Oh Dear those centre pins really divide opinion, it was amusing to me when all those that have never used the things went out and bought that cheap tat from Dragon? Cortesi or something, and then realised that as most of of know, (well those that would rather fish than tart around on the bank
) that they are as problematic to use as they always have been, seriously how many times to you have to unpick the tangles whilst the fish are having a laugh?
I grew up with the things, and centre pins liberated my fishing, so why Oh why would I want to use such a outmoded device to challenge a hard fighting barbel..Sentiment?
Well yes that could be the
only reason really.
Not questioning the fact that a centerpin is a really good tool in the hands of an expert Neil. The fact is, the only technology involved in a pin is that required to make it, and there is no denying that a decent one is an engineering masterpiece. Once it is made however, it is a very basic winch, with few if any refinements. A beautifully made winch, but still a winch. I does do the job very nicely, in the hands of an expert....but it is clearly NOT the type of reel I was talking about when I said that to to claim old technology was superior to new was, quite frankly, ridiculous.
Mike was talking about old Mitchell and ABU fixed spool reels from way back when being his tools of choice, and claiming that they compared favourably to present day Shimano models etc. Now, I would be the first to admit that there were classics amongst the dross back then, just as there are now...but the simple facts are that the the classics of the past can in no way compete with even some of the better of the cheaper models now, let alone the present day classics. Yes there is cheap tat out there, even now.....but comparing like for like....well there IS no comparison if we are going to be honest
I had my Mitchell 300's, matches, 410's etc, back then...and loved them...but purely because they were infinitely better than much of what had gone before. Sadly for the Mitchells, ABUs etc, they have now joined that 'what had gone before' group...they are outmoded relics, with the better reels of today being far superior in the technology department.
It is fine to have fond memories of things of yester-year, to look back with nostalgia to days gone by, and to use old tackle because it makes you misty eyed and all that stuff. Not that I am not saying that a centrepin necessarily comes into that category...in the right hands it does a great job of the things it was designed to do, and so is a valid tool,
if that is your chosen way . It's just that when folk start claiming that the old stuff was
technologically superior....well quite simply, they are talking out of the centre of their nicely ventilated, ebony flanged whatsits
And thats not just my opinion...as the man in the add, the one with the twiddly moustache would say....Go Compaaaaaare.
To HONESTLY compare, and still claim old is always best, is to be in denial...it is akin to joining the 'Flat Earth Society'. It IS Luddism
Just admit it, and get on with your fishing
Cheers, Dave.
