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My impression is that magnets are a gimmick. Obviously they have some benefit for tournament casters who throw aerodynamic weights at vicious spool speeds and need something smoother than their thumb, but throwing bulky plugs into variable winds requires you use your thumb and it doesn't take long to master. The standard controls on a reel (centrifugal weights and spool end tension) work well once set up right, your rod (which should unload slowly) and casting stroke (which can't include a wrist snap at the end) also make things easier.
Loads of good casting reels out there. Any Shimano, Diawa, or Abu will do fine. The Calcuttas are my prefered reel (and I've worn out several Abus as well), but a lower end Shimano or ABU 6500 is a good starting point. There is little or no difference in casting ability between expensive and cheaper reels in any top manufacturers line. You rod choice is much more important. My advice is to learn on a 7-8ft muskie rod first, throwing plugs on the upper end (or above) its weight range, before expecting to master the greater velocities generated by a full sized surf rod.
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