Centerpin fishing is a favorite among steelhead and salmon anglers. It is also an effective tool for more significant trout streams – but is it used for bass? Is this a real thing?

Yes, it is a real thing. Believe it or not, it not only catches fish but is also a blast!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with centerpin fishing, let me give a brief background. Anglers use an extra-long rod, usually 10-14 feet, and a large free spooling reel that resembles a giant fly reel. The reel is spooled with anywhere from 6-18 lb. test paired with a lighter leader. In addition, there is a float and assorted weights, as well as terminal tackle baited with either live or artificial bait.

The float is positioned to allow the bait to drift just off the bottom in the ideal strike zone. The weight ensures the bait stays at the desired depth and lets it drift ahead of the float. This ensures the bait reaches the fish first, with the float following behind, which results in the bait being the main focus.

Casting slightly upstream and across the current, the free-spinning reel allows the float to drift naturally with the current. Speed is controlled by a thumb on the spool, and direction is controlled by slight changes in rod position. For best results, keep the slack line out of the water, as this changes drift patterns.

The same technique makes it perfect for various fish, including smallmouth.

One of the most complex parts of successful smallmouth fishing is the presentation. Even if you select the correct lure or bait, you know you need to put it in front of the fish and do so in a manner that will attract their attention. Of course, you will still need to select the correct bait or lure when centerpinning, but almost everything else is natural. By drifting with the current, you are more likely to place bait where bass are waiting in ambush and present your bait or lure at a natural speed, just like a wounded bait fish.

Speaking of lures and baits, center pinning is versatile enough to use almost anything the bass will be interested in, except for topwater or spinners. Live bait, plastics, and even dough bait are each very effective in this presentation. You can even use flies without investing in a fly setup. My favorite baits are live minnows or tiny worms. If using artificials, I like small worms, Joe Flies, or curly tail grubs. I know someone who uses a Ned rig and allows it to bounce along with the current. A bit different than the traditional method, but if it works, it works. You can also experiment with various setups to see what works in your area.

The most significant advantage of centerpin fishing for smallmouth is the fight you will experience. Because the reel has no traditional drag, you cannot muscle the fish to the net. You need to play it. You need to finesse it. You need to fish the fish out.