Rocky,
Welcome the the addiction/affliction of flyfsihing. Your exploits to date have been very entertaining and it is good to see your successes. Regarding direct drive reels, and hurt knuckels...They call then knuckle busters for a reason. It is a good pain though. Makes your remember that fish.
Tight Lines.
-John L.
PS: When are you going to start tying flies?? It is just about that season.