Its been done a thousand times, but I must ask again - Centre Pins

[Andrew Firth]

I'll try being specific...

The Rod for the pin...:

I already have a Youngs lightweight pin for trotting (model y2084L) on a 19ft River rod for smaller stuff, but now I want some pins for specific barbel work to go with my Greys X-Flite barbel rods 1.5/1.75lbs and 2lbs TC top sections.

The main rivers and methods I'll be fishing.....:

River 1.

I fish on the Bristol Avon, a narrow and snaggy meandering river very picturesque,usually enjoying a stalking technique,light bomb/lead single pellet boille or meat with a few freebies no more than a 20ish yards chuck max.

River 2.

The mighty Tidal Trent, is a huge wide and very deep river with a strong flow. I normally use big home made feeders with a heavier top section on my rod, hurling it out as far as possible and regulary recasting (every 5-10 minutes)....

My Thoughts...:

I want ideally a pin capable/suitable for both types of fishing, I'm leaning towards a "sidecast" style real as I should be able to get lots of distance (mainly for the Trent).

I'd ideally like a drag facility too,and any other useful features....



So far the Ray Walton Rolling Pin looks good,has the side cast feature and ticks all the boxes...

Also had a look at a few flash ones such as the Chris Lythe Barbel Master and the Garry Mills Pins....

Budget isn't really limited if something awesomely special exists, but part of me thinks get a good pin for the BA, and stick to Fixed reels for the Trent,though I'm gagging to fish the Trent with a pin...

Cheers for any advice

Andy

 

[Rich Frampton]

PM sent Andy.

Rich.

 

[Jon Berry]

Andy,

I recognise your dilemma.

I am Wilts-based and fish smaller sections of the BA for barbel and chub - have done so for many years. I also fish a section of the Trent with the big gear, and would suggest a different reel for each. The BA can be fished witha light pin, but the Trent would chew up and spit out the same reel..your Purist will be fine on the BA but if you want something new, look at Gary Mills' reels or the Pete Reading pin (review on this site) or a decent s/h Speedia. I'd always recommend a fixed spool for the Trent, even though I am a floppy old purist.

My first choices, for what they are worth, are a Lythe pin for the BA and a Cardinal 55 on the Trent. Lythe's waiting list is far too long for me these days, and Gary Mills' reels are almost comparable. PM me if you like.

cheers

Jon

 

[Paul Whiteing]

Narrow Drum Fred Crouch Jet - see this page

I use these reels for small rivers (Kennet, Lea etc) and also the Trent - although not in a "chuck it as far as I can" mode, so maybe for this a c'pin clearly isn't for you?

Learn to cast and you wont need a side-cast reel, use a narrow as it'll be stronger (all of my six Aerials are narrow), and if you're "gagging" you can get one within a week.

See also, if you haven't already, Centrepins and using them, especially for Barbel fishing

paul4

 

[Andrew Firth]

Cheers guys thanks for the advice, looks like i'm leaning towards Gary Mills and one of his pins....