If possible I try to play all of my fish with the reel. I hate having a big pile of line on the ground or in the water in front of me if I’m wading.
I’d suggest if you have the opportunity to fish with a good guide a few times that will help you out quite a bit.
Even though I’ve been fly fishing for years, I try to fish with a good guide at least once a year.
These folks in Colorado are outstanding!
https://duranglers.com/
