Quill and Pin

Fishing for carp the old way is a challenge to those used to fixed spools, bite alarms and artificial baits.  To add a bit excitement to a small commercial fishery I sometimes visit I decided to chase the carp there with traditional equipment and baits. I must admit that although my equipment is traditional most of it benefits from modern engineering and materials

the quill and pin

A pin, or centre-pin reel, differs from modern fixed spool reels as it has no gears or clutch between the handle and the line. There is no anti-reverse or bait runner, there is nothing between you and the line, every pull the fish makes is directly into your hand and every turn you make is directly onto the fish. To play the fish you use you thumb to slow the reel and bend of rod to take the strain. Centre-pins can be awkward to cast any distance if you are used to a fixed spool or multiplier reel.

A quill is float made from a porcupine quill or a feather. They are very light so not much shot is required to cock them; the one shown in the photograph takes only two number 8 shot to sit perfectly in the water.

Bait wise it was a day for maggots, a mix of red and yellow fat and lively. Hooks were size 18 eyed tied directly to the 5lb mainline. The rod is a 14' long carbon fibre float rod.

Constant baiting and patience paid off. After catching a few small silver bream and roach the float moved off in a different way. The fish was not huge but took a good time to tire and get to the net on this tackle, much more fun than cranking them in on the winches and heavy lines we normally use for carp fishing.

Small carp caught with maggots and a centre-pin reel