Verified answer

The only time to use a clicker is when you're not holding the rod, if it's in a rod holder or leaning on the rail of the boat or pier. Leave it in freespool with the clicker on, so if a big fish hits, it doesn't yank the outfit overboard. Or if you're trolling (again with the rod in a holder or strapped to the stern of the boat) it should be in gear with the clicker on -- that way, it will sound as an alarm if a fish hits and starts ripping out line when you're looking the other way.

Don't set your drag differently with the clicker on -- just keep the reel in freespool. When you hook a big fish, the last thing you want to be doing is messing with the drag when it's making its first run.

When you're holding the rod, the reel should either be in freespool (with a little thumb pressure keeping line from rolling out -- generally when fishing a live or natural bait), or in gear as you work a lure or bait in, or in gear as you wait for a bite while bottom fishing. Don't use the clicker when you're holding the rod.

I only use it when I'm not holding the rod. When I set it down in free spool and have the clicker on and, out of gear so if a fish grabs the bait it warns me of a strike. If so, I turn it off, click in gear ,set the hook. Reel it in.

This all depends on the reel you're using. What ya got??