I've fallen in love again ....................with my centre pin reel!

[Peter Bishop]

Back in 1962 the first reel I ever owned was a cheap Little Kracker centre pin reel and then I went on to own Trudex and Rapidex reels before the Mitchell 300 ( I still have it)took over as my first reel of choice.

With the pin I learned how to trot, how to do a Wallis cast, and could even reach the far bank of my local canal. I loved the sense of contact it gave you when a decent fish drew line off the drum under your thumb. And there was never any curly line either.

Now years on my Alcocks Match Ariel has seen better days but I've found a new love, an Okuma Aventa, and I just love trotting or fishing the margins with it and a responsive Avon rod.

Does anyone else feel like this about one piece of tackle or method of fishing?
What single item of tackle fills you with joy everytime you use it and make the experience doubly enjoyable.

Which Aventa?

[Alan Tyler]

35 years ago, chemically impaired in a North London park, I noticed a type of grass with stems like miniature bamboo, and harvested a handful for float-making (What do you need if you get an 'eadache while 'arvesting an 'andful of 'ay while you 'allucinate? - A few aspirates! (coat!)).

I've still got some of the fine-insert wagglers I made from it, fine for close-in fishng, and they take me back to happy daze... sorry, days.

[Neil Maidment]

I know what you mean Peter. I've got the Okuma Sheffield and I think it's a great piece of kit.

Forget the carp in this picture, but is the 'pin (just visible) a "Rapidex Match Special"? I loved this reel and had it from the early 1960's to the mid 80's when it was stolen!

Old Centrepin

[Peter Bishop]

Thanks for your replies chaps. Yet another response that makes me feel pretty invisible on here...

[Peter Bishop]

I know, I'll change my name to Wendy.....
Everytime she posts everyone falls over themselves to respond....

[Mark Wintle]

Anything you say, Wendy...

[Richard Wilson 3]

The old swingtip Silstar rod does it for me Peter. I had it out last Thursday and had Tench and 1 8lb mirror on it, 5lb line on a little £10 reel,Great sport.

[keith clark]

Hi Pete,know exactly what your on about,got myself an Okuma Sheffield.Used it for 1st time at weekend & loved every minute of it.
Keith

[Peter Bishop]

Hey up I'm suddenly visible again! Changing my name to Wendy obviously did the trick.
I know a guy who has a collection of floats he has had for years and was beside himself when he lost one in a tree.
Another uses a patched up old pole for sentimental reasons.
So what makes you all feel good when you fish, is it the tackle you use, or that favourite peg?
For years I had forgotten the Pin but since getting my Okuma all the joy has come back-you can feel every lunge. Complete connection with your quarry!