I do alot of mooching out here in the sound and I suggest you get a reel that has direct drive that you can either turn on and off or full-time direct drive. It is a thrill to master the use of your thumb to control the fish instead of the standard drag. You can also opt for the direct drive Wynona reels or the Canadian style mooching reels. I would not suggest using a Wynona as a novice though, it is hard on your fore-arm and takes some mastering, they are fun though and a true one to one from you and the fish.
My favorite is my old Daiwa PMA 35, which they no longer make of course, but Shimano does make a few with the direct drive switch. And there is always the old stand-by penn grinders. I personally do not like the Penn 10, because it is heavy and if you mooch all day, you want a lighter reel to match that Loomis or Lamiglas rod.
If you were to were to visit my garage you would find all kinds of reels, Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, Quantums, Ambassadors, etc. I have tried almost all, and even have discovered that some that are advertized as salt or fresh water, have some parts that internally actually start to rust.....Bummer!
Hope this helps.

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Steve Ng....The FishNg1
99 F-350 4x4 SD, 18ft Alumaweld Formula Vee Sled, 115 Yamaha.