Before the invention of the fixed spool reel the centre pin reel was commonly used in the UK. Today they are rarely used by the coarse angler, though they are the reel of choice for the fly fisherman.

The centre pin still has its aficionados and is the ideal tool for trotting a stick float down river.

These reels are often sought after by collectors and many of the hand crafted reels are of a superb standard of engineering excellence, and even considered by some to be works of art

The reel illustrated at right is the Scotton Long Trotter, hand built by Chris Lythe. Click on the image to visit Chris's website.

One thing will never change - and that is the challenge of pitting your wits against the natural cunning of our quarry - the fish.