The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

If vintage - a wide drum Speedia.

If modern - a TFG wide drum pin - @ £50 [RRP rather more but plenty of new ones on offer for £50 or so].

A wooden or Bakelite reel is a bit less harsh to the touch in winter than a metal one. No need for a branded one, as long as it's mechanically sound, is there?
The Young's "Windex" (Also sold as the "Brighton", but I forget by whom) is a tough, heavy-duty reel with a centre drag (therefore a "drum reel" rather than a "proper" 'pin) to stop line peeling off in the current (or due to the boat's movement if trolling); cheap, cheerful, and holds miles of line... but metal.

Another vote for a Grice & Young -- the 'Big Piker'. I have one and it is similar to the Sea Jecta.

Dos anyone know a "Allcocks the "Sea Knight" centerpin carp reel"
http://www.ebay.de/itm/vintage-fishing- ... _285wt_899
or can compare it with the Grice and young sea Jecta ??
or this one http://www.ebay.de/itm/vintage-fishing- ... _263wt_899

@ Olly: a picture of your Reels next to each other would be great.

Have a look at ebay.uk - Grice & Young centrepin reels - several there.

My 'Big Piker' is exactly like the Avon Royal Eagle - both have a ratchet, a drag on the reverse and are wide drum - but mine is black! Hope that helps.

The Allcocks Sea Knight is in my opinion not as well made. An Allcocks sea Aerial would be even better.

Thank you all.
I just ordered my Grice & Young the Sea Jecta.

I try to post some pics of it later, with a matching Bruce & Walker rod, a handmade pike float and a 30lb plus pike ....

This is a photo of my new pike reel , a G + Y Avon Royal Eagle in action, or rather non action, today at Dam Flask.
Seemed to be just what I required for deadbaiting , all I need now is a pike ......

Yes.......I had that annoying "lack of pike" experience last pike trip......

You'd think they would make a bit more of an effort when you've gone to so much trouble, not to mention the expense........ .

I've only ever had the one pike on a pin and it wasn't exactly a monster!

Did it manage to pull that float under?!!!

My last pike was a whopper of 3lb but I was grateful that it had made the effort.....