Pearle

Why I like reels with ability to switch: - when casting you can get the line lined up perfectly with your finger that holds the line until releasing it. This makes a difference; sometimes using heavier lures and flexible tip rods the bail will slam shut when anti-reverse is on and it's not lined up properly. - When hooking lure to holder at base of the rod. - I use mostly light rods/line (mono). When you set the hook on a long cast you want the drag set to not give line as the line stretches and it will take more force to break it and set the hook well. That same amount of force when a fish is pulling at the boat may break the line because there's not as much stretch. That's why I back reel at the boat for big runs. I set the drag tighter because I know I can backreel at the boat. - When casting I like about 18 inches of line or so, depends on the lure, off the tip of the rod for best casting. If I reel too much in I just reflexive back reel a bit... If you're using no stretch line the issue of the hookset force far out vs by the boat's a non issue. But - I've caught 45-50 inch muskies on a zara spook on a long cast shortly after hitting the water with 6 and 8lb mono. Works for me. Don't like using the braided because I get fewer twists in the line with topwater and I can respook for $4 when I need to... Yes it's to each their own but this made me switch from Shimano Stradic's to Abu Revo's.