The biggest difference between a lo-pro and a big round reel, is application, and size. Some roundies can be used to drift fish for sure, but a lo-pro unit is easier to palm up on, and it wastes less transmitted energy. In other words, it will up the sensitivity of your stick over a big round unit. Which is a giagantic advantage drift fishing. Like I said before. I used a reel that had almost no drag washers left, for the heaviest Coho we have seen for years. 12 pounds is fine for the Coho, and Steelhead in the tribs. Chinook tend to dig a llittle harder, but I also hook 'em on 1500 size spinning reels in the Clackamas. It is all how you play the fish. The reel is just there to neatly store line, and project your gear out into the water. If you find yourself hooked to a big nasty Tule, or a big shouldered fish, the finger drag method is key. I have used a few Revo's for Sailfish, and I used one of the Revo Toros for prop wash Marlin on a couple trips too. They all have 24 pound drags, and they can stop a friggin freight train. It is weird to know that you can turn a 350 pound Sail by lifting on it and sweeping to one side or the other. Get one of the Lo-Pro's for bank drifting for sure. Stay in your budget, and look around. Brand is not an issue until you start getting seriuos about this stuff. So find one that has all the features you want, feels good, and hell, even looks half decent on your rod. But I like to find a rod similar to the one I use at the store, take it up to the counter, and put the reel on a full stick, instead of just feelin 'em, while mounted on those short handles they stick into the wall. It will give you an idea of balance, at very least. Again, good luck in the caster hunt. You will find somethin you like.
