Here is a reel buying idea. You are new to the sport and could use advice and comradery. Visit your local shops if there is more than one and see which one has the nicest, most honest, sincere and most helpful staff. If you have only one shop, go there and see if they are helpful and friendly. Use this purchase to start your relationship with them. You will be buying advice and help that is worth far more than any reel. That reel sould not be an expensiave one, and it should be one that does tickle your fancy.

The reason most people are not placing alot of emphasis on reel quality is that for most fishing they are not critical. A minimal drag is sufficient for most fishing that you do with a 5/6 wt or lighter. When you go after bigger fish, then you want a reel with more capacity and drag. Then the quality becomes moreof an issue. So in most cases, the reel does little more than hold the line when not in use and serves to reel the fish in. Drag if needed can be provided by your hand.

Hope this helps.

jed