Centrepin?

[FlyMyGirl 147]

Hi

 

I bought my first centrepin the other week and am really enjoying using it for trotting the river near me. One question I do have, and I may sound silly asking it, but what do you use the ratchet for? Unfortunately I dont know any one that is fishing with one to ask and to be shown how to use it properly. I'm probably doing it all wrong but I'm catching so thats me happy Any help gratefully received.

 

Thank FMG

[robbo 845]

i use mine as a bite alarm when fishing freelined or legered baits under trees for carp, chub or barbel.sure thats not what its meant to be used for but it works for me.

[FlyMyGirl 147]

I've heard it's for when your fighting a fish in, don't know if this is true or not?

[Guest bullterrier]

not sure but i think its just like a clutch on a fixed spool reel john

[saharashadow 26]

I think it's not only an audible indicator from the time when the only reels were centrepins , but because with a pin the drum spins so freely , it stops the reel spinning and line coming off when you lay the rod down or put it in the rod rest. I automatically put the ratchet on whenever I put the rod down, and it saves no end of tangles.

[FlyMyGirl 147]

Thanks for that do you leave it on when you reel the fish in?

[saharashadow 26]

No I take it off when I cast and reel in. The ratchet isn't strong enough to act like a drag would on a fixed spool type reel, so I just reel in and use my finger on the drum to apply pressure to the fish if it starts to run. Apart from that I just find the ratchet noisy in what is usually a quite and peaceful environment.

[Mr Wilkes 3,028]

I dont wish to contradict you ss but i switch mine on when im fighting a fish the sound when a decent barbel runs is quite awsome .

[Ossie n Arch 1,682]

I think it's there to prevent "over run" Because the 'pin is so smooth there is a chance of the spool running on and giving you a "Birds nest" at the reel end. Good for keeping the line tight if you walk along the bank looking at different swims too.

[saharashadow 26]

We each have our preferences Mr Wilkes. Diversity is a great thing. My way isn't necessarily the right way for everyone , but it suits the way I fish. Tight lines!

[saharashadow 26]

By the way FMG .Which centrepin did you get?

[FlyMyGirl 147]

I've got the okuma aventa pro and the tf gear one unsure of which I like best at the minute

[saharashadow 26]

Haven't used either but had a good look at the Aventa Pro. It's a quality bit of engineering as are most Okuma reels I've seen. Don't think you can go far wrong with that.

Another question that always comes up with centrepins is whether you should have the line coming off the top or from the bottom. I always have mine coming off from the bottom as I hold the rod and cast with my right hand, wind with my left hand, and prefer to wind the fish in turning the drum away from me. If the line is coming off the top, which some say allows the line to peel off more smoothly, I have to turn the reel the opposite direction which feels weird . Again it's something that suit me, so just do what feels best for you regardless.

[FlyMyGirl 147]

I have the line coming off the top at the minute but might change one to off the bottom and see how that feels, like I say I haven't really got a clue how to use the reels yet so it's all trial and error at the minute lol. I still haven't a clue how to cast with them haha so thanks for all the info everyone