Q&A: Setting the Drag While Trolling the Hogy Spreader Bars for Tuna

QUESTION:

Hi Ross,

I was wondering if you could tell me how many pounds of drag you set your reels for while trolling the Hogy Flexi-Bars for tuna? Some say set-to-strike and set strike to 1/3 of line test. For example, 20lbs for 60lbs of braid. Others say 10-13lbs while trolling and move the lever drag slowly to strike after hooking up. 

What do you recommend?

Thanks,

Andre

ANSWER:

Hi Andre,

Thank you for reaching out to us! We appreciate your business very much.

I tend to go lighter, maybe 10lb, if using light tackle (say 40lb or 60lb). I like to surge the boat for up to 15 seconds. If I hook up, a light drag will put less pressure on the fish which makes it less likely to pop the hook. I’ll slowly increase drag as I bring in the fish.

Check out the video below which highlights the same drag ratio but on heavier stuff. 

Thanks!
The Hogy Team