Best Baitcaster For Steelhead Float Fishing

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If you are planning on going steelhead float fishing, then one of the most important things that you will need is the right kind of fishing reel. Generally speaking, the recommended type of fishing reel for steelhead float fishing is a baitcasting reel.

Product
Daiwa Zillion SV TW 1016SV-SHL 7.3:1 Left Hand Baticast Reel - ZLNSV1016SHL
Image
Daiwa Zillion SV TW 1016SV-SHL 7.3:1 Left Hand Baticast Reel - ZLNSV1016SHL
Price
$349.99
Product
Daiwa Zillion SV TW 1016SV-SHL 7.3:1 Left Hand Baticast Reel - ZLNSV1016SHL
Image
Daiwa Zillion SV TW 1016SV-SHL 7.3:1 Left Hand Baticast Reel - ZLNSV1016SHL
Price
$349.99

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

However, with that being said, finding a good baitcasting reel is easier said than done, mainly because there are so many options to choose from.

Now, what we are here to do today is to help you find the best baitcaster for steelhead float fishing, and we have five awesome options for you to take a closer look at. So let’s get right to it.

Contents

5 Best Baitcaster Reels for Steelhead Float Fishing

We have narrowed it down to these particular 5 baitcaster reels as the best options, here is a detailed rundown on each one;

1. Daiwa Zillion SV Baitcast Reel

Daiwa Zillion SV TW 1016SV-SH 7.3:1 Right Hand Baitcast Reel - ZLNSV1016SH
  • SV Concept with Air Brake System
  • Ultimate Tournament Drag (13.2lb)
  • 4CRBB + 4BB +1RB
  • Light weight Soft-Touch Cork Handle Knob
  • Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)-MONO: 14/100, 16/90, J-BRAID: 30/115, 40/85

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here we have a fantastic baitcasting reel that comes to us from a really well known and popular brand name: Daiwa.

Now first and foremost, what you get here is a very lightweight baitcasting reel that comes in at only 6.9 ounces.

A big reason why it’s so lightweight is because it is made out of high quality aluminum.

Aluminum isn’t very heavy, but it’s still quite durable. It’s more than tough enough to take a good deal of punishment and impact.

In terms of the drag system, what you get here is the ultimate Tournament drag system that’s made with very high quality materials.

This drag system can put out up to 13.2 pounds of drag, which should be more than enough.

In terms of the smoothness of his baitcasting reel, it comes in with four roller ball bearings, four ball bearings, and one roller bearing, for a total of nine bearings.

This reel is definitely great in terms of long casting. Range and smooth retrievals.

What you also get here is a special line management and line distribution system that helps to prevent backlashes and tangling from occurring.

Keep in mind that in terms of line capacity, this particular baitcasting reel can hold up to 90 yards of 16 pound line or 100 yards of 14 pound line.

Something else that you might appreciate about this real is the fact that it comes complete with a very lightweight soft touch cork handle knob, for the ultimate in comfort.

When it comes to hauling those fish in with great speed, this particular model comes complete with a gear ratio of 7.3 to 1, which means that it can haul in around 35 inches of line per handle crank.

All in all, when it comes to durability, smoothness and overall functionality, this has to be one of the best baitcasting reels out on the market at this time.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable materials
  • Fast retrieval
  • Very smooth operation
  • Comfortable handles
  • Great drag system

Cons

  • Line capacity could be better

2. KastKing Crixus ArmorX Baitcasting Reel

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What you are looking for is an extremely high quality, strong, durable and fast baitcasting reel.

Then this is an absolutely awesome option to keep in mind. For one, this particular real comes complete in both left handed and right handed models, which is pretty cool.

Moreover, what you also need to be aware of here is that this thing comes in at just 6.8 ounces, thus making it extremely lightweight.

Now the majority of this particular Bay Caster wheel is made with aluminum, but it also comes complete with some stainless steel and brass components.

What we need to say is that this has to be one of the most durable reels out there. It’s definitely a tough customer that is built to last.

Yes, it might be a bit chunky, but with that being said, it’s also extremely durable.

In terms of the stainless steel ball bearings that you get here, what you get are nine shielded stainless steel ball bearings as well as one shielded anti-reverse bearing.

The result here is an extremely smooth operation that allows for great casting distance and smooth retrievals.

