There is a type of reel, i saw a guy using. It looks like a cross between a fly reel and a mooch reel. He was using it for casting bobber and jigs for steelies. He says it casts well and is used up in british columbia (vedder)quite a bit for bobber fishing. What type of reel is this and where would I look if I was interested in buying one? ---mike

I think you are talking about an ALVEY reel.
Looks like a canadian mooching reel but turns sidways to cast(like the spool on a spinning reel). I used one to fish live needle fish in Campbell river area. Don't remember where its made,..Australia? Try Teds.

[This message has been edited by Bruce (edited 04-19-99).]

I believe this is what they call a centerpin casting reel. There are several models of this type of reel and you would be best served by crossing the border. They are the experts with this type of gear. I can tell you that the centerpin reel supposedly requires a great deal of practice to get really good at using it. A lot of the British Columbia steelheaders are now using quality level wind reels. You might want to go to the bulletin board at www.sportfishingbc.com and ask for advice from them. They have been very kind to me. Good luck

[This message has been edited by eddie (edited 04-19-99).]

it is a center-pin reel. they are not all that difficult to cast with, all they require is a different release time than a baitcast or a spinning reel. you have to get the spool moving before the final power push.

they are great for fishing floats, and playing fish on them is a blast... there's nothing like a single-action reel.

i got mine on a trip to bc. many shops around the vedder river (forgot the town's name) and many have new and used ones for sale. they tend to be expensive but they are fun if you are looking for something new.

good luck if you are interested in fishing the center-pin.

chris

There are a couple of towns that are close to the Sumas border crossing. Abbotsford is right there and the town that is near the Vedder is Chilliwack. Good luck

These reels are similar to the Winona which is an center pin reel also. They aren't made any more and if I am right they were made here in the States. There is a company that does make one similar and I think they are still made. I saw them advertise in STS awial back. As far as using them I have had them for years. I takes some practice but it is fun. My grandfather used them and taught me when I was young. They are fun to play fish on. Good luck finding one.

Well i have had a reel kickin around for awhile, dont remember where i got it, it's a keen kaster #6 made by the Ravenna metal products company. Looks alot like an alvey reel. There is a little knob between the handles with a spring on it that adjusts the drag. If interested post on board and i will e-mail you. Chuck

Thanks for the responses, next time I up in BC I'll look around. Chuck i might be interested, but I am going to look around some. I'll email you in the future, if I am interested. Thanks again
Get Fishy

mike

Chuck, interested in your keen kaster. Would like more info, e-mail me at ddoern@worldaccessnet.com thanks

As of today ebay.com has an Alvey reel. Bid is at $34.00.