It was a wild one - sturgeon

[Kent]

Sounds like a great trip. A tail snagged monster is indeed a fight in those currents. Once again, your trip was cursed with a broken piece of gear or vehicle. A habit that needs to be "broken".

Fortunately, the reel repair was an easy fix.  After making the above post, I looked at my reel and found that the four screws holding the side plate on the reel had come loose.  Tightened them again and the reel is good to go.  I wish all repairs were that easy.