Reel for Sight Rod

I’m thinking about making a sight fishing rod for early and late ice. It will likely be 17-19″ and either built on the DH Al Dente with an inch cut off or his panfish rod. Of the people who have sight fishing rods do you prefer fly style reels or spinning reels?

I use a TUCR 19″ maestro and I have used it with a spinning reel and with a straight line and I prefer the straight line. The main reason I say that is because I don’t get the line twist like I do on spinning reels. Over the years I have found big bull gills to be very picky and when a bait keeps spinning even in front of them more times than not they will not eat it.

I like a Schooley on mine. Keeps the combo lite.