JEC,

I'm with Mr. Smith on this one.

I prefer the skilled hands of an accomplished angler over the mechanical drag any time it is practical, which it always is for bass fishing.

Bass don't make long runs, they aren't particularly fast, and I've never had one, even a 10 pound fish, get near the backing.

I know guys who put EVERY fish, even them little weanie trout things, heck, even bluegills, on the reel. Don't know why.

I believe you have more control, better 'feel' of the fight, and are less likely to break a tippet with your hands on the line rather than on the handle of the reel.

Just my opinion, of course, I have been known to be in error (not often, though).

Good Luck!

Buddy



------------------
[url=HTTP://HOMETOWN.AOL.COM/RSAN2708/INDEX.HTML:cf557]HTTP://HOMETOWN.AOL.COM/RSAN2708/INDEX.HTML[/url:cf557]