Centrepins suitable for a leftie?

[DorsetTangler]

Is such a beast available, with a ratchet that still works when in left handed mode?

Left handed mode being in my case, the rod is held in your left hand, the pin then has the handles on the rhs for use with the right hand.

If the line guard still fits and works even better.

Thanks.

 

[arthur2sheds]

Most pins have ratchets that work either way and some pins have swappable guards for left or right-handed anglers.... others have none at all... I run the line off the top of the reel for trotting or specimen fishing, it's just a preference... others may have a desire to run it off the bottom of the reel

What is your budget....? & what is the reel for....? trotting..? or bigger fish? for trotting I'd advise a Greys Benwick they can be had for about £100 if you want budget, then have a look at the Matt Hayes Classic for about £50-60.... failing that search ebay, but caveat emptor (buyer beware, you get what you pay for....)

you could look at vintage gear, I have a great wide drum speedia which is superb for trotting or specimen fish, or you could look at a Lewtham Leeds or a Rapidex... all superb trotting reels although the Speedia can be pressed into service for small carp and the occasional barbel...

 

[sam vimes]

Any Okuma, bar the Trent, has no problem in operating left handed. However, bar the Kennet, they don't have a line guard. The only thing you may notice is that the ratchet sounds ever so slightly different each way. The tension might be fractionally different, but it's minimal if it is.

The other two types I own (Fox Bob James and Hardy Conquest) have front edge lever operated ratchets. Both are perfectly ambidexterous other than that feature. However, despite the lever being on the rear edge for a lefty, I can't see that being much of an issue. The Fox has a ratchet that sounds and feels no different either way. The Hardy has two seperate ratchet mechanisms depending on whether you use it left of right handed. The Fox has no line guard. The Hardy has a line guard that can be fitted in two positions.

From previous experience, I'm pretty sure that a Greys Bewick would be no problem for a lefty, though it has no line guard.

I doubt that the JW Youngs reels would be any real concern for a lefty, but I'd confirm that with a user before buying.

 

[trotter2]

Its all down to budget, my advice would be buy a new reel and I would go with the Okuma for a first pin. Sheffield and the Aventa Pro

Keep away from second hand reels for now .

 

[steve2]

I use Trudex, Rapidex and Youngs Purist centrepins all suitable for left and right hand.

 

[DorsetTangler]

Thanks all. The Hardy conquest and Okuma Kennet sound good.

forgot to say, budget yes up to around £100. Would hopefully be used for trotting and maybe margin carp fishing type stuff, lake crucians, anywhere where distance casting not an issue.
Although presumably with a 'pin you don't get spare spools so need to decide what line you want to use on it and stick with it?

 

[arthur2sheds]

I'm afraid the downside to Center Pins is the lack of spare spools... It's mot easy to use one for roach trotting one week and margin carping the next... maybe you could split the budget and buy 2 of these

Waterline Ikonix Centre Pin Reel that way you could have one for trotting and one for Margin carp work....

or two of these
Advanta Ikon Centerpin Reel

or two of these...?
Tackle2u.com | Match Poles and Carp Fishing Tackle Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield, Shimano, Prologic, jrc, Preston Innovations, Daiwa and Korum | Ikonix Pro Centrepin Reel with Line Guard and Wooden Box | Centre Pin Reels | Reels | Tackle2U.com Kirkga

 

[sam vimes]

Thanks all. The Hardy conquest and Okuma Kennet sound good. forgot to say, budget yes up to around £100.

Despite the slating it has had, you'll struggle to get even a second hand (modern) Conquest for £100 or less. You may also struggle with the Kennet. It's not available new and the second hand prices are strong (but variable) because of that.

Would hopefully be used for trotting and maybe margin carp fishing type stuff, lake crucians, anywhere where distance casting not an issue. Although presumably with a 'pin you don't get spare spools so need to decide what line you want to use on it and stick with it?

Generally speaking, yes. However, you can get spare spools for a limited number of centrepins. I've seen spare spools on sale for both Okuma Aventa and Okuma Aventa Pro.

 

[trotter2]

My advice is use your centrepin for its primary purpose what ever that is?.
If you take to a centrepin I guarantee it wont be your only purchase LOL.
Don't worry about spare spool at the moment go and do some pin fishing.


See if you like it mate

 

[robtherake]

For a ton you can have a pair of these: TF Gear Classic Centre Pin Reel in Carp & Specialist Reels | Fishtec

I've had one for a couple of years and use it for both trotting and kerb crawling with lines up to 15lb. It has strength, delicacy and surprisingly good looks, considering the beer money price. Arguably the best of the budget pins and £100 gets you one for each job, although the line guard'll set you back an extra 15 notes.

As an alternative (and without digging it out, so forgive me if I'm wrong) the Grice and Youngs reels, although heavy, have screw holes at either end so the line guard can be changed from right to left operation. My reel's a 4" Gypsy D'Or and I'm pretty sure it has that facility. If memory serves, the Avon Royal Supreme that I used to own also did, so maybe they all do. Check out this Golden Eagle - the alternative line guard position is obvious on the 2nd and 3rd pics. Edit: From experience, large paint chips on the edge of the spool can make playing fish an uncomfortable experience so pay attention to that if you happen to check one over. Presumably someone clever offers a refinishing service, but that someone sure ain't me.

http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/GRICE-amp-YOUNG-S-4-inch-GOLDEN-EAGLE-CENTRE-PIN-REEL-/111401667675

The Leeds reels are a good, solid pin - used to own one, sold it, then found a 6" version in mint nick for £20 so now I own another, although I like the TFG Classic so much that this one hasn't seen the water yet. there's a minter on Ebay for £55 buy it now....still boxed and looks unused...on your marks...get set...

