Islander C5 Float Reel — Islander's Most Advanced Centerpin Yet.
The C5 is for those chasing the perfect drift—smooth, consistent, and built to perform. This 5-inch reel is hand-assembled and tested by Islander's expert builders, ensuring effortless line retrieval and seamless spool-out. With ambidextrous retrieve, a brass free-spool lever, and a convenient travel lock feature, the C5 stands ready to meet the demands of every drift.
Smooth drifts, pinpoint precision, and hook-ups you'll never forget. Built to redefine your expectations, the Islander C5 takes performance to the next level.
Debuting in a limited edition bronze anodized finish, the C5 will also be available in our signature colors: gold and the ever-classic black and gold combo. This first run is extra special, marked with a Premiere Edition engraving that celebrates this milestone release. Limited quantities up for grabs.
Rotation
The C5 features a precision-machined spindle and a finely tuned bearing system that ensures silky smooth operation, crucial for maintaining control over delicate presentations and subtle drifts. This seamless function is especially valuable when targeting wary fish in clear, fast-moving streams, where even the smallest detail of your setup can make or break the experience. The C5’s bearing system is designed to maintain its performance under various conditions, providing consistent control when it matters most.
5” Diameter
With a 5-inch diameter and large arbor, the C5 speeds up line retrieval, making it effortless to manage long drifts and quickly reel in slack line. This design enhances line management efficiency and helps maintain tension, which is vital for setting hooks and battling fish that make sudden, powerful runs. The large arbor also reduces floating resistance, allowing the reel to smoothly spool out line even in slower-moving water. This combination of optimal diameter and arbor design ensures faster retrieves and improved line handling, making it ideal for anglers who value precision and speed.
Travel Lock
The C5 features a robust travel lock knob that keeps your gear secure during transit—an essential when moving through dense brush or between fishing spots. The lock mechanism is designed with a subtle click, providing tactile feedback when turning it on and off. This feature prevents line spool-out. To prevent premature wear, ensure that you disengage the lock before fishing.
Free Spool Lever
The C5's intuitive free-spool lever is crafted from solid brass, offering durability and a touch of classic style. Engineered for smooth, effortless transitions between engaged and free-spool settings, the brass lever adds a premium feel. A distinctive flick mechanism allows you to adjust on the fly with just a touch of your finger, keeping your attention on the water instead of your gear. Its low-profile design minimizes accidental engagement, providing anglers with a seamless and distraction-free experience.
Interchangeable Retrieve & Ambidextrous Lever
The C5’s non-directional, interchangeable retrieve system is designed for both right- and left-handed anglers, ready to fish out of the box without the need for tools or disassembly. The ambidextrous lever is ergonomically designed for comfort and balance whether you are right or left-handed.
Note that it is not recommended to store the reel with either the "strong click" or complete freespool engaged for long periods of time as it will put strain on the spring, potentially weakening it over time. Reels should be stored with the standard position clicker on.
Construction
Crafted from a single block of aerospace-grade aluminum, the C5’s body is precision-shaped on a 5-axis CNC machine and thoughtfully ported for optimal weight and balance. The modern design removes weak points, delivering unmatched strength and a stable feel experienced anglers appreciate during extensive use. The reel is anodized to resist corrosion and wear, ensuring durability in all conditions. Each reel is meticulously manufactured, tuned, and hand-tested by expert builders on Vancouver Island, giving durability and performance anglers can rely on.
Two-Year Warranty
The C5 comes with a two-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship (see warranty section for full details). Islander's commitment to quality is backed by dedicated customer support and easy access to service, so you can fish with confidence knowing that your reel is built to last.
