im thinking buying some reels from the usa, is there anything i need to know about making purchases from the states, as in tax, customs duties etc???

When i received some things a few years ago the tax etc was collected via the post office delivery. They made a collection charge which was more than the tax. Not sure if this helps.

There is no set rule as they cant usually determine the value of whats in the box unless the sender notifies the carrier of the exact value

I have ordered stuff mainly electrical from the USA and its randon if you get hit with the tax, sometimes you do sometimnes you dont.

With the current exchange rate its very attractive buying stateside right now

Think you get up to £30 and after that you have to pay the customs tax, doesn't matter if the person pus it down as a gift(think it is pants that you get a present and have to pay tax on it), but that is what happens.
Shame really, if you want to save money, just ask the person to put a cheap price down