Lewtham Leeds 4" Classic Trotting Reel Vintage | eBay

 

[Keith M]

you can get spare spools for a limited number of centrepins. I've seen spare spools on sale for both Okuma Aventa and Okuma Aventa Pro.

I have spare spools for my OKUMA Sheffield too, however the OKUMA Aventa Pro is more in the price range you were looking for and is also a really excellent trotting reel.

You mentioned in one of your posts that you might be getting an OKUMA Kennet; I don't know whether the OKUMA Kennet's line guard can be removed or moved (for left hand use) so if you are thinking of buying the Kennet I suggest you check this first.

For your budget I would choose the OKUMA Aventa Pro (which doesn't have a line guard) but whatever you finally choose I hope you choose well.

Keith

 

[trotter2]

Everyone has there favourites and that's fine lads
But the guy is going to end up totally confused by the time we have reached this point in time.

But lets be honest everyone who has had more than a few pins will tell you the same thing the Okuma Aventa pro is an outstanding robust reel in that price range. And really you cannot go wrong with the Aventa Pro

What's making this more difficult is there is unfortunately nothing comparable to the Pro in this price range with a "line guard", new that is. You may disagree but I honestly think that.

For a Second hand reel IMO which fits the description without any doubt would be the Youngs Rapidex.
Its the only reel I have had with a line guard ,caged construction that I could get on with, they are really superb.


Trotter2

 

[tigger]

Same as Keith and Trotter say, I think the pro is a great reel. I have one myself and use it on many occassions. Actually I got two in a sale at go outdoors two or three years back. You might be wonderring why I got two...well, at 50 notes each it was a no brainer .

 

[trotter2]

I actually have a confession to make I don't have an Okuma Aventa Tigger.

But I have had three over the years bought and sold, only reason is all my reels are now true pins not bearing reels as you know
There is nothing wrong with them its just my preference. I recommend them very highly.

Okuma Make very good centrepins but I don't like that Okuma trent job

 

[tigger]

I actually have a confession to make I don't have an Okuma Aventa Tigger.

But I have had three over the years bought and sold, only reason is all my reels are now true pins not bearing reels as you know
There is nothing wrong with them its just my preference. I recommend them very highly.

Okuma Make very good centrepins but I don't like that Okuma trent job

Like yourself I prefer a bush and pin to a bearing reel but I use both as much as one another. I honestly can't say which is my favourite "reel" though as it constantly changes back and forth .
Some days when i'm in "good form" I can cast well and everything goes smoothly, I just can't get in a tangle etc...the reel used on those days goes straight to the top of my favourites list..."crackin' reel that".
Other days, "off days", I get over runs on casts, line round the reel foot and handles, when i'm putting bait on the hook my line gets wrapped round the bloody rod tip and so the reel I use on those "bad form" days will go down my list of favourites "sh!te that reel", rods sh!te n'all :wlol.

 

[DorsetTangler]

Plenty of advice given thanks all. I think some people are forgetting the left handed requirement? Or maybe they're not?

Does the TFG classic one for £50 allow for left hand use whilst the ratchet still works? Similar for the Aventa?
So far I'm still not sure.

I think my best bet is to go to a tackle shop and actually look at a few and find out what will work.

Having said that if I knew for sure the TFG classic would work left handed with a line guard and the ratchet still worked I'd probably order one. Its not over the top pricewise so if I end up finding out I cant get on with pins not that much money "wasted"

thanks again

 

[greenie62]

Plenty of advice given thanks all. I think some people are forgetting the left handed requirement? Or maybe they're not?...

You've just learned a very useful lesson - start the 'pinners' off and they'll just keep 'pinning' - irrespective of the questions asked!

Some good reels recommended and features listed - this should help you get some idea of what to look for - at the end of the day it's a touch of what 'floats ya boat'!

One of the features dismissed as 'shouldn't be a problem' is the front lever switch being rearward facing for a lefty - this is a right pain as it can catch line loops when casting - tends not to when forward-facing for a righty!

Try 'em out and let us know what you think!

Cheers :thumbs:

 

[sam vimes]

My initial post had nothing whatsoever to do with making a recommendation, just about whether certain pins were useable left handed and whether they had a line guard. Here's another way of saying the same thing. The only pin I've ever heard of that is totally unusable for a left hooker is the Okuma Trent.

 

[robtherake]

Plenty of advice given thanks all. I think some people are forgetting the left handed requirement? Or maybe they're not?

Does the TFG classic one for £50 allow for left hand use whilst the ratchet still works?


Having said that if I knew for sure the TFG classic would work left handed with a line guard and the ratchet still worked I'd probably order one. Its not over the top pricewise so if I end up finding out I cant get on with pins not that much money "wasted"

thanks again

Just dug out my TFG classic. There are threaded holes for swapping the line guard from left to right-handed use. The ratchet sounds very similar in both directions (not all do) so it's reasonable to suppose that it's designed to be ambidextrous. Bear in mind that if you want a line guard (I haven't bothered) it's an extra fifteen quid.

 

[trotter2]

Go out and have a look at some my friend , I wish you well with the reel you pick to start your journey with

Welcome to the club
Trotter2