Pin to Win

Been looking into a center pin set-up since I got to fish one a couple months back. The long drifts seem ideally suited to exploring new locations efficiently and on larger water. Plus, it's just fun!

A buddy had a rig that was gathering dust in his garage, so I've now got one on the way. It's a Raven Matrix reel on a 13'6" Raven IM6 rod. Last weekend I picked up the Raven "Guide to Float Fishing" and this set-up looks like it will be perfect as an all-around solution for the Manistique, some other UP rivers, and maybe even winters on the PM.

There's plenty of debate amongst hardcores as to whether center pinning is "real" fly fishing. But there are similar debates about chuck n' duck. For me, if you're fishing with flies instead of spawn bags, live bait, or hardware - it counts. And really pinning is more similar to indicator fly fishing than anything. Just MUCH longer drifts. I must admit I find those "real" fly fishing discussions kind of esoteric and pointless anyway. Mostly just elitist chest beating. If it makes you happy, presents a challenge, and fits your criteria -- it's fly fishing.

The coolest part of pinning is that the whole principle is a free-spinning reel that uses the resistance of the line to feed. Where this gets interesting is when you get a fish on. There's no drag system on a center pin reel -- it's all in the skill of the fisherman applying the brakes by palming the reel to slow the fish.

My goal was to have a rig and get comfortable with it prior to heading to the UP in April/May for Spring steelhead with Dad. Looks like I'll make it!

-Sean-