Islander - C5 Centerpin Reel

Islander C5 Centrepin Reel — Islander's Most Advanced Centerpin Yet

The Islander C5 is a premium 5-inch centrepin reel built for the angler who demands total control and silky-smooth drifts. Engineered for peak performance and designed with precision, each C5 is hand-assembled and rigorously tested by Islander’s skilled builders. Whether you're float fishing for steelhead or salmon, this reel delivers effortless line management and a buttery-smooth spool-out, allowing for flawless drifts and responsive hook-sets.

Features like ambidextrous retrieve, a brass free-spool lever, and an integrated travel lock make the C5 a versatile, user-friendly companion on the water. With the Islander C5 Centrepin Reel, every cast and drift is elevated to the next level.

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.

Q: What is a centrepin reel?
A: A centrepin reel is a free-spinning reel designed for float fishing, allowing the line to flow naturally with the current for a perfect drift. Without a mechanical drag, anglers use their hand or fingers to control tension, offering unmatched precision and sensitivity when presenting bait to steelhead, salmon, or trout.

Q: Why choose a centrepin reel over a spinning reel?
A: Centrepin reels offer superior drift control, letting your float move naturally at the same pace as the river’s current. While they take practice to master, they provide smoother line control, improved presentation, and a more connected feel when fighting fish.

Q: What are the main features of a quality centrepin reel?
A: A well-made centrepin reel should spin freely and smoothly with precision bearings, have a balanced design, and be built from durable materials like machined aluminum. High-quality reels often include adjustable tension knobs and corrosion-resistant finishes for longevity.

Q: Which centrepin reel brands do you carry?
A: Drift Outfitters carries top brands like Islander, Raven, Kingpin, and more. These reels are trusted by anglers across the Great Lakes and coastal regions for their craftsmanship, smooth spin, and durability in all conditions.

Q: What size centrepin reel should I choose?
A: Most anglers use reels between 4.5” and 5” in diameter, depending on line capacity and rod balance. Larger reels help with long drifts and faster line pickup, while smaller reels are lighter and ideal for shorter rods.

Q: How should I care for my centrepin reel?
A: Rinse your reel with fresh water after each trip, especially after fishing in dirty or brackish water. Dry it completely, oil the bearings if needed (according to manufacturer directions), and store it in a reel case to prevent scratches and corrosion. Regular cleaning ensures optimal spin and longevity.