Pin to Win

Had the opportunity to try some centerpin fishing recently. I've always been intrigued with this method since learning more during a presentation at last year's Midwest Fly Fishing Expo.

For those who don't know, it's basically drift fishing with flies under an indicator using a running line and a SUPER smooth reel. There are those who would say it's not fly fishing. But the terminal tackle's basically identical to my indie rig, and the running line is about the same as chuck n' duck. Seems like there's always some blowhard in fly fishing claiming that if you're not doing what they are, it's not "really" fly fishing. I figure, if you're not tossing spawn bags or hardware that looks like it escaped from your silverware drawer, you're good.

Back to centerpin. In addition to the super-smooth, super-long drift, what's most cool is the reel. Most are a very precise and smooth running large arbor reel so the line feeds to keep up with the current. But, there's NO drag system. Fighting a large fish means palming the reel to provide drag and slow them down. Which gets interesting when you're trying to figure out just how strong 8# fluorocarbon leader is!

The Matrix XL reel came well recommended among the budget solutions. Good arbor size, smooth spooling, and durable. Oddly I've heard the Ross is too wide. Too bad, as Ross is my default setting these days.

Suspect I'll be picking one up after I get the TFO 11' switch rod. Tools for situations.

-Sean-