casting a center pin reel

sigard · 03-13-2004, 09:17 AM

Hello, I'm looking for any tips folks may have on casting a center pin reel. Mostly I use a Adcock Stanton with no clicker or drag lever. It has ball bearings and spins freely in both directions. Have tried casting off the side (letting line run through a loop formed by my right hand thumb and middle finger) which casts well at first but the line soon becomes twisted and unmanagable. I have been teaching myself the Wallis cast, or at least my version of it with some success. My biggest problem is the transition of pulling line off the reel to get it paying out line and letting it go to feed line out when casting. With so much going on at once, moving the rod forward to load it, starting payout of line from reel and letting it go at the right moment, timing is super critical. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I use power pro line as I like the way it fishes but it gets burried into itself on the spool at times and doesn't pay out off the reel as well as mono. I remember my granddad using braided nylon as well as mono on his center pins (and a Keen Caster) so maybe each has an advantage for different situations. Perhaps there might be someone out there willing to meet for a afternoon or day of fishing that can give some tips on the water. I will supply any jigs, bait, lunch,or anti-freeze/malted beverage if needed. I mostly steelhead in SW Washington since I live in Vancouver. Many thanks, Matthew

Dragfreedrift · 03-15-2004, 01:33 PM

I'm no expert, but I would recommend using mono for line. Secondly, the trick w/ a centrepin is to make sure that you let go of the spool before you start the forward motion....ie- have line coming off just as you are getting ready to swing forward!

HC

[ 03-15-2004, 02:34 PM: Message edited by: half canuck ]

Dave Vedder · 03-15-2004, 02:10 PM

Canuck had it exactly right. That and lots of practice. Also try using a fairly heavy weight or lure when learning, it's much easier with a big wieght.

RodRoss · 03-15-2004, 02:26 PM

Sig, I can't give you any direct help per se, but I do recommend watching a video series from England, entitled "A Passion for Angling." You'll learn just by watching them fish the beautiful streams of England, chasing trout, grayling, salmon, pike, barbel, dace, chub, roach and of course, the heralded carp. A fascincating 3-part series, beautifully shot by Hugh Miles. When I worked in Alaska I guided a couple from England (whom were expert center pin fishers). I was fortunate enough to get to visit them in England and I fished the River Test for above said species. What a great way to fish and I'm glad to hear you're carrying on a classic and fun tradition.

RodRoss

sigard · 03-16-2004, 04:05 PM

Switched to 8lb. mono and started using a large water bobber almost full and had a much easier time casting. Still need lots more time on the water but things are looking up. Many thanks!!!!! Matthew

bacon_to_fry · 03-16-2004, 06:08 PM

if you're casting well off the side of the reel with the loop formed between your thumb and index finger, you're there. it sounds like line twist is really what's getting you.

here's a few things that have worked for me.

-first off a real limp mono like Ande (hope it's ok to say that) is really key. with it, you can fish up to a 12 lb mainline. i have some 14 lb i'll be trying this weekend, so i can let you know. the important part is that it's a very supple line. the abrasion on it sorta blows, but that's not a big problem since you only hit rocks with the mainline if a fish takes you through a boulder garden and if you're into a good fish, it'd slice a heavy line anyway.

-next is the swivel set up. that might help you out a ton. get the lightest ant swivels you can still hold fish with, then measure out a length of mainline that's just less than 2/3 the rod length. clip it off and save the piece. tie one swivel to the new mainline, then retie in the piece you clipped to the other end of the swivel. if you're using a sliding float with plastic/rubber sleeves, slide them on and tie another swivel to the end of the clipped piece of mainline. your float can be moved up and down that section of line.

i hope i'm still making sense.

from there, tie on a 2-3' leader (rod length depending) of 8lb. maxima. this way, if you break off, it's only taking your jig and leader rather than the spendy float and the swivels. the two swivel system GREATLY reduces line twist, the boon of the centerpin's casting effectiveness. the key is not having the top swivel inside your top guide when casting. that compromises distance and eats away at the guide ring. i said light swivels because if they're too heavy, the mainline will sink and mending becomes problematic.

-if you have the means, a rod that's 11' 6" or greater with a soft tip greatly increases your distance

-remember to keep your loop hand directly to the side of the reel and about a foot and a half away. it's weird at first, but fool with it and you'll find a style that works.

-last, you might try fishing 1/4 oz floats matched with a 1/4 oz jig to get comfortable with the cast. from there, step down to lighter line and lighter floats/jigs.

not trying to come off as the big freakin' expert or anything, but i remember frustrations with the centerpin and sure wished someone would have explained a few things to me, the swivel set-up in particular.

feel free to PM me if you have questions, and good luck. you'll soon find out how truly deadly centerpins can be on pressured water.

[ 03-16-2004, 07:12 PM: Message edited by: bacon_to_fry ]

sigard · 03-17-2004, 10:53 AM

Lately I've been using a Lami Cert/Pro 10'6" med/light rod, med/fast action with a light tip. Also use a Loomis 11'6" noodle rod with a slow action that really loads easy. I did pick up a nice clipped steelhead this winter at Salmon Creek with a bobber and bait with this setup. I'll post a pic if I can get it scanned sometime soon. Thanks for the tip on using two swivels when casting off the side. I'll try it out today on the creek. Again, MANY THANKS!!!!! Matthew

bacon_to_fry · 03-17-2004, 11:22 PM

the two swivel thing should help.

also, and this sounds stupid, BUT you could try taping the reel on way lower down the handle to off-balance the rod and make it easier to hold the tip high... looks weird, but if you're fishing in the right places, there won't be anyone around to see anyway...

good luck today. glad you got some help, here.