Spinning reels cast much easier than the baitcaster with a light setup, but don't offer the freespool control that a baitcaster does. If your strictly dead drifting your jigs then a spinning reel works fine. Mix in a spinglow on your line and you will need to have the baitcaster or Centerpin for proper line control. Since there is more than one method to fish the floats and the tackle under them I would recommend the baitcaster loaded with a floating dacron line. Unless your going to use super light jigs with no additional weight to cast.
As far as jigs go I like the 1/4 oz and larger for the big rivers during winter flows. Jig Colors need to match the water conditions and fish your targeting. Since your in the midwest you might need to go lighter with the jigs to match conditions.

The canadians are the masters of the centerpins and love them for fighting the fish also. A good centerpin will set you back as much as a top of the line gloomis.
The key to good float fishing is line control with floating line and a long rod to help keep the line dry.


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Marty
www.steelheader.net
marty@steelheader.net