Turning into a pinner, Any feedback would be great

[nsfisher]

Hi all,
I am getting back into river fishing again. Although i only got out a few times I did have a pretty successful Spring with Jerry to thank for much of it. I have always used spinning gear with a 10' 6" rod but after missing many hook sets this Spring I decided I am going to move to a 13' rod and buy a center pin to go with it.
I have done a lot of research and am almost decided on a purchase but I would like to hear from the pinners out there as to their thoughts on this set-up. I know there are a lot of high end options out there $$$ but too rich for my blood at this time so I am trying to get a very solid middle of the road set-up and hope this would be it.

Looking at:
Raven SST-2 reel
Raven IMX8 13' float rod. (I am still undecided if I should look at the fixed reel seat or sliding rings?) any pros & cons on the fixed or sliding would be appreciated.

Spool loaded with CAC Dacron 20lb fl Orange backing
Raven 12 lb FL Yellow monofilament.

[backwoodsmanbob]

I have a 15' three piece raven with fixed reel seat and an Islander center pin. Works good for me. Also have a couple of 12 footers with a stream runner center pin used mostly for salmon. Lots of options. Give me a call before you buy.

[nsfisher]

Thanks Bob, will do. I was actually debating on the 13' 2pc or the 14' 3pc. Still not sure.

[admin]

I have been thinking about trying pinning for a few years now, almost bought a beginner outfit from Dan, but he sold it..

I have heard good things about both Raven and Islander, but can't offer any real suggestions.. sorry..

Can be very expensive for sure..

[nsfisher]

Thanks Jerry, the only thing that concerns me is wielding a 13+' rod. No problem in large areas but we hit some pretty tight spots and I was getting all hung up trying to get through with a 10'6" rod.
I want to get the gear this summer so I can practice my casting skills before the fall.

[fishermandan]

best starter rod- 13ft streamside fs1302( steelheader custom,which is also im8 graphite) around $120
best starter reel- rapala classic drifter- $151 from lebarons

nothing wrong with the 13' im8 raven and the sst2. its $200 more tho. the 14'im8 is a beefy stick for bigger water.

streamside-over the counter replacement if broken
raven- you have to send the rod in, plus $60 fee for replacement section if broken

i have a 15' im6 raven, streamside fs1302, 12'6 fenwick hmx (nice stick as well, 90 bucks at al flateretys) and an older 11'6 gloomis and i use the streamside most of the time. have buddies that like the raven 13 as well. the streamside and the fenwick have larger guides more suited for freeezing temps, whereas the raven's guides are on the small side

you can spend the 500 off the bat for raven, but i would go with the streamside/rapala. if you dont continue using it you are not trying to recoup 500 bucks on resale. if you like it, will serve you well for years, or if you want to upgrade, can be resold for a more minimal loss or kept for a back up

anyway, just my 2 cents. happy shopping!

[yakfisher]

I have an RV9 3pc 13'6 with a kingping imperial reel. I bought all used stuff to keep the price down. I do wish that I went with a two piece rod instead. Hiking through the bush as you mentioned you can break a two piece down easily and go for a hike. The three piece gives me some grief trying to break it down. As fishermandan said the rapalas have good reviews for the price. I think fishsniffer bought one and likes it.
Good luck.

[nsfisher]

Thanks for the feedback Fishermandan and Yakfisher you both provided some great info. I will ponder before making a purchase. BTW I have never heard of Streamside float rods so that is something I will look into. I am pretty much decided on A Raven model for a reel but not quite sure if I should go with the SST line or the Matrix with a bit larger spool.

[Fishsniffer]

Nsfisher ,

Not sure if your looking into the Ravine Rod as well . I think one of our sponsors .....True Canadian Outdoors has 2 Ravine rods left . Ask Nick if he still has them in stock . I could have sworn I was holding one 2 weeks when I was in . I also tend to stick with 3 piece rods just in case I have to wiggle my way around the bush .Custom Equipment is nice have and use . 2 of my good friend purchased the RSG Reels . Beautiful reels and lifetime investment . I spoke with the owner and may consider the next following project he has coming up . I believe he's building 10 of them in the world . Type RSG Reels in Google . Pretty sweet reels . Price is also up there on them . I use the Rapala shift reel / Rapala Rod 13ft. So far so good . Was weird at first fishing with the off set and having a hot fish run with the handles further apart close to the outer edges. .... Now I am use to it . As for the sliding rings I don't like them at all . I usually line my elbow up with the butt end of the rod and then down towards the palm of my hand with the float reel sitting nice and comfy . If it doesn't do that then I pass up on the rod . Million rods out there choose the one that suits you best . Has to feel comfortable especially pinning for a few hrs with it . Another tip about the reels is to make sure it has nice smooth high end quality bearings ....Touch it , Feel it , Play with it , Smell it ! And what ever you do don't purchase a centre pin with a drag system ......loll I find it takes everything away from feeling a hot fish running ! I really disagree with those reels . Rather fish with a spin reel & Panther Martin . Check Kijiji for Rods as well . Some good deals on Custom Rods.

