When I'm using gear I'm mooching 99% of the time. I prefer a direct drive level wind reel, like a 5000D. Any older level wind can be used if you take the reverse cog out and crank the drag all the way down. I feel like it gives me more control using my thumb. I use longer rods 10'6" to 12'3"...
I was out with NRC recently and he was using more muted natural colors while I was using brighter non-natural colors. I realized then that bright colors aren't everyone's go to. I'm wondering what the breakdown of people fishing cutthroat is?
I grew up with the Shimano trigger reels. I don't use them much anymore. I have a newer blue Spirex but prefer the older grey metal frame one that came before it. Front drags always seemed smoother to me. Silvers are the biggest thing I have used them on.