Large Dia Centrepin

[Mark99]

Hi Chaps,

What is the max size for a quality centrepin?

I've heard of some up to 5.5".

I may have to try one - any recommendations? (trying to reduce reel back time).

[Cat]

Wasn't The Maxima quite big if (I remember correctly)? Not sure if it could be termed as quality though! Regards Cat

[Olly]

Sea reels for fishing off a cliff in Yorkshire - 12in+ --??

I have several - all with ball bearings - all with large finger-holes - all used exclusively for trotting: -
5in ""Ken Lee"" - Looks like plastic - but works well. No ratchet or clutch.
5in ""Harlow"" - Better made - but not great. With ratchet - - - No clutch.
5.5in ""WR Leeds"" - ali it looks like - 1 with handles + 1 no handles - - both with drag - no ratchet. Both of these are excellent - unless the fish are too big - over 6/7lb I would say - although I prefer to use an 4in Allcocks Popular if that is likely!

[JAA]

5in ""Harlow"" - Better made - but not great. With ratchet - - - No clutch.

Really very good for still water carping - wide drum, can put plenty of line on it (I put 50 yrs of 30lb braid and 50 yards of mono on mine). Very solidly made. A drop of clock oil in the back will free it up quite a bit, if it's got the original bearings and grease.

If you need one fixing probably Gary mills is your best bet.

Also, reel is wide enough to act as a rear rod-rest

5.5in ""WR Leeds"" - ali it looks like - 1 with handles + 1 no handles - - both with drag - no ratchet. Both of these are excellent - unless the fish are too big - over 6/7lb I would say - although I prefer to use an 4in Allcocks Popular if that is likely!

Really good but under-rated trotting reel. Saw four good ones at Romsey, usually under £50. Only a tackling up drag and no ratchet, but it's for trotting...

[Lea Dweller]

The problem with large reels for trotting is the weight! The advantages of quicker retrieve is cancelled out by your arm 'dropping off' after not too long There are some relatively lighter weight 4.5" reels around, but unless you are very strong, they are the the biggest practical size for trotting for lengthy spells!

[Mark99]

The problem with large reels for trotting is the weight! The advantages of quicker retrieve is cancelled out by your arm 'dropping off' after not too long There are some relatively lighter weight 4.5" reels around, but unless you are very strong, they are the the biggest practical size for trotting for lengthy spells!

Thanks useful info. I'm finding the Okuma Sheffield really good for retrieve. Drop the rod downwards to slacken the line, a flick of the handle sets up a long spin with enough "rotating mass" interia to not slow down too quickly.

[Catfish.017]

There is a 5 1/2" Trudex that isn't too weighty. Not many of them about though.

[Olly]

As to weights: -
4in Aerial Popular = 10oz
4.5in Aerial c815 = 12oz
5in Harlow - 11oz
5.5in WR Lees = 11oz.

[Phil Arnott]

A Scarborough reel at just under 8.5 in and a DAM Robo at just under 6in. The Scarborough is quite a practical reel for fishing the the rocks and kelp with very heavy tackle and tougher than the alternatives. I have seen someone fishing with a DAM Robo. If you brought the line off the top of the reel it should be OK but bringing it off the bottom I think you would be better using an extra ring which stood well off from the rod.

The time a reel spins is not the best way to judge a centrepin as a heavy spool will keep running longer because of the flywheel effect (angular momentum). A true measure is the force in the line required to start the reel spinning and keep it spinning. In this the Robo is superior to all other centrepins I've ever seen. This is because it has excellent bearings, an ultra-light (low inertia) spool and a large diameter which in effect give more leverage. The reel weighs 135g or 4.8oz. Whether or not you need these attributes is debatable.

[Phil Arnott]

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