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[Tailwalker]

A couple off months ago , I bought a used JW Youngs Purist reel (with spare spool) , for a song . I`ve never used a cp before , so I`m going to have to start my learning curve at ground zero . I`m looking for recommendations for a rod that will match up with this reel . I don`t want to spend a ton of money , say $200.00 max . I`d like to get the rod fairly soon , as I have a trip to the Vedder planned for the end of March , and I`d like to get some casting practice on the S. Thompson , if it ever warms up around here . The choices I have for cp rods in Kamloops are the Berkley 10.5 ft Specialist ... and thats it .

Also , any other tips you can provide for getting started will be greatly appreciated , as I don`t know anybody in Kamloops who fishes with a centre-pin , I`m pretty much fluing solo on this . But really looking forward to it .

Cheers  Brian

[Fish Assassin]

This might help:

http://forum.fishbc.com/index.php?showtopic=4556&hl=centerpins

[DragonSpeed]

Is there a difference between a CP rod, and a Level Wind rod?

[Terry Bodman]

In my opinion, those who use center pins are simply martyrs...they would really prefer using a level wind but won't admit it. 

[Steelhead King]

i like to use a limber rod for CP... with your budget of $200 you might want to check ebay or something... i have run across some nice rod such as loomis or sage around that price range.

Dragon Speed:  Basically the blank and components will be the same for both CP and levelwind.. the major different are the grip configuration, reel seat (no trigger for CP) and the reel seat position.

[blueback]

Actually, I believe the positon and number of line guides is also varied depending upon whether the rod is to be used for cp-ing or level winding. The source of this info was the guy who tied up my custom Sage centre pin rod; Brian @ Babcock's.
Cheers

[Randog]

Tailwalker,  I don't claim to be a centerpin guru, but I do enjoy the challenge of playing a Steelhead without the use of a drag system. It somehow seems to enhance the fight, knowing that it's just you and the fish.

    Now when it comes to centerpin rods, it all depends on what you'll be using it for. If you plan on mainly using it on the Vedder/Chilliwack system I would suggest a Shimano convergence I think they cost somewhere around the $99.00 mark. Good rod for the buck, and your not into the rod for buckets of cash. If you plan on using it on the Vedder occasionally and then some smaller streams for steelhead and Coho I would lean toward the Trophy XL and once again they run around the $100.00 range. I use the Trophy XL and love it. The rod has a quick tip, for those casts when you have your back up against the bushes.

   Sages are very nice and so is the price, and I'm sure the fish don't care one way or the other about what kind of rod they were caught with. If I can offer my advise, start with one of the above mentioned rods and try it for a season to see if you like this style of casting. One more thing, expect LOTS of winding, but it's worth it. I'm certain that after catching and playing a fish with a Centerpin, you won't go back.

                                                      Cheers,
                                                                  Randog

[Uncivil]

Good Thread.  I just won an Islander Steelheader Centerpin Reel .  I need to thinkabout matching it up with a good rod.  What kind of action should I be looking for.  Randog suggests the Shimano Convergance is a good rod but my experience with my Convergance 8-17 lb line is that the butt section "shakes" a bit too much.  It is always a bit uncomfortable when I am casting.  I was told that a softer action rod is better for a center pin.  Any comment Randog?

[Fish Assassin]

I would match a Sage 2106 or 3106 with that Islander reel. Perfect for steelheading.

[Rodney]

Congrat on the Islander reel win from Anglers West. Last year Scott pleasantly surprised me with a pair of Pantagonia wading boots that I won before when I returned from Denmark.

I have my Islander pin matched with a Stryker 3106. Can't give you more feedbacks than that though, until i catch enough fish on that setup...

[rjs]

what about loomis at about $280. http://www.berrysbait.com/1/01/1003.htm
alittle over yer mark but a nice rod.
tfo has a centre pin rod too at about $180

[Centerpin]

Hey Tailwalker

 I have been fishing my centerpin for about 12 years now and I must say I find it hard going back to the levelwind. Yes there are some disadvantages like the 1 to 1 retrieve rate and you do require a bit more casting room. And the effort to cast will differ depending on wether you have a bearing reel or a bushing reel. But once you fight your first fish on your centerpin it will be hard to go back to anything else.

The rod I am currently using is a Berkley Techniques  and I have had it for several years and have landed many fish with it including a 40 pound plus chrome spring on the vedder this year THANK GOD IT RAN UP RIVER .

What you want to look for in a rod is: 1. Location of the reel seat as you want it close to the bottom of the rod My rod has 7" of       
                                                         bottom  grip and 14 " of top grip
                                                     2.  You don't want a rod that has a pistol grip
                                                     3.   A rod that is limber enough to load quickly to generate the speed to cast.

Just some quick tips but remember to practice lots the early learning curve can be very discuraging. When I first started fishing mine I always brought both my levelwind and my centrepin and found that I was switching back to the comfort of the levelwind. So I decided that I was going to make the effort and started to just bring the centerpin and once I did that I learned very quickly. There are lots of guy fishing centerpins and most are willing to give you some pointers if you ask.

Good luck  Centerpin
                                                         

[Oliver]

There used to be some info here 

[Randog]

Uncivil, give me a call and I'll lend you a few rods to try out, before you decide to purchase one. After winning that reel, I bet you don't mind laying out some serious cash for a good rod, should take the "sting" out of it. Congrats. on the new reel Dave, I'm jealous . Call me and we'll head back to that spot you got that buck last year, I think his sister is waiting there for you.

[chris gadsden]

In my opinion, those who use center pins are simply martyrs...they would really prefer using a level wind but won't admit it. 

One day you will graduate, even at your age. I have a Avon direct fom England you could try out and land your first steelhead on. Also they look good combined with Drennan's. If you take up the offer let me know when you go out and I can be below you and pick up the Drennan's that most likely will be floating by as you learn the real art of casting.