I grew up catching perch on poppin' bugs, fishing small creeks and ponds. I recently started fishing for bass, and need advice on handling monsters... I always used a "finger-reel" instead of the reel on my rod, but now I need more line available. Advice on shifting to reel, or can I keep using the "finger-reel"???

--In response to questions: Maybe it's a Missouri thing, but "finger-reeling" is using your non-casting hand as a "reel". Spread your index finger away from the other three, and using your wrist, wrap the line around your fingers in a "figure-eight". When you need more line, point your hand toward the tip of the rod, and it will feed perfectly with no chance of snagging. I have never seen anyone use a "real" reel for anything but storing line.