New to Pinning!

[nickgreen3601]

I recently oredered a Raven Matrix Special Edition and siglon f 12 pd line. This is my first year steelheading, started in the fall using spinning and fly gear, and now have a sparked intrest in Center Pinning. I fish 2-3 times a week on the Lower Manistee in Michigan. I have landed a fair share of steelhead and have landed a 35 inch 15 pound buck. I will be using a Shimano Convergence 12' 6" rod, because that is what I have and can't afford another rod at this time. Any advice on learning to cast, if my line choice was wrong, and just any other helpful tricks/hints will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[Centerpinangler]

There are lots of good instructional videos on YouTube on how to cast a centerpin. A lot of people use the wallis cast and side cast. Most people say that side casting will twist up your line, but i have never had any issues. Good choice on the line although 12 lb. May be a bit overkill. I run 10 lb. Mainline. Tight lines and welcome to the center pinning brotherhood.

[staffman]

As mentioned there are many casting videos, but in my area most use the side cast because it is the easiest to master. Placing a swivel above your float will reduce line twist, or you can use a slip float. I will take the time to learn the Wallis cast some day,because it looks cool and avoids line twist . Best of luck.

[Hardkoresteeliedude]

As mentioned by the other gentlemen on learning the casts is the key. The convergence rod is a great rod for learning this fishing style and allows for an easy break down versus the 14 ft Raven I use. I will say that I did use the Siglon before but the line freezes extremely bad (just my experience) and I've tested numerous other lines (Cortland endurance, Raven and Sufix). I must say I do enjoy the feel of the Sufix and casts extremely well off my Raven Matrix XL reel. One tip I can mention is that the reel makes all the difference in the world! Welcome to the pinning world!

[nickgreen3601]

What exactly will adding a swivel above the float do? It seems that would just create another knot to possibly break. I will not be running a shot line, just from what I've read it sounds like a hassle and you can catch just as many fish without it. Another question I had was about casting lengths. Most of my fishing is out of a boat and we are parked parrelel to runs or holes. Will i be able to make 30ft cast to get to these runs, my buddy (whose boat it is) spin fishes and he won't be parking at the top of runs until I can convince him to buy a centerpin and see how much fun it is. I hope my reel will be here by the end of the week and can get out 3 or 4 times next week. Thanks again everyone for the comments, I'm open to any suggestions or tips. Thanks

[staffman]

Floats are a major contributor to line twist IMO when using a pin because you cannot retrieve it as fast as you could with a spinning reel. The swivel above the float does away with line twist caused by the float. The alternative that I use is to run a slip float pegged in place with float stops. This method fails in extremely cold conditions.

[nickgreen3601]

Recieved my reel this afternoon and spooled up about 50 yards of Maxima 8pd on it just to play around with. I went out behind the garage and started trying to learn to cast. I decided to go straight to learning the wallis cast. Although difficult, after about a half hour i was getting it out there about 30 ft. My biggest issue was remebering to keep a finger on the spool. I am hoping my backing and line will be here by the end of the week and I can get out next week. As soon as we get a little bit of rain, or a really really warm day, the fishing is going to be excellent.

[flyphisherman]

That 12lb siglon is like everybody else's 10lb. I was losing too many floats when I was running 12lb siglon......so I stepped it up to 15lb or .013 dia. This change made all the difference for me. I've found no disadvantage to a heavy mainline. It's much easier to get knots/tangles out of heavier line too.
Good luck

[Nfld Drifter]

try using Suffix Pro mix , u will still get some line twist but it is a great line , I normally run 8 or 10lb depending on which set-up im using

[itizizzy]

I to, am new to pinning. I got my new rod and reel for my birthday. Off to the pond I go of a little practice. Can't be that hard. I must have watched 100 hours instructional video. Well I need to ask. Am I the only person that feels like they are all thumbs.....I am going to get this.....soon I hope.

[Bow Buster]

If you plan on using the Wallis Cast as your main cast you shouldn't need more than 150 yards of line since you won't be casting off the side. You could just spool up with your chosen main line and start fishing. No need for backing if you are using this cast.

Randy