When we Americans discuss the 'best" distance reels we need to recognize that unless you are willing to do the research what we are
AWARE of doesn't amount to 1/4 of what is actually out there. For high-performance surfcasting gear we are the red-headed stepchild for Daiwa and Shimamo . . . So the answer to what is the "best" is relative.
I have spent nearly 30 years finding, buying and using engineered for distance fishing tackle. In discussing distance potential for spinning reels there are only two considerations; the reel needs a long spool profile and engineered line lay.
Back in the 80's Daiwa was the first to market distance specific reels; the Tournament SS9000 and Tournament SS3000. A testament to those reels performance is the fact that they remain in the Daiwa line-up today as the Tournament S6000T and Tournament S5000T. I still buy the SS reels when they become available and a few remain in the daily rotation. New old stock 9000's are commanding prices over $500 now.
SS9000:
SS3000:
The spool profile (height/diameter/taper) on most of Daiwa's modern distance reels are based on the SS3000, showing that they got it right the first time. Among those modern reels are the Saltiga Surf, Iso-Ento and the latest Windcast/Emblem Pro A. Here is the Windcast series from which our Emblem is a hybrid stepchild (take an "S" and add a dash of "X"):
The 45mm (1⅞") tall spool of the SS9000 is seen today in the Tournament Surf Basia QDII:
Even more extreme is the lightened Basiair:
Shimano was a latecomer to the distance market waiting until the late 90's to come out with a few models priced far outside the realm of most anglers and geared towards Japanese type of fishing thus these reels had no drag and intended for use with extremely thin braids.. . . Super Aero Titanium:
Shimano, in my not so humble opinion, has the surf casting distance thing all figured out; they own it now with the best performing reels out there.
Power Aero Spin Power:
Even better are the Technium MgS reels
XSA:
XTB is the same reel as the XSA but has slow oscillation which has the rotor making something like 80 rotations for each stroke of the spool.
While Daiwa plays around with spool heights and forward an reverse tapers, Shimano refined the line wrapping and in my experience the Shimano's have the edge even over the 45mm spools of the SS9000 and Basia's.
For Canal work though your choices are even further restricted because your rod lengths are limited; some of these reels won't do too well on a shorter rod or with lures that quickly decelerate or that need to be worked violently or with varying line tensions.
I did want to answer your question as to what the 'best" is . . . Whether the CCC will let you use the "best" is another question . . .
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