In a breachway current, I'd keep the line on my finger. It's one of the few times I'd miss a bail on my reels, but if you drop the rod quickly when you feel the bump and are quick about getting the line on the manual roller, it can be done. But for that purpose I would probably go with conventional in the first place
Eels are more castable on conventionals than you'd think, and the breachways aren't that wide to begin with. Get yourself a good, smooth reel with a braking system (like a Calcutta) and you'll be set.