I use my genz spooler elite inline reel for shallower water usually up to to 20 ft or so depending on the lake. I have the inline on my panfish rod, it's great for reducing line twists so your lure isn't spinning around. This is a major factor in getting those big gills to bite. Many times a spinning lure from twisted line will scare the big gills away. The reason it's better for shallow water is because you have to pull out the line rather than opening the bail. For deep water it takes a bit longer for it to get down. So if your on a hot crappie bite in deep water a spinning reel is faster and more efficient. Definatley would recommend the genz spooler elite inline reel if your into the panfish game!