Almost 20 years ago, I was drifting egg sacks on my favorite run on North Sandy Creek. I was doing my share of hooking Steelhead and landing a few, when I intersected another Steelheader on the opposite bank just murderlizing fish after fish. He had this super long rod and a free spooling, hand dragged reel. That’s when I first heard of Center-pin fishing and became fishing buddies with Tim Brooks. Tim is convinced that Center-pinning is the best, most natural technique for drifting egg spawn, beads or jigs for Steelhead and Browns.
According to Mr. Brooks, a primary reason is keeping the correct speed with your drift. He is also super meticulous about the products that he utilizes in matching this drift and that any variations can and will change your success. Angler Magazine reached out to Whitakers Sport Store in Pulaski to run a special on a good starter combination to help you enter the Center-pinning world. It’s a 12ft-9in Raven Matrix rod/Raven Matrix float reel for $329. Put this on YOUR Christmas list.
Here is Tim’s Starter Set-up and techniques
Raven Matrix Combo-On Sale at Whitakers Sport Store for $329, Nice! – Spooled with 8-10 lb. test Raven main line, attach your float with 2-3 pieces of Raven float tubing on your main line, fix 6-10 small round Densmor or Phill split shots based on the water you are fishing. For bait selection, start your efforts with a Bloogoo eggsack and tie on a #8 Blackbird Sabretooth hook.
Tim also recommends having an assortment of Great Lakes Steelhead Company beads and jigs and also favors pink power worms. Through trial and error, keep your offering within a foot of bottom and develop your methods to match the speed of the water you are on. Adjust your bobber lead and split shot numbers accordingly and develop your own techniques and efforts to matching the speed, projecting a natural drift.
These products along with all your Steelhead needs are available at Whitaker’s Sport Store.
