By no means am I an avid steelheader, but I have been able to learn a fair amount through coworkers and customers from the store. I’m sharing details on why to use a baitcaster and the equipment I recommend in my own “newbie” experience.
Baitcast float fishing has become a trending setup for both experienced and new steelhead anglers such as myself. Many people who traditionally fish with a center pin reel, switch to a baitcast setup during the winter months because it’s less cold on their hands and it can offer more control when your hands feel like icicles!
Reasons I Use a Baitcaster:
- Cost Effective
- I already own reels that match well for this application
- I only need to purchase a rod and not a whole center pin combo
- Familiarity
- While I’ve spooled hundreds of center pin reels, I am much more comfortable fishing and casting a baitcaster
- Retrieve
- With a faster line pickup, I can comfortably fish longer drifts, without wasting time having to reel in a 1:1 ratio center pin
- Can get more drifts throughout the day
Recommended Rods & Reels with Prices
*Canadian prices listed. Prices may vary based on retailer*
Rods
For the rod, think about where you’re fishing and what size floats are required. A rod too powerful won’t cast light rigs well. A rod that is too light will feel underpowered in big rivers and when conditions require big floats.
Luhr Jensen Legacy Salmon/Steelhead 10’6″ MH – $215
Raven IM6 Steelheader 11’6″ Spiral Wrap – $290
Raven IM6 Salmon 12’6″ Spiral Wrap – $290
G. Loomis E6X Steelhead – $350
G. Loomis IMX 1363-2C STFR (11’4″) – $560
Raven RPX Spiral Wrap 11’6″ – $590
Reels
For the reel, line capacity and braking systems are my priorities. I like at least a 150 size, or better a 200 size spool to hold over 100 yards of 12lb-14lb mono. You need a reel that you can reliable cast mono without backlashing.
Daiwa Tatula 150 – $200
Daiwa Tatula 200 – $220
Shimano Curado 200K – $260
Shimano Bantam MGL – $500
Shimano Metanium – $630
My Setup
REEL: Bantam MGL – My most reliable reel, with enough line capacity and a smooth drag. The added weight is no issue when using a long rod where I want the butt section heavier.
ROD: G. Loomis IMX 1363-2C STFR (11’4″) – A very responsive rod for lighter rigs when conditions require more finesse. I find this rod is overloaded once 11 gram and up floats are required.
ROD: Raven IM6 Salmon 12’6″ Spiral Wrap – The rod to have for bigger water and big floats for places like the Saugeen River. Can still handle as light as 8 gram floats.
LINE: Sunline Super Natural Monofilament (14lb Jungle Green) -This is probably my favourite mono for it’s minimal memory, suppleness and thin diameter. While 14lb may seem heavy for float fishing, it is the minimum diameter I like to reduce the line biting into the spool.
Tie 1 On - Fishing 