Jim,

As with all things fishing I think it comes down to personal taste. I have
much better luck keeping fish on the line when I use my hand not the reel.
I have a better feel with it and can be much more responsive. My best
advice is to try both ways and go with what catches you the most fish.

The fight you described is one of the reasons I enjoy fly-fishing so much.
Wait until your dry fly fishing and hook into one of those lunkers with a
leader that is rated below 3 pounds. Thats when the play and fun come in.