So whats this centerpinning all about? Well for some it is the tremendous amount of fish that you can catch, others its about watching a float like when you where a kid. But for most it is being one on one with a fish, no drag to stop them and no room for error. Every run passes through your hands, and every head shake is telegraphed through the rod. More often then not you can predict what a fish is going to do just by feeling the line. And thats just too cool.
Sounds good? Well why does it work so well?
The answer to that is a simple one, yet the actions need to produce it is not. Centerpinning utilizes a float to provide a long presentation. Generally finesse fishing requires short controlled casting to generate pin point accuracy. Indicator fishing with a fly rod is an excellent example of this. However it is limited to a very short piece of water. Centerpinning expands this pin point accuracy over greater distances.
Unlike indicator fishing centerpinning provides a lure first presentation. Simply put your hook and what ever is attached to it is viewed by the fish before lead, line or leader. It is the ultimate in stealth, and when employed properly can cover 50ft of water to near perfection.
With gas price on the rise every steelhead fisherman wants to maximize their time on the water. For most that means getting out and practicing. Any body of moving water presents an opportunity for the centerpinner. Often time streams with prime trout temperature ranges provide centerpinners with a chance to break away from the baits used steelheading and learn the keys to fishing artificials.
