The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

OK...Here is the deal. Most of these guys answering your question don't know crap.

Or maybe they do. OK....They do.

Here is my one cent worth.

Unless you are going for really big fish. Your reel just holds line. With big fish it does more than that so you need a beefy drag. If not, don't waste your money on a fancy reel. Spend it on a good rod ($100-$300) and good line ($60-$100).

Spend more and its mostly about artsy fartsy.

Those are the parts that do the heavy lifting.

Welcome to the board and have a blast!