I generally use a centrepin for trotting because:

1. the rivers I fish are only a couple of rod lengths wide
2. I primarily use stick floats/balsas/avon style top and bottom floats and holding back the float with a 'pin is just easier (imo)
3. for the pleasure of playing fish on a 'pin

I use a closed face reel occasionally but for 95% of my float fishing I use a 'pin. Not that I'm saying that a 'pin is the only thing to use ... I just like using them.

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Cheers,
Lawrence

I would say a centrepin is not as easy to use but I personally love using one.

However I have never had an issue with line drag with my Sheffield, a puff of air and the reel will spin.

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Carl

http://www.wandlepiscators.net/
http://teiseangling.co.uk/index.htm

TOMORROW THE TRENT COULD BE YOUR FISHERY! When are YOU going to JOIN THE ANGLING TRUST?

I have a lovely old Normark Vantage but it rarely gets used as its quite delicate - harks back to my Trent roach days, not really built to handle big chub! Will have to dust it off for grayling this year though I think, its long overdue an outing. As for closed face reels, I used to use a 506, but much prefer a 'pin. Closed face are much better than open face fixed spool for trotting, but you still can't really control the line speed like you can with a 'pin and they're cr*p for playing fish on! They're still cute though

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I use a 15ft Drennan float master - rather than tip actioned its a progressive blank. I bump far less fish off.
They dont make them anymore so the nearest equivalent is the Drennan ultralight float.

Only half the price of the Normarks and a third of the price of the 15ft Hardy Marksman, and a much better rod.

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http://manchesterfishingfiend.blogspot.com

I have a 13ft Normark vantage I use for my for my Grayling trotting. So another vote for Normark rods. Also once a year I give my Dads Millwards Fetherlite a trip out with his Rapidex reel,,,

Incidentally one of my all time favourite fly rods is / was a Normark Gold medallion 8ft 5 wght .

I use a Preston Sentient Float and its a 13' and I purchased the 2' section so I can go to 15 foot if needed.

It has a fantastic action and is light and responsive.

All the coarse guys swear buy Preston rods.

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"If it was that easy it would be called Catching not Fishing".

Balls

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Theres more to fishing than just fish.

I just hate those tip actioned Chinese blanks

Will show you a lovely Hardy rod next time we go fishing. Made in England.
I might even let you hold it.

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http://manchesterfishingfiend.blogspot.com