Adjusting the Clutch

• The clutch is the little round knob on the side of your baitcasting reel's spool. Properly setting your clutch is an important part of fixing casting problems with your reel, as an improperly set clutch ensures that your lure will not travel at an appropriate pace, leading to miscasts. Your clutch setting is dependent upon the lure being used, so it is important that you take the time to adjust your clutch every time that you change an aspect of your rig, as the change in weight will mandate a new setting.
  
  An ideal clutch setting is one that will lead to the lure slowly descending when the thumb bar is pressed. A counterclockwise turn of the knob will loosen the clutch, whereas a clockwise turn will tighten the clutch. The easiest way to ensure your clutch is properly set is to reel in your lure within a few inches of the pole, then over-tighten the clutch until the lure does not move at all when the thumb bar is pressed. Once that is attained, begin loosening the clutch, continuing to do so until the lure falls at a slow, steady pace with the thumb bar pressed.
  
  

Adjusting the Drag

• The drag is adjusted by turning the star-shaped knob on the side of your baitcasting reel's spool. Drag determines the rate at which the line is fed off of the spool, and an improper setting can lead to frustrating back-ups in the spool. Adjusting the drag is a simple process, though as it is based on feel, it is one you will get better at with time. Drag is tested by gripping on the line and pulling away from the spool with a slow, steady motion. Ideally, the line will come freely, but will stop unraveling as soon as you stop applying pressure. If this isn't the case, an adjustment to your drag will be needed to fix your casting problems. If the spool is too loose, unraveling on its own after your pressure has ceased, turn the drag knob clockwise. On the other hand, if you feel as if you are tugging on the line against the spool's wishes, a counter-clockwise turn is what you're after.