i have seven of them and growing . i use them all the time, mostly in the rivers, but are the best for trolling for springers or at the johns river in grays harbor. you can rielly put the wood to the big fish that way, it takes a little to get usesd to them... i had a brother inlaw that forgot to let go of the handels on a big king , the only guy i know that can make 20# test sound like a high power rifle!... i use 4000d 5000d and hard to find 5500da high speed/ and yes they do work direct drive in and out with a drag..