How to Fish a Centerpin Setup | Effective Stream Fishing Technique for Trout, Salmon, & Steelhead

When it comes to fishing in rivers and streams, it's hard to top the perfect drifts that centerpin gear offers anglers. Captain Joe Diorio breaks down the basic terminal riggings of a centerpin setup, how to cast, and why it's so effective on trout, salmon, steelhead, and any other fish that thrives in current.

A centerpin looks like a large-diameter fly reel, but it has no drag, which allows it to spin freely on its axis (its “center pin”) forward and backward. Centerpin reels do have a clicker, but it is used for transporting the reel, not for fishing.

A centerpin rod is long, often between 11 and 13 feet in length. This allows the angler to keep as much line on the water as possible, to reduce drag on the rig, and maintain a perfect drift. The rods are also very limber in order to protect the light leaders.

The advantage of centerpin fishing is that it creates the most natural presentation possible in moving water by allowing your bait a drag-free drift at the same speed as the river current.

Want to book a centerpin or striped bass trip with Captain Joe? Visit his website: https://joediorioguideservice.com

View Joe's detailed centerpin article here: https://www.onthewater.com/discover-c...

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