ickledevil,
I read your post with interest, I don't want to preach or tell you what I think is best or what you should have done - thats up to you, and everyone makes their own calls and deals with situations in their own way...I know how I deal with these types of situations too, but as I said i'm not going to judge or preach - i'm just glad you made it back ok
As for a reel, I would use it as I would anywhere, if you shoot a fish, and it takes off, and it's big, then let some line out, or if it makes for a hole, head for the surface and let some line out, then breath up and go down after the little critter....And as for getting tangled....the only hint I would give you is this...Unless you are wound up like a mummy, or are tangled to the bottom or some other fixed object, are you still not able (in 99%) of situations to do monofin style kick with your stereo fins.....?
Dive Safe boys and girls!
Oh, and if you see a 30lb Bass looking a bit cheesed off with a spear sticking out of it - that'll be my one that got away
