What is John Bailey's favourite reel? Centrepin discussion with John Stephenson.

[@kingdom777866]

One of my closes friends that has sadly passed, could cast a center pin reel with ease, he always amazed me how he could do it, the bait (or lead) went out as if he was using a fixed spool reel. His name.. Jim Shrive ! One day we were fishing for pike, myself, Bob church and Jim.. Jim set up a 10ft rod, his airial center pin, with a small dead bait and he was casting any distance you like.. it was fantastic to watch, Bob was fishing some way away.. when he returned he said to me.. has Jim been showing off his casting again ! i replied yeah but he's amazing ! Bob told me theres only a hand full of fishermen in the uk that can do it !! Jim's been doing it since he was a kid.. They have both passed now and i miss them dearly, we had some great days together.. RIP Guys Geoff Smith.

[@bryanburgin472]

Nothing beats using a centrepin for trotting. My favourite reel is a Richard Carter Avon Classic, a proper centrepin built by a quality engineer.

[@davetaylor8858]

Better models like the Leeds reels have room for your fingers between the rim and the seat so you don't have to hold them flat

[@borderlands6606]

Modern centrepins are over drilled for my taste. Yes, they are marginally more efficient and certainly lighter, but my mental image of a perfect 'pin would look something like Young's Trudex.

[@humanitech]

I love using a centrepin for all sorts if fishing - from trotting rivers to stalking big carp and pike....Just for the pure pleasure and direct feel and play of the fish ...using fingers on the rim of drum as a narural clutch and feeling every tiny flick and movenment of the fish...fabulous fun!...except for the occasional wrapped knuckles from fast spinning handle pins 😂