drag settings

[MATTY]

do any of you guys out there vary your drag settings for braid as opposed to mono .i use 6lb platypus at present and set my drag with almost no pressure,just enough to stop line coming off when i retrieve.i just clamp down on spool with my finger to add a little more pressure when needed and use the stretch as well.i'm due to refill my reel and am thinking to use fireline but not wanting to make expensive mistakes want to know what the usual setting is for 3kg line and if the settings vary for different situations or just left as one suits all

[pw-bream]

The "usual setting" for 3 kg line would be 1 kg through the rod.
The rule of thumb is 1/3 breaking strain through the rod, or 1/4 breaking strain straight off the reel.

Be aware that 4 pound Fireline breaks at more like 10 lb and so drag settings would be based on the higher (actual) breaking strain. The situation you fish in will also have a decided impact on the drag setting you use. Around snaggy areas a higher setting is required if you aren't to be cut or rubbed off on rocks/barnacles, etc. Out in clear areas and deeper water you are safe with lower settings.

[bluefin]

In open water I use 1/3 of the breaking strain, and go up to 3/4 around snags and oyster covered rocks.
In open water I enjoy the fight so I keep the drag low.
I rough country its a case of stop the fish ,or get busted off!
A couple of things to consider, Fireline has a true breaking strain of about twice whats on the box! So you can afford to go higher if needed. The knots you use, and any cuts in your line will reduce the lines breaking strain!

If you ever go Game Fishing 1/3 is considered safe. If you have a lot of line out the drad of the line in the water incseases your effective drag preasure, and as line drops in the spool your drag also increases. A near empty spool can increase your drag by as much as 300 %.