FAQ - Adcock Stanton Centerpin Reels

Centrepin reels excel in situations where a natural, drag-free drift is essential, such as float fishing. Because the spool rotates freely around the pin, there’s minimal resistance on the line as it’s taken by the current. This can help make your bait or lure appear more natural in the water, increasing your chances of a catch.

One of the most praised advantages of centrepin reels is the level of control they offer. Once mastered, these reels give an angler a direct connection to the line, which can provide a greater sense of what’s happening under the water. This allows for more nuanced control of the bait or lure in the water.

Centrepin reels are known for their simple and effective design, usually having fewer moving parts than other types of fishing reels. This simplicity leads to less that can go wrong or break, making them quite durable and long-lasting with proper care.

While it may take some practice to master, the free spooling nature of centrepin reels can enable skilled anglers to cast farther distances compared to other reel types. The line comes directly off the spool, reducing friction and allowing for longer, smoother casts.

A centrepin reel is a type of fishing reel that has a large, vertically oriented spool which turns on a central axis (hence the name “centrepin”). These reels are typically used for coarse fishing in the UK, but they can be used in other types of angling as well.

The main characteristics of a centrepin reel are:

Free-spinning: The spool on a centrepin reel spins freely around its central pin, which allows for very long and accurate casting distances.
Direct drive: Unlike modern spinning and baitcasting reels, which use a system of gears to multiply the number of spool rotations per turn of the handle, centrepin reels are direct drive. This means that one turn of the handle equals one turn of the spool.
Drag: Centrepin reels typically don’t have a mechanical drag system, and the angler applies drag manually by putting pressure on the rim of the spool with their fingers.
Simplicity: Centrepin reels are typically simpler than modern spinning and baitcasting reels, with fewer moving parts. This makes them more durable and easier to maintain.

Centrepin reels are particularly popular for float fishing because they allow for very precise control over the placement and drift of the float.

What is the best line to put on a centrepin?

The type of fishing line you use with your centerpin reel depends on several factors, including the type of fish you're targeting, the fishing conditions, and personal preference. Here are a few recommendations:

Monofilament Line: Monofilament is a common choice for centerpin fishing because it's buoyant and visible on the water. It also tends to handle the twisting that can happen with centerpin fishing better than other types. It comes in a variety of colors, which can be helpful depending on light conditions and water clarity.
Fluorocarbon Line: Fluorocarbon can be used as a leader material with a monofilament mainline. It's nearly invisible underwater, so it can be an excellent choice when fishing in clear water or when the fish are particularly line-shy. However, fluorocarbon sinks faster than monofilament, so it might not be the best choice as a mainline if you want your line to float.
Braided Line: Braided line is another option for a mainline, particularly for larger fish or when fishing in heavy current, as it has a higher tensile strength and smaller diameter than monofilament or fluorocarbon of the same test weight. However, it doesn't handle twisting as well as monofilament and it doesn't float, so it's usually best used with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader for centerpin fishing.

The weight of the line should match the species you're targeting and the type of fishing you're doing. For example, you might use 8-12 pound test line for steelhead and 15-20 pound test line for salmon.

What kind of rod should I use for centerpin fishing?

Centerpin fishing rods are typically longer than most other rods, often between 11 to 15 feet. This length helps in casting and controlling the drift.

How do I maintain my centrepin reel?

Maintenance for centerpin reels typically includes regular cleaning, ensuring the reel is free from dirt and grit, lubricating moving parts, and storing in a dry, cool place.

What types of fish can I catch with a centrepin reel?

Centrepin reels are most commonly used for freshwater species that require a natural, free-drifting presentation of the bait, typically in river or stream environments. Here are a few types of fish that are often targeted using centerpin reels:

Steelhead Trout: Steelhead are often the primary target for many centerpin anglers due to their strength, size, and tendency to bite on a naturally drifting bait.
Salmon: Various species of salmon are also popular targets for centrepin fishing, particularly in regions where they migrate up rivers and streams.
Brown Trout: Like steelhead and salmon, brown trout are often found in river systems and can be targeted effectively using centrepin techniques.
Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout are also commonly caught using centerpin reels, particularly in river environments.
Carp: In some regions, anglers use centrepin reels to target carp, particularly when fishing in flowing waters.
Grayling: These fish are often found in clear, fast-flowing rivers and are well-suited to the precision and finesse of centerpin fishing.

