Shimano Tiagra 80W maximum drag

[Adrian_Graham]

Fishing in the Azores in August this year, I had a six hour battle with a very large marlin estimated at well over 1200lbs. Since the fish was not making any fast runs, and we were having real problems moving the fish, I took the drag back to nearly free spool and wound the preset up to max, and then took the lever all the way up to the stops. It was there for the last 2 hours of the fight when, having got the fish to the leader twice, and it was getting dark (so the captain could no longer see where the line was to position the boat right), we had to admit defeat and accept the release capture without getting the gaffs in (and maybe the record) - so we had to bust the fish off. The question is, what is the max pressure that a Tiagra 80W can exert with both the preset and levers set to max? All I know is that after 6 hours of fighting, it was hard work!

[Linwood]

Your best bet is to ask the manufacturer BUT,doesn`t anyone use an educated gloved hand anymore? I would say that most high quality reel drags max well before the breaking point of the line they are rated for.Absolute maximum pressure for me has always been manually activated.

[Adrian_Graham]

I was also using max hand pressure too! In fact, I did get an address for Shimano, and they stated that under those conditions, the reel should be capable of about 90lb of drag. It was only that the fish was moving so slowly that the line didn't break - as far as I understand it, a line rated at a particular breaking strain should break with a tug at that pressure, but not with a slow, steady pull - although I stand to be corrected. The outfit was definitely set up according to IGFA rules, on the basis that fish that could break the record were around and it was possible. In fact, the 80lb record is still held by Xacara, the boat I fished on; there's a good chance it will get the next one too, in seasons to come.

[Don]

You "released" a dead fish...

[Adrian_Graham]

As far as we could tell, the fish was swimming very strongly at the end of the fight. It was moving around all over, against the current often, and it was swimming close to the surface. I've had fish died on me before, and this wasn't one of them. The opinion of the mate and captain, both of whom are some of the most experienced big fish guys - having fished in the Azores for many years, Ascension and Australia among other places - was that the fish was fine. I think they would know more than me - and probably more than you, too I suspect.

Adrian

[Capt._Hioram_Concepcion]

Adrian, Don't feel bad . You guy 's had a Valliant opponent.Some fish just can't be caught. Just ask the crew of the Abracadabra. They faught such a battle for 32 hours a few years back.Off of Hopetown in the Bahamas. I saw that fish and she was also a monster.And you a right mono is very strong on a slow ready pull. You can test that tying it off and pulling sgainst it. or snaping it with one good jerk. Better luck next time . I'm glad she got away you can't catch them all. Next time don't show her the gaff.

[Stephen_Mras]

Adrian, I've read the stories about your tremendous battle with an Azorean blue. I fished the Azores with Capt Jo Franck back in 2001 when the fishing was tough, save for white marlin, and the weather was awful.

Been in your position on big fish that we could not turn on stand-up 50 lb gear. I ended up breaking the line (unintentionally) by sunsetting the drag and then double gripping the line to the foregrip. It broke under a slow but steady pull. The line was premium 50 lb line on a Tiagra 50WLRS. I later tested the drag which was set at 17 lbs on strike. At sunset it was pulling 31 lbs. Like others said, sudden, jerky pressure on a very taught line will snap it far easier than a steady pull. The risk is greater the shorter the length of line. That is why manufacturers also talk about the tensile strength of their line, which measures it's ability to withstand sudden shocks. It's a very important consideration, especially in ultra light tackle fishing.

Don't listen to the guy who said you released a dead fish. Anytime we put our gear in the water, we are at risk of killing fish. I'm assuming that he's one of those high and mighty types who fishes everything on outsized gear to get in as fast as possible for a "healthy" release. Well at least that's what he thinks. I'd argue that since he's been on more fish, he's inflicted more damage on the fishery because not all his fish survive either.

[Anonymous]

It seems that "Don" is a dick!