Casting with a Center Pin Reel

[Matt Schalk]

Can anyone give a good description (or post pics) of how they cast with their center pin reel??

This is more for others' benefit than my own since I can almost guarantee that I do it differently (will post pics when available). I rarely use my cp and when I do, it's for fishing specific runs where I can be above the run and just plop my float rig in (WITHOUT CASTING) and let my cp do it's thing. I also use a shorter rod than most due to "tight quarters" with the shrubbery.

[MPsteelheader]

i could give you video links but i may get in trouble for posting them...

drop a pm if you like

[Bluesteel]

I have had trouble casting too, even after watching videos etc. The way I do it is kind like chuck and duck style. I can get about 4o feet that way and it has worked the best for me. Also I have found that weight is the key if you are too light on the shot you will have trouble casting. Good luck.

Hopefully I will run into someone on the river that can give me a lesson.

[stlhdr19]

everyone claims that casting a ceneter pin is hard but really it isn't. the key ting to remember is the hand that is not on the rod when you cast. Meaning if you use your right arm to cast, like me, then your left hand becomes your first stripper guide on your rod. hold the line in your left hand, pinching the line wiht your thumb and point finger then as you cast you let the line slide into your two fingers that you made into a circle but thekey is to keep your hand perpendicular to the reel almost pulling the line off the side of the reel, thais making your hand the first guide, but keep your hand perpendicular to the reel thats the important part

[UBDSLO1]

I just read an article by Jim Butler, who is a Canadian Lake Ontario steel fisherman about centerpins. He said to keep your line handling hand dry, as wet hands hamper casting ability. I have yet to get a pin, but will soon. I am afraid of the casting also.:yikes: :rant:

[Hex4steel]

Most typically learn to cast with some kind of technique where the line is in hand, myself included, but I think if you use some kind of "BC" style cast from the start you will pick it up quicker. I showed one of my buddies, who had never touched a centerpin, a similar cast the other day and he was bombing 15yd+ casts after about 20 minutes of experimenting.


Besides, line twist is inevitable using the side hand n' line cast.

[Speyday]

I would strongly recommend a tiny ant swivel above the float; connecting your shot line to your mainline. Usually, newbies start by simply casting off the side; and thats fine. Line twist happens, but the ant swivel will eliminate it. I still use one most of the time. Experienced pinners will refer to it as "training wheels" but like all the methods I use to catch fish...if I can get it out there, im satisfied and don't need to learn the fancier stuff.

the only time you cant use an ant swivel is if you are fishing really deep water (like 10 ft plus) and you decide to opt for rigging up a slip float; then you can't.But in most small medium rivers, it will help you out greatly in learning the basics without the headache of twist.

just my $.02

[Hex4steel]

I THINK the majority of line twist with the side cast comes from error, when the line is running through the hand and "skips" by friction with the skin. This will typically cause the rig to swing wildly in the air and kink through your guides. Granted I can't be 100% sure..... in that I have never tried the ant swivel above the float as splitshot suggested. Im sure the technique will help minimize twist.

Keep in mind your aiming for the cast to be a single, smoothe motion- without your rig [from the float down] swinging wildly or spinning through the air, i.e., your rig SHOULD shoot, fly, and land in the same position it left your loaded rod. FOR ME, the "fancier" style of casting was much easier to learn than the side cast and you will rarely get any movement in your rig once you have gotten use to the cast. It's pretty hard to side cast and achieve this.

Also, as previously stated....make sure your hand is dry. If it isn't, make sure its nice and wet, both reduce friction.

[Flyfisher]

Most typically learn to cast with some kind of technique where the line is in hand, myself included, but I think if you use some kind of "BC" style cast from the start you will pick it up quicker. I showed one of my buddies, who had never touched a centerpin, a similar cast the other day and he was bombing 15yd+ casts after about 20 minutes of experimenting.

Besides, line twist is inevitable using the side hand n' line cast.
I second a "swing" or "BC" for ease of learning. Bring the rod back and allow the reel to start spinning then lob the forward cast....and make sure to stop the spool when the rig hits the water. Line twist is never a problem as the line comes off with the spool revolving (much like a baitcasting reel). The key is to get the spool moving BEFORE the forward cast. I learned by casting this way and have tried the "side-cast" since, ending up with a tremendous amount of line twist.