While centrepin fishing is typically associated with freshwater species, it's important to note that the method can theoretically be used to target a wide variety of fish species, both freshwater and saltwater, as long as the necessary line strength and reel capacity are met. However, it's less commonly used in saltwater fishing due to the lack of a drag system and potential for saltwater damage to the reel.

Can I use a centrepin reel in saltwater?

While it's technically possible, centerpin reels are usually not recommended for saltwater fishing. They lack the necessary drag system to handle large saltwater species, and the saltwater environment can damage the reel.

Why is my centerpin reel not spinning smoothly?

The most common cause is dirt or grit within the reel, or it may need lubrication. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues.

Is centerpin fishing suitable for beginners?

Centerpin fishing can have a steeper learning curve compared to other methods due to the manual control over the reel. However, with practice and patience, beginners can master it and enjoy the unique advantages it offers.

What are the conditions of a lifetime warranty?

From 2023 Adcock Stanton® offers lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship that has no time limit to make a claim. However, here's what Adcock Stanton® warranty generally covers:

Defects in Materials: If the centrepin reel fails because it was made with poor quality or defective materials, Adcock Stanton® will repair or replace it.
Defects in Workmanship: If the centrepin reel fails because it was poorly made or assembled, Adcock Stanton® will repair or replace it.
No Time Limit: There is no specific time limit to make a claim. However, the claim must be made while the product is still being manufactured or supported by Adcock Stanton®.

And here's what Adcock Stanton® lifetime warranty does not cover:

Normal Wear and Tear: The warranty does not cover damage due to normal wear and tear.
Accidental Damage: If the reel is damaged due to an accident, misuse, or neglect, the warranty will not cover it.
Improper Use: If the reel is used in a way that it was not intended to be used, the warranty will not cover it.
Transferability: The warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable.
Shipping Costs: The warranty does not cover the cost of shipping the reel to the company for repair or replacement.

What does free worldwide shipping mean?

"Free worldwide shipping" means that Adcock Stanton® will send the product to the buyer without any additional shipping or postage fees, regardless of where in the world the buyer is located.

Here are some key points to understand about free worldwide shipping:

No Shipping Costs: The buyer does not have to pay any extra charges for the delivery of the product. The cost of the product as listed is the final price the buyer pays.
Global Availability: Adcock Stanton® is willing to ship the product to any location around the world. However, there may still be some exceptions due to logistical issues or restrictions on shipping certain goods to certain countries.
Customs and Duties: While the shipping is free, the buyer may still be responsible for any customs duties or taxes imposed by their country when importing goods. These charges are not within the control of Adcock Stanton®.
Delivery Times: Delivery times can vary greatly depending on the destination.
Tracking: Depending on the shipping method used by Adcock Stanton®, the buyer may or may not receive a tracking number to monitor the shipment's progress.

What are your Refund and Exchange policies?

Should you find yourself dissatisfied with any product purchased from Adcock Stanton® website for any reason, and provided the item is in an undamaged state, you are welcome to return it within 30 days for a full refund. Please ensure that the item is returned in its original box, inclusive of all original packaging, accessories, and instructions. A restocking fee may be applied for products returned in a condition that is not fit for resale.

Unless the return is due to an error on the part of Adcock Stanton® or in the event of the item being delivered damaged or defective, original shipping charges will not be refunded and all costs associated with return shipping will be your responsibility. Adcock Stanton® will not be held accountable for returns that are lost during transit or sent to an incorrect address; it is recommended that you keep a record of your return tracking information.

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Most frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of centrepin reel?

Natural Drifts

Superior Control and Feel

Durability

Greater Casting Distance

What is a Centrepin Reel?