{"id":5079,"date":"2024-02-04T15:58:32","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T20:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/troutandsteelhead.net\/?p=5079"},"modified":"2024-02-04T15:59:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-04T20:59:10","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-centerpin-reel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/troutandsteelhead.net\/how-to-set-up-a-centerpin-reel\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Set Up A Centerpin Reel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have set up over 100 Centerpin reels for myself, my clients, and for customers in my tackle store, but you can set up a centerpin reel at home with these tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To set up a Centerpin reel, you will first need to know what hand to reel with, then you put backing line on, and then you will need a good floating mainline that works on a Centerpin reel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once that is done, proper reel placement on the rod handle, and securing the reel is very important<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know where to place the reel on the rod for best performance? I will explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Hand Should I Reel With?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Centerpin reels free spool both ways and there is no drag on them so they can be used for right-handed retrieve or left-handed retrieve without any adjustments. You simply put the handle on the right or the handle on the left of the rod, and start putting the line on so it goes on and comes of the bottom of the reel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you left-handed or right-handed? It really does make a difference when setting up your Centerpin reel or with any fishing reel for that matter, and I will give you my advice to new anglers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my experience, many guys use the wrong hand when using their reel and they don’t even know it. They think they are right-handed, which to them means they should reel with the right hand, but that is wrong!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have taught thousands of anglers how to use a Centerpin reel as well as baitcasting reels and spinning reels which is why I know for certain that if you use the proper hand you will be able to catch more fish for many reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also know using the wrong hand can cause lots of problems and make learning to fish more difficult. As a guide, not using the right hand makes my job harder, and for you, as an angler, you will struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My rule of thumb is that if you are right-handed, you need to use your left hand to reel, and if you are left-handed, you need to use your right hand to reel. There are some exceptions to this rule which I will explain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do I recommend doing this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I see many anglers lose fish, have poor hook sets, do bad casts, and simply have a hard time with Centerpin fishing because they are trying to reel with the wrong hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might sound weird to reel with your opposite hand, but think about it this way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are right-handed, 90% of your fishing should be done with your right hand which includes holding your rod with your right hand, casting with your right hand, controlling the speed of the reel and working the reel with your right hand, setting the hook with your right hand, and fighting the fish with your right hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these very important things should all be done with your dominant right hand, and your left hand or non-dominant hand (which I often call my dumb hand) only needs to reel the line in. It’s as simple as that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It makes no sense to set the hook with your weak and slow arm or to fight large fish with that same weaker uncoordinated arm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The non-dominant hand just needs to go round and round and the dominant hand does everything else that is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To me, trying to learn how to work and control a Centerpin reel or any fishing reel with your non-dominant hand is like trying to learn how to play darts, throw an axe, or write with your non-dominant hand. You could do it, but why would you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only exception to the rule is that if you are an older or very experienced angler that fishes all the time and you have already learned or trained yourself how to reel with the wrong hand then I would say stick with that hand when using a Centerpin reel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anglers that fish less than a dozen times a year, do yourself a favor and switch your reels to the proper hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Set Up A Centerpin Reel: Where To Put Your Reel<\/h2>\n\n\n