In my opinion, all these Fixed spool reel versus centrepin threads where some say the fixed spool reel is a lot better than a centrepin and then others saying the complete opposite are fairly pointless.
To me comparing a centrepin with a fixed spool reel is like comparing a horse with a racing car; they can both take me from A to B, but over rough ground the horse will fare a lot better and over smooth ground the racing car will fare better.
I use a Centrepin reel for long trotting on small flowing streams and rivers because I find the centrepin reel is the ideal tool for the job, not only because of the extra float and bait control that I sometimes get as my float is moving downstream, but also because of the feeling of exilleration that I get from striking and then playing a decent sized fish upstream on a centrepin reel while feeling every twist and turn more directly and not cushioned through a host of gears.
I also like using a centrepin when I’m fishing the lift method after Tench at fairly close ranges, mainly because of the ease of being able to make tiny adjustments to the tension between the rodtip and float as I set my float, and also because of the fun I get from playing the Tench on a pin.
I also very occasionally use a centrepin if I am fishing very close in for Carp, but in this situation it’s mainly just for the enjoyment that I get from playing a Carp at close range using a centrepin.
Yes I could use a fixed spool reel to do all of the above but to me it would be a little like using a hammer to fix a watch.
However; for waggler fishing I much prefer to use fixed spool reels simply because without much effort I can cast a lot further and with a lot more accuracy, and I can place a light waggler close up to far off lillies, or the far bank or other obstacles if I want to, at a much further distance than I can with a pin; and I can also sink my line to fight any surface drift a lot easier too.
Plus I can retrieve my float a little quicker and with a lot less effort.
When I’m bottom fishing I also prefer to use a fixed spool reel because of the advantages that using a fixed spool reel sometimes gives me; like being able to cast at longer ranges and sink my line with very little effort at any range, and wind down quickly when tightening up any slack. I also find it much easier to touch leger or use a Quivertip too; or use bobbins and feeders etc. with a fixed spool reel.
For lure fishing I also much prefer to use fixed spool reels.
So I wouldn’t like to be limited to either using centrepin reels or fixed spool reels exclusively because It would be a little like tying one hand behind my back.
Keith