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Barbel on a pin

Chris Jones

Chris Jones

Senior Member
Tried it and finally done it, admittedly with a float rather than a leger. I'm pleased to have done it but it's not something I'll be looking to attempt again. I can appreciate the fantastic control of the pace of a stick float that a pin gives. Other than that, everything is negative in relation to a quality fixed spool reel. Casting is a pain, retrieval after a long trot is mind numbingly slow and control of a fish, while very direct, is far too vague and inconsistent for my liking. Probably took me twice as long to get a fish in as it did with my fixed spool reel.
 
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How dare you say that Chris, that is so un PC. Hope you threw in your floppy hat in as well?
 
I remember with some amusement the response to a post of mine on the old BFW (where men were men and funsters like Boote had to be careful) about a day out with the pin (a 1915 Allcock Aerial, no less), with the day going reasonably well at first, then very badly "...so I stamped it into the ground"... Cue coronaries and outrage from New Wave Pin Men and Collectors.
 
caught 1 on the pin a few years ago,and really didnt enjoy it much. was only a small 1 too,had another pin caught 1 couple of weeks ago and must say i am begining to warm to the idea.
 
i supose centrepin casting ,isn't for everyone

centre-pincastingposter.jpg


yep ,barbelling on a pin isn't exactly crank & bank. at least now you can cross the experiance off your bucket list
 
Steven Devereux said:
yep ,barbelling on a pin isn't exactly crank & bank. at least now you can cross the experiance off your bucket list
Click to expand...

That's the spirit, Steven. Exactly how I've looked at it. I may try it again someday but it'll have to be in a more suitable swim where I can plop a float in at my feet and expect a bite no further downstream than fifteen yards. Until then, it's a case of each to there own. Good luck to the centrepin fanatics out there.
 
I must say I don't think it takes me any longer to land a fish on a pin than a fixed spool, but I do know I have more control.

Yes it can be a pain retrieving the tackle, but again I think I can "batt" a pin back quite quickly.

Casting can take time to master but it is a bit like using a clutch on a car for the first time once you get it, it becomes some thing you do without a thought.

Where I do win is in the amount of control I have on my float as it trots down the swim, I could not possibly control the tackle with a fixed spool in the same way, the only time the fixed spool wins there, is when it is blowing a hoolie and even then I will persevere with a pin on the stick, or even a waggler until I have no choice.

Fixed spool reels are probably fine for ledgering, but then again everyone can do that!

I am NOT one of those anglers that insists on using a Centre Pin because it is traditional or even because it has become fashionable, I use one because it is the best tool for controlling float tackle, free lining or rolling baits by far, when some smart ars……..person invents a fixed spool reel that can control gear the way a pin does I will put all mine up on flea bay in an instant, but until then………………………….!

Tight lines chaps.
 
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