[bd-]

If you're looking for a reel that is relatively inexpensive but still reliable, I'd look at the Abu Garcia Cardinal. It's a bit heavier than more expensive reels, but other than weight, it performs better than most other reels in its price class. I also like that the Cardinal has a front drag, which tends to be much smoother and more reliable (with less startup inertia) than a comparable rear drag.

I have fought fairly good-sized stripers and even bonefish on a Cardinal and it handled the pressure just fine. Bonefish are so fast that they can punish a drag like almost no other fish in their size range.

As far as carbon fiber drags go, they are very nice, but I can't help thinking they might be a little bit of overkill. They definitely have their place in saltwater fishing but I haven't encountered any freshwater fish where I thought a carbon fiber drag was essential. Just my opinion though; your experience may vary.

bd