Use of float reels/centerpin reels w/ flies?

I don't know a lot about float/centerpin reels, but they typically engender some derision because they are associated with bait. I've noticed that there are people using them for fishing other tha with bait, particularly in AK and the Great lakes region. Some of the lures look like egg patterns. Are they doing it with beads too? After watching the video on casting (second link) it appears that the bearings and ease of feeding line would make such a reel useful for chuck n duck style Alaska fishing with heavy shot and beads.

The first link below for Raven has a picture of Billy Couliette, who co-owns Troutfitters in Cooper's Landing. The Pro Staff link shows other guides that are fly fishermen.

Something about float reels has inspired Ross to release its first for 2008, and the video in the third link below indicates that they use some silky smooth bearings.

I know we have members in Alaska. Anyone know the scoop on how they are rigging and using the reels?


http://www.raventackle.com/float_reels.htm

http://www.raventackle.com/casting.htm

http://www.rossreels.com/

Rawthumb, that method made it's way from England, to Canada and now, is poopular in the US.
I live in near steelhead alley and there's a lot of guys that pin these streams and rivers. I have a number of friends who are into pinning and it's probably the most effective way to dead drift, bait or flies. Most of the guys I know use egg sacks and skein but a number of them do use flies, jigs etc., The key is, the natural drift that they get.
They use rods, generally in the 11'-13' range, which allows them to keep all their line off the surface of the water. The reels are extremely smooth, loaded with ball bearings and free spool, as their float, draws line downstream. They usually run backing line (same as we use) and then run X number of yards of mono and then, usually a fluro lead, which is attached by a barrel swivel. They use the float and a series of split shot, below the float, that forces their bait/fly into a right angle drift. They can also drift, huge distances, without having to retrieve.