Adjusting the drag The drag knob is located on the top of the reel, just above the thumb button. The drag knob sets the spool tension, determining much line a fish will be able to pull out. Turning the drag knob toward the + sign increases the drag and to the - sign decreases the drag. Set your drag with the reel on the rod you will be using, with line fully strung through all the rod guides. Hold the rod at a 45 degree angle and have someone pull on the line while you decide on the proper drag tension. Once you make the initial drag setting, it can easily be adjusted as needed.