12 best center pin reels

A center pin reel, often referred to as a centerpin reel, is a type of fishing reel primarily used in fly fishing, centerpin fishing, or float fishing. It is especially popular among anglers who pursue freshwater species like salmon and steelhead.

The center pin reel is distinctive for its design, featuring a cylindrical spool that rotates freely on its axis. It has no drag system, relying on the angler's hand control to manage the line.The spool spins effortlessly, providing a natural presentation of bait or fly in the water. Anglers often use center pin reels in conjunction with long, flexible fishing rods, typically longer than 11 feet, to achieve extended drifts and accurate casting.

Center pin reels are known for their smooth drag-free performance, allowing for precise line management and controlled presentations. Anglers often employ this setup for drift fishing in rivers, allowing the bait or fly to drift naturally with the current, mimicking the movement of aquatic insects or other prey.

Overall, center pin reels are a specialized tool highly valued by anglers, particularly those engaged in fly fishing, float fishing, and pursuing salmon or steelhead in freshwater environments.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best center pin reels on the market
  

Saion Float Reel Centre PIN Reel Steelhead Fishing COARSE Trotting CENTERPIN 4 3/4" 120mm.

YC

Based on 31 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Float reel CNC aluminum. Diameter: 4 3/4". Centrepin reel.

  • Centrepin Float Reel

Saion 4.25 inches Float Reel Centre Pin Reel Steelhead Fishing Coarse Trotting Centerpin 108mm

YC

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Float reel CNC aluminum. Diameter: 4 1/4 inches/108mm. Centrepin reel.

  • Centrepin Float Reel
  • Floating Fishing
  • Dimaeter: 4 1/4" or 108mm.
  • Steelhead Fishing
  • Trotting Fishing

User questions & answers

Question: How much 10lb mono will this hold
Answer: The thread size on the arbor is 5/8" x 11 threads per inch. However, the wheel size you will use is a 7/8" diameter. These are both standard sizes in the industry.
Question: what size Abec or Boca replacement bearings will fit this reel
Answer: mine is trigger lock delete-your right. don't trust the photo! eric

4 1/2 INCHES CENTREPIN Float Reel Center PIN Trotting Fishing Reel 113.5mm CNC MACHINED Aluminum Salmon Steelhead Fishing

CHANNELMAY

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price
  • CENTREPIN FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING REEL
  • Reel Diamter: 113.6mm / 4 1/2 inches. Double Wooden Handle.
  • Stainless steel shaft.
  • Anodized finish. Micro Click Rack.
  • FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING FISHING REEL Double Wooden Handle.

Z Aventik 2nd Generation High Reel Feet Center-Pin Floating Reel CNC machined Easy Line Through

AVENTIK EUPHENG

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price
  • 2nd GENERATION: High position reel feet design allows free movement of line through the reel, a Great Choice for the salmon and steel head center-pin anglers.
  • EFFORTLESS SPIN, EASY HAND EXCHANGE: Two Made in Japan positioning ball bearings, and perfect balanced spool with computer optimized design, achieve effortless spin without any interruption.
  • HIGHEST INDUSTRY STANSADARDS: Cold forged and tempered of Aerospace-grade T6061 aluminum for superior strength and rigidity. CNC machined. Special type II hard anodized for surface protection and corrosion resistance.
  • SIZE & COLOR: Outside Diameter, 4.25 inch, 108mm; Inside Diameter, 3.98 inch, 101mm; Spool width, 0.98 inch, 25mm; Weight, 8.64 ounce, 245g. Line capacity is about 200 yards 8 lb line with 50 yards 20 lb backing. Color options: Black and Coffee

User questions & answers

Question: If I were to upgrade the bearings what size would I need
Answer: My partner liked them. This grindstone can sharpen various flat blades and make them sharp again. 4 kinds of abrasive particles are accurate,choose the appropriate grindstone according to your blade. Whether expensive or cheap stainless steel kitchen knives, including scissors, blades, pocket knives, hunting knives, chisels, axes, razors, swords and even machetes
Question: Is this reel can be use left or right handed
Answer: Yes it is. But I have been sharpening only profesional kitchen knifes and it is good. You have to leave it in the cold water for at least 10 min. And do not try to clean the stone during the sharpening just add some drops of water
Question: what size are the bearing in this reel
Answer: There is no vari-speed.

CNC MACHINED Aluminum Center PIN CENTERPIN Float Fishing Reel 108MM 4 1/4 INCH Steelhead Salmon Trotting Fishing

CHANNELMAY

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Reel Diamter: 108mm / 4 1/4 inch. Double Wooden Handle. Stainless steel shaft. Anodized finish.

  • CENTREPIN FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING REEL COARSE FISHING
  • Reel Diamter: 108mm / 4.25 inches. Double Wooden Handle.
  • Stainless steel shaft.
  • Anodized finish. Micro Click Rack.

