Casting reels for Steelhead and Salmon are phenomenal. High power ratios are great on fast burning fish and drag systems (although low profile not as well) handle these fish great.

Line twist is a problem whenever fishing moving water, but I don't find it any worse with casting reels.

Birds nest is all about how you control the reel and the quality of the reel. The better quality reel the better equiped it is to prevent bird nest, although (as you probably you konw) you still must know how to fish a casting reel.

I still use a few spinning reels but my casting reels can be used in almost all the same situations, with the exception of bottom bouncing for Salmon and Steelhead, wheras you need a spinning reel.

Something else to look into wfor Steelhead and Salmon and has the same concept as a casting reel is a Centerpin Reel. Absolutely awesome.

Mission Accopmlished:

Second time out with the new rod, and finally put a steelhead on the bank with it. Tomorrow should have more pictures, as I am taking a day long trip with the boat.

The rod performed incredible, and has some backbone to horse these awesome fish around.

Blurry