Speaking of smooth retrievals, what you get here is a gear ratio of 7.2 to 1, which means that it can haul in a whole lot of wine with a signal turn of the handle. It’s definitely quite the speedy baitcasting reel.

Furthermore, you may also appreciate how this particular van casting reel comes, complete with a four disc carbon fiber drag system that can put out Up to 17.6 pounds of drag, which should be more than enough for any steelhead fishing application.

The fact that it comes complete with a high quality magnetic breaking system as well as a high quality line management system is just an added bonus.

The comfortable soft touch handles aren’t too shabby either. Finally, keep in mind that this fishing reel can hold up to 90 yards of 14 pound line or 130 yards of 10 pound line.

Pros

  • High quality drag system
  • Great gear ratio for steelhead fishing
  • Lots of shielded bearings for smooth operation
  • 8 button adjustable magnetic braking system
  • Comfortable handle
  • Lightweight yet durable design
  • Decent line capacity

Cons

  • A bit bulky

3. KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Reel

No products found.

Here we have another really nice baitcasting reel that comes to us from a well trusted brand name.

What this particular one, being a right handed reel of size 300. That said, it does also come in left handed models.

Now, one of the biggest standout features of this particular baitcasting reel is the fact that it has absolutely huge line capacity.

This thing can hold a whopping 230 yards of 14 pound mono line or up to 230 yards of 50 lb braided line, which is absolutely impressive, no doubt.

Yet another super impressive feature about this baitcasting reel is the fact that it comes complete with a triple disc carbon drag system that can deliver well over 35 pounds of drag, which is more than any other reel that we have looked at so far, and more than enough for some steelhead fishing.

What you may also like about this baitcasting reel from Kastking is the fact that it is made out of a combination of graphite and stainless steel.

Any component that needs to be extra durable and corrosion resistant, such as the ball bearings, are made of stainless steel with the rest of the frame and most of the other components being made out of graphite.

A very durable, corrosion resistant and lightweight material, thus making it rather perfect for a fishing reel such as this.

Keep in mind that this thing comes in at 0.68 pounds but thus making it quite lightweight indeed.

In terms of the function and smoothness of this particular baitcasting reel becomes complete with double shielded stainless steel ball bearings and an anti reverse bearing for a total of nine ball bearings.

Such a high ball bearing count and the fact that they are high quality ball bearings means that this is a very smooth reel that allows for long casting distances in extremely fast and smooth retrievals.

Speaking of the retrievals, what you get here is a gear ratio of 5.4 to 1, which is not the fastest in the world, but definitely makes for a good medium speed retrieval when you need to fight a big fish.

Pros

  • Good for fighting fish
  • Ideal for large fish
  • Super strong
  • Relatively lightweight
  • Great drag system with tons of drag
  • Very smooth shielded ball bearings
  • Saltwater ready
  • Centrifugal braking system

Cons

  • Not the fastest reel out there
  • Makes a clicking noise at times

4. Abu Garcia Revo X Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Abu Garcia is of course a highly trusted brand name in the world of fishing and may have not failed to deliver an awesome fishing reel here.

Now what you need to be aware of is that here we are reviewing the wide school model, which means that it has a huge spool that can handle a whole lot of line, something that should be quite handy for steelhead float fishing.

In terms of monofilament fishing line, this thing can hold a whopping 130 yards of 15 pounds line or 225 yards of 10 pound line in terms of braided line, it can handle up to 125 yards of 50 pund line or 235 yards of 20 pound line in terms of capacity. This thing is definitely no slouch.

What you might also appreciate about this particular baitcasting reel is the fact that it comes complete with a multi disc drag system that can put out up to 18 pounds of drag.

This is more than enough for steelhead float fishing. In terms of the gear ratio, here you get a ratio of 5.4 to 1, which is not the fastest in the world, but is ideal for fighting fish that take some time to reel in.

Now, do keep in mind that there are other models available here, mainly ones where the school is not quite as wide and these ones also have a much higher gear ratio, sometimes up to 7.1 to 1.

In terms of the overall smoothness of this baitcaster real, here you get 7 stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller ball bearing.

These allow for an extremely smooth operation, so you can cast far distances and retrieve your fish with great speed.

What is also rather impressive here is the fact that this thing is made out of high quality carbon with many stainless steel components.

