A hand-held fishing reel drag set device includes a strain gauge configured to convert applied strain to a voltage output, a microprocessor configured to receive strain gauge voltage output and convert it to a calibrated digital value, a display configured to present real-time visual feedback of the calibrated digital value to the user based on the measured strain, a menu-driven user interface enabling user selection of operational parameters, a self-contained power source enabling portable operation, and a real-time, color-coded feedback system visually indicating whether the applied strain is below, within, or above a preset threshold to aid a fisherman in achieving a desired drag setting before attempting to catch a fish.