Nectic, Why is casting with lever drag a problem??, i have a LD bait caster (ABU 7000LD Big Game) and it works like a dream, this is mounted to my 12ft daiwa for beach, and will also work a treat on a heavy 6ft boat rod, this reel im my opinion is the best all rounder, over sized water proof lever drag, recommended up to 50 pound braid, mechanical brake blocks for casting, and is also fit to to drag in a YFT on a heavier game rod, it retails for 280-300 but if you shop around you could pick one up for 250 i reckon, this is the reel for you Evil.