan Hassan]

Thanks Sachin and Brandon!  Perfect explanation for me since I'm quiet beginner in hardcore popping. The GT's at the oil rig that i'm going to would range from 20-40kg. Record here is 63kg which is hardly to be seen (lots of hooked up end up getting head only - lots of big shark range 60> kg. I just hope at least I can caught 20kg at least will be good enough. 

[Brandon Khoo]

the fish are bloody huge then!
If I was you, I'd be looking to get a 20000 spool or two and fill it with 130lb line. if you can handle it, look for a setting around 15kgs.

[Halezan Hassan]

Wow! Looking forward to get one then. Thanks bro and good luck on your trip to NC 

[Luke Wyrsta]

Are you going to Terengganu?

I agree that drags should be as heavy as possible, but you should really experiment and trial what kind of pressure you and your gear can handle (no point setting 15kg initial strike drag if you can
t physically handle it). Your strike drag should be as high as possible so that you can have the best chance of setting the hook and turning the fish from the intial run but one of the great things is that drag is 'active' meaning that you can set it to whatever the conditions dictate. Start running drag pressure through your gear and get to know how they all feel

[Halezan Hassan]

Ya right mate! Terengganu. You've been there before?

Thanks for your advice. I have a few option on drag settings but the most welcome option comes from here, Brandon, Sachin and you. Thanks a lot mate 

[Sachin Chaudhry]

Wish we all had a problem with too many 20 - 40 kg fish and a smattering of 60kg plus. This place sounds like heaven !!