Q: Should I leave the drag of my fixed-spool reel on or off to help with bites? DARREN WOOD, ILFRACOMBE, DEVON

PF says: Basically, it all depends what you’re fishing for. If you are targeting fish like smoothhounds, tope, conger eels, bull huss and rays, or even large cod, then you will need to loosen the drag slightly to prevent a big fish from pulling your rod and reel into the sea.

Always remember, though, to fully tighten the drag before each cast to prevent the spool from slipping during the power stroke.