Centerpin fishing, also known as float fishing, uses a float to keep bait at the proper depth to present to fish, primarily in rivers and streams. Originating in Europe, it is commonly used for catching game fish, such as trout and salmon, and it has gained in popularity in the United States for catching steelhead. A centerpin rig is a totally dragless system with a reel that spins in both directions, and it requires a higher level of attention and finesse than other fishing gear.
Rod and Reel
Centerpin rods and reels differ from other types of fishing equipment, which use a drag system to allow line to play out under the pull of a fish. A centerpin reel spins freely in both directions, with no drag. This requires the angler to physically control the direction the reel turns when playing a fish. Centerpin fishing rods are typically 13 to 15 feet long, fairly flexible and very light to balance against the reel's larger size and weight.
Centerpin Fishing Line
Centerpin fishing reels are usually first loaded with a backing of Dacron line, similar to fly fishing reels, which take up about 75 percent of the total length of line on the reel. Rather than fly line, monofilament line attaches to the backing line. Braided lines are also popular. This line fills the reel to within approximately 1/4 inch of the rim of the spool.
Tackle
The most important piece of tackle in centerpin fishing is the float. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, floats suspend the hook and bait in the water at specific depths where fish are holding. Thinner floats work best for steadily flowing rivers, while wider, rounder floats handle choppier conditions better. A shot line, thinner than the main fishing line, hold shot weights that help keep the bait under water. Anglers often place these weights in different positions along the line, depending on water conditions. An even lighter leader line then attaches to the shot line and holds the hook, which is sized to fit the species of fish the angler is targeting.
Presentation
Anglers usually work centerpin fishing rigs downstream. According to the Fish Steelhead Alley website, the more directly downstream the target location is from the angler's position, the better. As the float, shot and bait move downstream, the angler will "check" or apply tension to the fishing reel. This causes the bait to present to the fish first.
Landing a Fish
Because the reel of a centerpin rig has no drag, the first thing an angler does when a fish strikes is clamp a hand onto the reel to stop it from turning. The longer and more flexible centerpin rod absorbs a lot of the tension the fish places on the rig.Then the angler sets the hook and plays the fish until it is landed. If the fish pulls harder than the line will handle, the angler can allow line to spool off the reel. As the fish tires, the angler can then reel the fish in.
Member Comments