[Steelheadfred]

I second a "swing" or "BC" for ease of learning. Bring the rod back and allow the reel to start spinning then lob the forward cast....and make sure to stop the spool when the rig hits the water. Line twist is never a problem as the line comes off with the spool revolving (much like a baitcasting reel). The key is to get the spool moving BEFORE the forward cast. I learned by casting this way and have tried the "side-cast" since, ending up with a tremendous amount of line twist.


I use both, I side cast on small rivers, dont have many line twists, but I start the spool spinning a little.

With the lob cast I tend to over power it, so I give it a pull to get my spool spinning first. This seems to work well.

Like was mentioned a heavier set up for casting distance is some good advice.

Fritz

[REG]

Lot of good advice here. When I first started using this contraption, one can use it immediately be using your first two fingers to pull line from both sides of the stripper guide (or first three fingers to pull line from the stripper and next guide up) and then flip it out. Good to the first 30 or so feet.

One thing that I found was real "helpful" is to hold your rod to the side such that your reel handles are facing toward the ground at the start of the cast. Seems to decrease the chances of the line wrapping around the handles.

Another thing that I need to keep telling myself is to relax and don't try to power out a cast. This is especially true on big water. I take a deep breath, relax, and if I cast nice and smooth. the results end up better. Trying to force a long cast by really getting things moving and trying to give it the big heave ho invariably gets me into a big mess and shanked cast at my stage of this game. And for third time, weight helps.

[Matt Schalk]

Here's how I cast my center pin reel:

I click the special lever.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/530/medium/cp1.jpg

I turn my reel sideways.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/530/medium/cp2.jpg

Then I cast as far as I want (which I rarely do - I mainly just drop my float into the water)

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/530/medium/cp3.jpg

... and turn my reel back and let it spin away ...

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/530/medium/cp1.jpg

... until my float goes down. Then I engage the clicker and battle 'em to the net.

[RonB]

Hey Matt,

What model of Alvey is that? Also, do you have much of a problem with line twist...I heard they are known for that. I am new to float fishing and was thinking about getting one. I am pretty much restricted to bank fishing because of inner ear balance problems and the water I fish is wide and fast and most of the action happens out in the middle. I need to be able to get the setup out there and doubt I could with a center pin...I am sure a good cp caster could but I don't think I could...Cheers, Ron

[Flyfisher]

Matt,
I was unaware that Alvey made a reel that you could actually "trot" from. How smooth is it letting line out during the drift? And where did you find the reel?
Thanks!

[Matt Schalk]

Ron & Flyfisher,

It's the 475A5 Blackfish Reel. I've had it for around 15 years and paid around $100 for the reel back then. Since then, Alvey's developed the Easycast system and has all graphite reels featuring that, the 475B (with spool lock) and the 475TCS. There's also a smaller model with a line guide, but without the sidecast capability. I am a tackle distributor and retailer and order directly from Alvey. I have yet to see another angler in the Great Lakes using one. It's just as smoothe (if not smoother) than any other center-pin I've ever spun.

With repeated long casting (which I rarely ever do), you will get line twist if you don't use a small swivel above your float. I mainly just set my float on the water and let my reel start spooling away and avoid casting if possible for the most part.

If I have to get my bait out into the river and I want to float stuff at the fish, I'll use my 10 foot J. Higley Bobber Rod (Rainshadow blank) with a 6:1 gear ratio spinning reel. It loads better than any rod I've ever owned for distance casting. With distance, a center pin reel isn't giving you any advantage anyway - it's actually more of a P.I.T.A. when reeling in too (in my opinion).

[RonB]

Thanks for the reply Mike, I appreciate it!

Cheers, Ron

[RonB]

Thanks for the reply Matt. Float fishing and center pin reels are totally unheard of in my neck of the woods. Go to any sporting goods, tackle shop or specialty fishing store here, (and we have some huge one's), and ask if they carry center pin reels and you get a blank stare...people don't even know what float fishing is here. Which is strange because most of the shops do have an assortment of floats and caps, one even carries a good selection of Raven floats...go figure.

I am definately going to get an Alvey and go that route with my float setup. If I can buy from a forum member all the better. Drop me an email regarding the models you have and prices, etc.

Cheers, Ron