Carbon or carbon fiber is a fantastic material to use for this kind of purpose because it is extremely strong and durable, it won’t rust, and it doesn’t weigh much either.

This baitcasting reel comes in at just 230 grams, which is of course very lightweight.

It also comes complete with a fantastic braking system.

Pros

  • Lightweight yet durable
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Good for fighting fish
  • Very smooth performance
  • Smooth casting and retrieval
  • Huge line capacity
  • Awesome drag system

Cons

  • The wide spool model’s gear ratio is a bit low
  • Handles are not very comfy

5. Daiwa CC80 Baitcasting Reel

Daiwa CC80 Baitcasting Reels
  • The Daiwa CC80 is a small, entry-level baitcasting reel built around an ultra-light carbon composite frame.
  • Super light (6.9 ounces) and easy to palm.
  • Magnetic cast control allows the user to optimize and tailor their reel's performance to different techniques and...
  • 32mm double anodized aluminum spool and 90mm swept handle.
  • Available in 6.8:1 and 7.5:1 gear ratios in Right Hand retrieve and 7.5:1 gear ratio in Left Hand retrieve.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a small and speedy baitcasting reel that comes complete with a whole lot of durability and functionality, then this option from Daiwa is a good one to keep in mind.

What you get here is a really nice baitcasting reel made out of carbon composite a very strong and durable material that is also corrosion resistant, yet manages to maintain a very lightweight.

This particular fishing reel comes in and just 6.9 ounces. That’s indeed making it very lightweight.

You may also appreciate the double anodized aluminum spool. Now it might be a very durable and corrosion resistant school, but do keep in mind that it doesn’t have the biggest line capacity.

It can hold up to 100 yards of 14 pound mono line or 110 yards of 12 pound mono line. As you can probably tell this particular fishing reel is designed for smaller fish.

In terms of this speed, what you get here is a fishing reel with a gear ratio of 7.5 to 1, thus making it one of the fastest and speediest fishing reels on the list today.

It can definitely hold in a heck of a lot of wine with a single crank of a handle nearly 30 inches of it, in fact.

In terms of the smoothness, what you get here are four ball bearings, an one anti reverse bearing.

They are stainless steel bearings, so they shouldn’t rust. These allowed for greater casting distance and a smooth retrieval.

You may also appreciate the high quality drag system that you get here. A system that can put out up to 15 pounds of drag, which should be more than enough for this application.

Yet another feature that you might appreciate here is the magnetic cast control system that allows you to achieve great distances without suffering from tangles and backlash.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Fast retrieval
  • Fairly smooth operation
  • Lightweight
  • Great cast control system
  • High quality drag

Cons

  • Limited line capacity

Steelhead Float Fishing Tips

Before we call it a day, we do want to provide you with some tips for steelhead float fishing to help make your life easier and more successful.

  • For steelhead float fishing, it is important that you use a rod with a very light weight rating. At the same time, you also want to get a fishing rod that is very long, at least 10 feet long, if not longer. When it comes to casting lightweight lures, this length will allow you to achieve great distances. The longer the rod is, the more momentum you will be able to achieve on your cast.
  • In terms of the line weight rating, you should go for fishing line that is rated between 8 and 12 pounds test. Now, some people prefer using monofilament fishing line, and some people prefer braided fishing line. With that being said, for steelhead float fishing, most people would recommend monofilament fishing line.
  • If you are going summertime steelhead float fishing, then you want to use dull colored floats. Using bright floats is not going to look natural and will scare the fish away.
  • One of the best ways to fish for Steelheads is by using a bobber and weight, combined with a jigging technique. You should make sure that there is at least a foot of space between the slip bobber and the jig.
  • If you are planning on using live bait, then some of the best ones for steelhead include minnows, single eggs, egg sacks, wax worms, maggots, and nightcrawlers.

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Conclusion

When it comes down to it, we think that the number one best baitcasting reel for steelhead on the list today is the Daiwa Zillion SV Baitcast Reel.

It simply has the best features out of anything that we reviewed today, but with that being said, any of the five baitcasting reels that we looked at today are ideal for Steelhead float fishing.

Jason Downs

I created Fishtackly to share my 30 years of fishing experience and knowledge with others with the aim to help, and hopefully get more people involved and educated in this fantastic hobby that I love.