No1son, Thanks for the info. I'm annoyed that I am having any problems at all because the rod/reel is brand new from Bass Pro Shops and second I had them spool it for me with a line and weight that the guy recommended. Obviously a mistake. I now have to drive an hour to Bass Pro Shops to get this resolved. This is my first impression of them and it isn't going good so far. Hope the return/ repair goes much better. Thanks again.

I had no idea about dropping the bail manually. I will try that from now on.