I just ordered a couple Lamiglas ISS1102H and I was thinking of building it for casting. I have always used spinning gear for my salmon and steelhead fishing. Is there a benefit to using casting gear?

Further casting if you have an educated thumb. My thumb can be a bit numb at times.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

The casting reel will weigh less for the same line capacity, the components are much lighter for the same strength and supported by bearings on both ends, it's much easier to fish a boat with casting reels when you can just free spool line for bottom or trolling presentations, etc. Don't get rid of the spinning gear, kids and wives will prefer them when bank fishing, there is a reason Lamiglas and Loomis has always had both.

If you are fishing the rivers and drift fish with a float, a good casting reel will free-spool the line better. Kind of like using a centerpin reel but with the advantage of having a drag system to fight the fish. You won't get the line bedding that you get with a spinning reel when drift fishing with a float.

My passion for steehead drift fishing has driven me to the point of obsession since I was 12. I like a casting reel for several reasons. First is line control,with a casting reel I can engage immediately,and mend if I have to ,reducing slack and thus being in contact with the terminal gear more quickly,hence the detection of bites where I might miss. Second is the ability to extend my drift. I can't do that as well with spinning tackle. Third is drag. I find the conventional tackle excels in this aspect. I upgrade all my drags to carbontex washers if they aren't already. Last is accuracy. I can stop my lure or bait on a dime. The new Daiwa reels with the magforce excel at this. Just a few thoughts. That rod is pretty burly,a big water rod. Where are you fishing,are the steehead that big,and can I get in on that action? :)