by dahlberg » Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:20 am
Lever drag reels have a range, from free spool to "sunset" or the farthest position forward the lever will travel. On many, there is a little easily disengaged stopper device that stops the lever at about 1/2 to 2/3 or up path of travel. Its' usually referred to as the "strike" position.
By tightening on loosening the end cap on the drag the overall curve can be changed from light to locked at the top end.
The Torsa even has variable drag cams that can be interchanged which change the curve of the drag pressure as the lever is moved forward.
Depending on the line, size of fish and experience levels the strike feature can be used in different ways.
With inexperienced anglers the captain might set the strike position at the max he want the client to pull and tell them not to touch it.
At other times it might be used to set the tension you want while trolling a lure, then flip it forward as the boat slows and the fight starts.
Often I see it set at 1/3 the breaking strength on the line at strike and an angler finesses the lever forward when a fish slows then backs it off to strike if it makes a run.
In any case, a good lever drag provides the most control and is the most reliable of all the drags made so far.
best,
L
Larry Dahlberg
The Hunt For Big Fish