User questions & answers

Question: What size bearings
Answer: No, I use water.
Question: What is the difference in the $39.99 and the $49.99 centerpin reels you list
Answer: Yes sir. Just be careful of the angle of the blade. I am a butcher.and I try to keep a angle of 20 degrees Can this blade be used to sharpen straight razors?hen sharpening my knives.
Question: Line capacity
Answer: Nope.

CENTREPIN Float Reel Center PIN Trotting Reel 120mm 4 3/4 INCHES CNC MACHINED Aluminum Salmon Steelhead Fishing

CHANNELMAY

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Reel diameter: 120mm; 4 3/4 inches. Double wooden handle. Stainless steel ball bearings. Stainless steel shaft . Anodized finish. CNC machine cut aluminum. Micro Click Rack.

  • CENTREPIN FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING REEL
  • Reel diameter: 120mm; 4 3/4 inches. Double wooden handle. Stainless steel shaft
  • Anodized finish NC machine cut aluminum. Micro Click Rack.

User questions & answers

Question: I would like to know, do you sale ceramic upgrade bearings for this centerpin, what size
Answer: My first thought is to look at the many videos on YouTube. This will be the best instructions you can get. I would suggest you first learn how to flatten your new stones. I was surprised when I checked mine and they were not completely flat. Depending on what your sharpening, it will be helpful. Just type in How to flatten waterstones. There are plenty to help. From there you will find more good instructions on the proper use. I hope this helps.
Question: I need to buy some spare screws that hold the wooden handles/knobs to the outer reel frame. any advice on who i can contact to purchase ? jl
Answer: The stones are 7 inches by 2.5 inches.

Saion 4.5 inches Centerpin Centrepin Float Reel Steelhead Coarse Trotting Fishing 114mm CNC Machine Cut Aluminum

YC

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Float reel CNC aluminum. Diameter: 4 1/2 inches/114mm. Centrepin reel. Stainless steel ball bearings. Double wooden handles. Traditional Design Steelhead Coarse Trotting Floating Fishing.

  • 4 1/2" 114mm CENTRE PIN REEL FLOAT REEL
  • Stainless steel ball bearings. Double wooden handles.
  • Traditional Design Steelhead Coarse Trotting Floating Fishing.
  • On/Off Ratchet with Clicker.
  • One piece machine cut aluminum frame and one piece machine cut aluminum spool.

User questions & answers

Question: How much line will it hold
Answer: Dear Customer, Thank you for your question. When you receive the stone, it is the best to sock in water about 5-10 minutes. The purpose of this action is to extend the service life. If you have any issue, please feel free to contact us. Thank you very much! Have a nice day! Caroline
Question: What hand retrieve
Answer: Yes, surely.
Question: Do the centerpin come in left or right handed
Answer: Yes, these stones need to be soaked before use.

OKUMA AVENTA CENTERPIN Float Fishing REELS

OKUMA

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

OKUMA AVENTA CENTERPIN FLOAT FISHING REELS



Float fishing is a unique and specific technique. The center pin crowd is dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about their sport. They are also extremely discerning about their tackle. The introduction of the Aventa Center Pin sets a new standard for what can be expected in a fully machined float reel. The Aventa series is made from solid aluminum bar stock for precision spool alignment and maximum freespool. The VT1002, with two stainless steel ball bearings, is the reel of choice for many "pinners" worldwide.



Reel Features:

  • Precision machined stainless steel spool shafts
  • 1-piece Machined Rigid Frame construction
  • On/Of click ratchet for added spool tension
  • Machined aluminum anodized spools
  • Ported spool with exposed rim for easy control
  • 2 stainless steel German ball bearings
    • Item Package Dimensions: 15.748 L X 13.97 W X 8.382 H (Cm)
    • Product Type: Fishing Reel
    • Item Package Weight: 0.8 Pounds
    • Country Of Origin: China

User questions & answers

Question: Does the reel come with a case
Answer: A neoprene like material case that covers the reel
Question: Does this reel have a stop for when re rigging
Answer: float reels do not feature a drag system.
Question: Does this reel have a stop for when re rigging
Answer: the reel features a clicker for re rigging.
Question: Does that mean that you reel with your right hand or left
Answer: Before you put line on the reel,turn the reel so that the reel knob is on the same side as the hand that you use to reel with.If you crank with your left hand turn the reel so the knob is on the left side.If you crank with your right hand,turn the reel around so the knob is on the right side.

4.5 inches Centrepin Float Reel Center Pin Trotting Fishing Reel 113.5mm CNC Machined Aluminum Salmon Steelhead Fishing Black Color

Channelmay

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Reel Diamter: 113.5mm / 4 1/2 inches. Double Wooden Handle. Stainless steel shaft. Anodized finish.

  • CENTREPIN FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING REEL
  • Reel Diamter: 113.6mm / 4 1/2 inches. Double Wooden Handle.
  • Stainless steel shaft.
  • Anodized finish. Micro Click Rack.
  • FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING FISHING REEL Double Wooden Handle.

