Can you tell me whether I should buy a heavy-duty multiplier reel with or without a level-wind to use when fishing for conger eels, skate and sharks?
JAMES HARRINGTON, BY EMAIL
DL says: For the sort of applications you mention, I definitely recommend a reel without a level-wind.
Very few large multiplier reels are available with a level-wind, with good reason because they are unnecessary, as keeping the line perfectly level by hand is easy. Secondly, the stresses involved when handling big fish will very quickly destroy any level-wind.