Centre Pin Question

[Russ Shaw]

Hi

I had my first foray at the riverside trotting with a centre pin yesterday.

Having purchased the ubiquitous Marco Cortesi (having been validated as a good starter pin for those wishing to see if a pin is for them!) I duely spent a few weekends flicking a float across the lawn in an effort to formulate some sort of servicable cast before venturing out to fish for real.

I spent the first three hours or so relatively trouble-free, the float was landing where I wanted it and it trotted downstream beautifully.

I enjoyed it immensly and I'd recommend anyone thinking of trying it to give it a go.

I do have a question though, after the said three hours I started to inexplicably get line trapped 'inside' the pin. The line was somehow getting inside the very small gap between the spool and back plate and winding itself around the ratchet clog. I wasn't doing anything different so I can't work out what I was doing wrong.

I'm just wondering if the MC is notorious for this, is the gap between the spool and backplate larger than a more expensive reel? or did I just start to do something wrong that I hadn't been doing earlier.

Incidentally, I had the line coming from the bottom of the spool and there was a slight breeze. Having read recommendations from Keith Speer that line from the top is preferable in many instances could that eradicate this type of problem?

regards
Russ

 

[Nathan Walter]

You will find that a common problem with the Coresi but it does happen with most centrepins. As the line and reel get wetter (even more so in rainy conditions), the line has a tendency to stick to the casing more and then end up slipping in behind the drum. The gap on the Cortesi is quite big and so is more likely to happen. You then have the problem of having to unscrew it to remove the spool which can lead to either loosing the screw and washer or even have the bearings fall out.

 

[Pete Marshall]

Incidentally, I had the line coming from the bottom of the spool and there was a slight breeze. Having read recommendations from Keith Speer that line from the top is preferable in many instances could that eradicate this type of problem?

regards
Russ

I've tried it both ways. For trotting the line coming from the top is the best as long as not serious casting is involved. Certainly improves things in windy conditions, as will a line guard, but I don't like line guards for other reasons. In very windy conditions you are just going to have to be a brilliant angler, or like me switch to a fixed spool reel. Match anglers used closed face reels in these situations.

For ledgering I prefer to have the line from the bottom as it does make casting far easier.

However switching requires motor memory to be able to change as well, otherwise you will reel in when you mean to reel out and visa versa......

Tangles round the back of the spool are always a problem, some reels are better at avoiding this, my match ariels very rarely do this, but it does happen. One tip,particularly when using braid which is great for trotting, is to spray the line regularly with silicone lubricant. You can buy these for loads and loads of money in tiny tins from tackle shops, or get great big tins intended for fabrics on e bay for far cheaper. Good for making line float, spraying on dry flies etc. as well.

 

[Keith Speer]

Russ

That happens to all of us mate!!

Usually when the spool gets damp with either rain or condensation.

The more expensive reels seem to have a smaller gap and a quicker method of removing the spool.

I know I keep banging on about them but the Okuma Sheffield seems to have this problem less than other reels.

I don't much like the design but the engineering and build quality cannot be beaten and their usability is nothing short of excellent!

And before anyone says anything, I am not sponsored by them

 

[Russ Shaw]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Nathan, by sheer coincidence I happened upon an article by your good self this morning about trotting for chub - a marvellous read, thanks.

Keith, Good to know this happens to the best of us. Your inspirational float fishing article is what inspired me to try this in the first place so thank you also.

I'm going to endevour to improve with the Cortesi and then look to upgrade some time next year - probably the Sheffield.

 

[Mike Hodgkiss]

Russell ,the cheaper Okuma pins are just as good as the Sheffield , I think you are paying extra simply for it's bling appeal And as Keith says it's looks don't appeal to all