Rachets

When fishing a beach for bass etc is it best to cast out and put the reel into free line with the rachet on or best to lock the reel?

depends on where you fish, conditions and how the fish are feeding!!! some swear by hoding the rod and striking the fish onto the hook- good at close range but at distance it can pay to fish with ratchet off and a gripper. fish will hook themselves better this way. i have missed bass taking the bait and running with it never finding the hook and gettin away scot free with the ratchet on!! fish can hook themselves better off tip with the reel locked. put the ratchet on when you are taking a leak!! unless you need an excuse to buy a new rod and reel!! striking on the second 'tap' on the bite i've heard to be successful??