Hey, just because you're fishing light lead and light line doesn't mean you need to invest in a spinning reel. If you are looking to cast long the reel isn't as important as the rod. But a quality reel does help. My favorite year a round combo and will out fish any for steelhead is the GLOOMIS 1084C IMX which is a 8-12lb 9' casting rod,and the Shimano Calais casting reel. The only setup I've got that will cast light line farther is my GLOOMIS 1141S a 4-8 lb spinning rod used with a Stradic loaded with 10 pound magnathin. If I really wanted smoothness I would get the Sustain. But spinning rod fishing is more work for longlining to steelhead and I just love a thumb drag.

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It's time to put the red rubber nose away, clown seasons over.