This post was written by guest blogger, Larry Chandler.
Larry is an outdoor writer who often writes for Victory Outdoor Sports. When he’s not working on the latest freelance project he is usually out with his family, making memories.
Looking to
Effectively Cover a Lot of Water in a Short Time? Try Out a Center Pin Reel
When you love fishing, there is nothing like that hook set to
get your blood pumping. However,
sometimes the search for a spot where fish are holding can be tedious and even
time consuming. Thanks to the increasing
knowledge about a center pin reel more professionals and weekend anglers are
learning to use this nifty tool to find more fish.
Basic Design

Best Way to Use
Center Pin Reel
Anglers that enjoy floating a lure in to the magical honey spot
will really enjoy this kind of reel. A
bait such as a night crawler or egg sack can be suspended under the float and
target the strike zone. Using either
split shot or a swivel you can monitor how deep or shallow the bait will run.
The free flow of the line off of the reel makes this a perfect
way to cover lots of water while floating a lure. There is no worry with line mending or
monitoring the bail to make sure the line is moving along. The natural drift makes the bait more
realistic to unsuspecting fish.
Good for Steelhead
and Salmon
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Steelies on a center pin |
Some estimates show that up to 90% of professional guides on
rivers are actually using a center pin reel to consistently land quality
steelhead and salmon. The normally
skittish nature of these fish makes a float lure presentation a good way of
locating these feisty critters. The rise
in popularity of the reel in the past few years has made it easier to buy from
a wider range of shops.
One Caveat: Practice the
Cast
If you are new to the center pin type of fishing reel you need
to be aware of the learning curve for casting.
While a normal fly fishing movement would include keeping your hand on
the front of the reel in order to let out the line when casting, the center pin
reel will require that you hold your hand out by the side. This will take some practice in order to get
comfortable with the different movement.
Lines and Leaders
A fluorocarbon leader using 6 lb. line will give you a good
chance of landing a nice trophy without risk of breaking the line. 25 lb. test is most common for the backing
and anglers will use about 100 yards.
Another 200 yards of monofilament 8 lb. test rounds out the line needs. Leaders will normally be two feet or less.
This is not to say that a center pin reel is the absolute
end-all for fly fishing fans. However,
if you can learn the cast, this could be a new tool in your toolbox that helps
you land a monster steelhead.
I liked this centerpin overview... I hear about them all the time but hadn't ever taken the time to ask the basics. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteHave seen the Center pin system in In-Fisherman. "One of this years" I might give it a twirl...
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about Centerpin setups but never looked into them. Guys that use them crush fish from what I hear. Thanks for the overview.
ReplyDelete