Anglers fishing in salt or freshwater through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina have the opportunity to select from a vast number of fishing reel styles. One of the most commonly used in these three states is a spinning reel. Spinning reels are fitted with rear or front drags to control the pressure applied to the fish when hooked. Here is what you need to know about the difference between rear drag spinning reels vs front drag spinning reels. 

How Does Drag  On A Spinning Fishing Reel Work

The purpose of drag on a fishing reel is to tire the fish when hooked. Tiring the fish is accomplished by the drag system.

A spinning reel drag consists of metal and fabric washers. The washers alternate between metal and fabric and contain reel oil to reduce heat and allow them to rotate without binding. 

The angler controls the amount of resistance applied by the drag by rotating the dial on the front or rear of the spinning reel. When a fish is in the process of being fought and pulls, the reel spins the opposite of retrieval. The opposite motion engages the drag system. 

Correctly setting the drag is significant before a fish is hooked compared to after to avoid breaking the line. Pull the line free from the spool and adjust accordingly to set the drag. 

What Is A Rear Drag On A Fishing Reel

Spinning reels are fitted with drag controls positioned in the front or the back. The angler, when fishing, rotates the dial to the left or to the right. Turning to the left loosens the drag while spinning to the right tightens the drag. 

A rear drag is as it sounds; the control dial is positioned at the rear of the reel. While fishing, the angler manipulates the drag by increasing or decreasing tension with the opposite hand the fishing rod is held. 

We prefer fishing with rear drag spinning reels compared to front drag spinning reels because of the location of the adjustment knob. 

What Is A Front Drag On A Fishing Reel

A front drag fishing reel is the opposite of a rear drag fishing reel. The control dial is positioned on the front of the spool compared to the back of the reel body. 

When fighting a fish, Anglers control the tension by rotating the dial at the front. Left-handed anglers which are those who hold the rod in the left hand, adjust the drag with the right hand. Right-handed anglers adjust the drag with the left hand. Read five key points to left-handed anglers

One complication anglers face with front drag spinning reels is keeping clear of the fishing line. As the fishing line is stripped from the reel by a strong fish, anglers position their hands within close proximity.

To avoid breaking the fish off or becoming entangled in the line, utilize your thumb and pointer fingertips. Keep the hands clear of the spool. 

What Types Of Fishing Reels Are Rear Or Front Drags 

Anglers have the opportunity to select from a vast range of reel types. Some of the most notable reel types include level wind, fly fishing, bait casting, conventional, spinning, and more.

Rear or front drags are positioned on spinning-style fishing reels. Spinners, otherwise called spin casting reels, contain an open spool where the line wraps when retrieved. 

While spinners contain rear or front adjustment knobs, they are unique to most other fishing reels. The vast majority of other styles of fishing reels have adjustments on the side adjacent to the crank handle. The dial is rotated in a forward or backward motion compared to left or right when adjusting. 

What Should Your Drag Be Set At

Setting a drag before casting a line is essential to reduce the likelihood of breaking a fish free or failing to apply enough pressure to tire the fish. 

To set the drag, have a fishing scale on hand. The drag must be set at one-third to one-half of the lines breaking strength. A tremendous amount of pressure is applied to the line when a fish strikes. 

Connect the line to the scale, read the pound rating, pull the scale with the line attached, and set at half or a third of the total poundage rating. 

Check out this fish scale by Dr. Meter. The digital scale is used for setting drags, weighing fish, and measuring fish. 

Rear Drag Spinning Reels Vs. Front Drag Now You Know

The choice is yours when it comes to selecting a rear or front drag spin fishing reel. Rather than purchasing both, ask a friend to test either option and determine which you prefer. No matter what you choose, the dial adjusts the front or rear knob adjusts the tension.