Hiya folks,

I want to talk about the drag systems on our spinning reels and baitcasters today. They are so phenomenally good but you are much better. What I mean by that, folks, is you can thumb a baitcaster, and backreel a spinning reel, every bit as good as (and usually better than) the drag system on your reel. So learn how to do it.

If you get a giant Walleye on a spinning reel, for example, instead of relying on the drag, take the anti-reverse off and learn how to backreel, turning it backwards to control the fish. When you get a big muskie on or a big Northern Pike, hit the free spool on your baitcaster and thumb it—learn how to apply pressure with your thumb. When you do it, you’re so much better off than relying on the drag system.

But here’s the other secret: Don’t do it for the very first time when you get the fish of a lifetime on. Practice with small run-of-the-mill fish and then when that giant of a lifetime does hit, you’re equipped, you’re experienced, and you’re gonna land every single one of them.

Happy Fish’n,Gord “The Doc” Pyzer