JR since you do, or maybe not, need some way to store line on your pole. Most people op-out for a spinning reel or spin cast reel. A few like to use only the lightest means which is the small plastic reel like JB sells and a few people who like that concept go up to a higher quality fly reel with a drag. I have used all of them. My last was mounting a fly reel with a drag onto a bottom seat rod. This has become my favorite set up. Wally's SO 1 reel fits right in there. It can be used in any position but I really like the way it works on the bottom seat rod. Now this isn't for casting, it's for jigging where a set amount of line is pulled out and fishing is done with only that line. It only weights 3 ounces. When mounted on the bottom seat it acts more like a counterbalance than a reel but it is there if you need more line for whatever reason. The drag is nice as when I caught that 7 pound bass on a jig pole with 4 pound line. I had a spinning reel on that rod and I don't think I could have landed it without a smooth drag. With one of the plastic reels I just know I would have had trouble fighting the fish without tangling or not being able to control it by applying pressure with the line running through my hand and fingers. I also hook into a fair number of redfish and catfish where I fish, these too all have been on those small spinning reels but heavy compared to the SO 1 reel. The spinning reels also have many places to hang line on when trying to fish what I call JB style, especially those long handles. I guess what I'm trying to say is that first the reel was planned by a fisherman who knew what he wanted and not by an engineer. Secondly it's high quality, third it cheap compared to either a quality fly reel of spinning reel, forth if you like dipping minnows or jigs I sure you would fall in love with it quickly. Just my opinion, but if you get a chance give it a try, I think you will be impressed.

As for Pete, he's been missing in action lately. He needs to show up so we can have some fun.

Kmans post in on the main forum, very very interesting and informative. Check it out.

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/main-...el-review.html

"gene"