Okuma Raw II Mooching & Float Reels

Pro-Motion Distributing - Direct

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

With incredible balance and detail in every aspect of construction, the raw II float reel spins absolutely effortlessly on two precision german-made stainless steel ball-bearings. Durable type-ii Anodizing in a striking combination of deep Charcoal and burnt orange deliver striking emotion in an aggressive package that's deep with the performance of the best traditional reels

  • Precision 6061-T6 Machined aluminum frame and spool
  • Durable type-ii, two-tone anodized frame and spool
  • CRC: corrosion resistant coating process
  • Machine cut stainless steel spool shaft

User questions & answers

Question: how muck backing can i put in this reel
Answer: You dont use baking you.just have a main line it's just an inline fishing reel. What you do is spoil up 20lb test etc and then tie on about 8-10ft of 12lb and your good to go
Question: What size bearings does this take
Answer: https://www.bocabearings.com/products/bearing-applications/fishing-reel-bearings?ProductType=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8rDHzqCz5QIVi_5kCh2F8wr9EAAYASAAEgJzj_D_BwE&ItemMakes=OKUMA
Question: Is this a left or right hand reel? Thank you
Answer: Honestly I don't think it matters. Most pins should be ambidextrous. Because it's a free spool either way...I am currently using the reel with my left hand holding the rod with the right.
Question: what is the line capacity
Answer: 4.5 inch spool, Line Capacity: 275 yards of 8 lb.

CNC MACHINED Aluminum Center PIN CENTERPIN Float Fishing Reel 113.5MM 4 1/2 INCHES Steelhead Salmon Trotting Fishing

CHANNELMAY

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Reel Diamter: 113.6mm / 4 1/2 inches. Double Wooden Handle. Stainless steel shaft. Anodized finish.

  • CENTREPIN FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING REEL
  • FLOAT REEL CENTER PIN TROTTING FISHING REEL Double Wooden Handle.
  • Stainless steel shaft. Anodized finish.
  • Anodized finish.
  • Micro Click Rack.

Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum with Cork Disc Drag System

Piscifun

Based on 262 reviews Check latest price
  • Three Year Warranty - Your reel has been set at the factory for left-hand retrieve. To convert your reel to right-hand retrieve, please contact us for guidance.
  • Smooth Drag - Cork disc drag system with one-way clutch bearing for smooth immediate drag engagement.
  • Mid-arbor Design - Reducing line memory while also facilitating lightning-quick line pickup.
  • Click Drag and Silent Retrieve- Quick spool release with easy left to right hand retrieve change.
  • Exquisite Appearance - Fully machined frame and die-cast spool; oversize handle, as with all of our reel series.

User questions & answers

Question: I received mine today and spent a while putting on backing and line, did anyone's spool move back and forth a bit and wiggle
Answer: Wiggle? On the front side, by the winding handle, is a round thing. The sides of it are "textured" for a finger hold. Tighten it a bit, but, only FIRMLY (no pliers) and the "wiggle" should stop! The spool is probably loose!
Question: Would this reel be usable with 12-20lb braid for salmon
Answer: Yes, with the right weight real, itwould be fine.
Question: Can you use in saltwater
Answer: You can actually use just about any freshwater fly fishing reel if you take care of it during and after your fishing in salt-water. I live in Kentucky and get to fish the salt several times a year. Between days fishing in saltwater I submerge the entire reel (with line and backing in place) in a 5-gallon bucket of fresh water (changing the water daily). Then when I go back home I leave the reels in the bucket and cover it with the lid. When I get home I remove all the line and backing and wash them in warm soapy water, rinse them, let them dry while I disassemble and thoroughly clean the reels themselves. Yes ... I disassemble even the drag systems. You MUST remove all hint of salt residue (or it will eventually corrode whatever parts it is on). I lubricate them before reassembly and then wind the now completely dry backing and line ... before winding the line on I pull it through a rag soaked with Armor-All or STP Son of a Gun and buff it dry by pulling it through another soft cotton rag. Then I put a fresh leader on. My reel(s) are then ready to fish up home. Sounds like a lot of work, but it sure beats the H out of spending $600 - $1500 for a true salt-water reel.
Question: Is the drag system waterproof? Like if I am wading, and place my rod and reel into the water, will the drag system be affected
Answer: Yes, it is. We recommed you use fully sealed fly reel(like piscifun crest or platte fly reel) if you often use it in the water. Hope it helps!

Product features

Easy To Change The Retrieve

  • The spool release button is inserted into the blue cap.
  • More secure with two screws inserted.

Smooth Drag

  • Fully machined frame and cork disc drag system.
  • Click Drag and silent retrieve.

Mid-arbor Spool and Oversize Handle

  • Reducing line memory.
  • Facilitating quick line pickup.

Sleek and Sexy

  • Made By Japanese Brother CNC Machine.
  • Fully Machined Frame and Die-cast Spool.

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