The purchase of spinning reels and bait-casting reels requires some thought. Though not universally true, quality and durability of these angling tools are directly related to price. This is less true for fly-fishing reels, whose primary purpose while fishing for trout, panfish and even bass is to provide a place for line storage. Quality of a reel's drag is less important here — but is more so for bigger fish such as steelhead, and also for saltwater fly fishing.

DENNIS ANDERSON