Last winter, I was looking for an inexpensive spinning reel for chasing Stripers on the kayak. By inexpensive, I in no way mean cheap. These reels would be expected to stand up to large fish and salt water fishing from a kayak for at least a few seasons. To fit my requirements, they would need to have a smooth enough drag so the fish can turn and run without pulling hooks, but be stout enough to keep the fish from running back into the rocks.