I like the smell of what your getting into ..... I will be sure to Drag you out with me when fall rolls around

[nsfisher]

Hey Dan I was hoping you would chime in with your thoughts on this topic. I was pretty set On the Ravin SST-2 or maybe the Matrix for a starter reel. My debat is I don't know the pros and cons of the reel size. The SST-2 is a bit smaller diameter but lighter than the Matrix. It is also ported and the Matrix is not. I am not sure if ported is better because it can expel dirt or not ported so it won't allow as much dirt in. I just had a look at the RSG customs, beauty reels but way out of my price range and as a beginner I would not want to pay that much in case I get frustrated and throw it in the river I like the (3) Pc option for the rod as it will break down smaller in my vehicle as well. I fished with a guy recently who had a (3) pc and he broke it down and was ready to move faster than me with a 2 pc spinning outfit. I really want a 13'6" 3 pc but Raven only carries it in the IMX6 and not the IMX8 that I would prefer. Thanks for the great tip about measuring elbow to reel. That however may force me to use sliding rings due to my "lack of" arm length or any other length for that matter I just had a look at the Rapella shift and the drifter as well as the R type. Nice looking reels for the cost and good bearings. That Shift to me seems it would put the balance off center. Since I have never used a pin only fly reels the location of the handle would be new to me from the start so no issue. I definitely do not want a drag system. Actually found I was palming my spinning reel on some of the heavier fish in the fall just feel far more in control. I will have to check out some gear personally before making a final decision. Thanks again for all the feedback, yes we will have to get out his upcoming season.

[fishermandan]

nothing wrong with an sst2 or sst 3 as a starter, or for your full time reel. they are very similar, the main diff being the porting. sst2 has very little porting, whereas the 3 has lots and is one of the lightest 4.5 in reels on the market. most rods in your range will probably balance best with the sst2.

you also mentioned debris in the porting, which can be an issue. where i fish on the notty is sandy and on a windy day my reel which is pretty ported can pic up lots of grit. down on the cred ive never had problems with debris, other than ice pellets or freezing rain blowing in on an angle.


i have both 2 and 3 piece rods and prefer the 2 piece all day. can be tricky to transport but thats only a portion of your day. once your on the bank she stays rigged. i always seem to end up with a mess breaking down the 3 piece. also, the 136 im6 raven is a pretty light action rod not well suited to the lower C imo. i have a couple buds that fish the 13im8 and like it a lot. one takes it on the bus lol. i would go with the rings vs. a reel seat so you can balance the rig to your liking.

for the sake of looking, check out my buddy wayne's reels at canadafishingreels.com . my main reel is his 5'' revolution. he makes great reels, right in brampton, and is a super nice guy. (if you other "pinners" need custom handles, or other work, wayne is the man!)

the more you look, the harder it gets to decide. you will get many years of service from the sst2/im8 you originally chose.

[nsfisher]

Hey Dan,
Thanks for all the feedbak bud. I have just placed an order with TCO for the SST-2 and am matching it with a Sheffield IM9 13'4"DRII (3pc). All I have to do now is figure out how to use the friggin thing.
Thanks for your help, Nick owes you one. As do I

FYI, I think it was Canada Fishing Reels that provided a reel as a prize at the CRAA tourney this year. I saw the reel as the guy next to me won it. Great looking gear and made to seriously tight tolerances. Just out of my league for cost to start out. Definitely would look at his stuff if I get as much time on the water as I would like.

[fishermandan]

sounds like a solid rig!! need some pics when you get her all rigged
im not to familiar with the action, but that drII has one of the nicest handles on a factory stick out there. very close look to a custom build!

no reason you cant go try it out for smallies! be good practice before the nooks come. lake o chinnies are not really the best fish to learn on. can be PAIN. craig i fish on your river fairly often once the fish start to come in. usually weekdays after work. if you are having difficulties, it'd be no prob to give you a few pointers. i am by no means a master, but i seem to get my share of fish. buzz me in a couple months

there are a ton of youtube vids on how to cast. the easiest and most used cast is the side cast. a little tricky at first but really easy once you get the hang of it. side casting does put twist in your line tho. you can work on wallis casting later on.

congrats on joining the ranks of the pinheads!

[nsfisher]

Thanks Dan, I do like the look of the DRII but have not even held it yet. As long as I have a fast tip I'm good. The reason I decided to buy is because the IM9 should be able to handle the salmon as well. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Waiting for TCO to get my reel in then I will pick it up and take some pics. Would be great to get out one evening when the fish hit the river.
I have been watching the vids on casting and will hopefully get enough practice in before he fish get here. Thanks again for all you help.