Centerpin Reel vs Fly Reel: Which One Is Right for Your Fishing Style?

Choosing the right reel can completely change how you experience fishing. Among river and freshwater anglers, one comparison comes up again and again: Centerpin Reel vs Fly Reel.

Both reel types are highly effective, deeply respected, and rooted in tradition — but they serve very different fishing styles. In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences, when to use each reel, and how FINREEL designs both to meet modern anglers’ expectations.

What Is a Centerpin Reel?

A centerpin reel is designed primarily for float fishing in rivers, especially when targeting steelhead and salmon. Unlike reels with mechanical drag systems, a centerpin reel features a free-spinning spool mounted on a central axis.

This design allows the fishing line to flow downstream naturally with the current, giving your bait or presentation an unmatched drift.

Why anglers love centerpin reels:

• Ultra-smooth, near-zero resistance rotation

• Natural presentation for cautious fish

• Direct, hands-on control using your palm or fingers

• Exceptional line control in moving water

FINREEL centerpin reels are CNC-machined for balance and precision, using high-quality bearings to ensure long, effortless spins — a critical feature for long drifts and consistent float control.

What Is a Fly Reel?

A fly reel plays a different role. While casting in fly fishing relies mainly on the fly line and rod, the reel becomes crucial when a fish runs hard or when balance and line management matter most.

Modern fly reels typically include either:

• Disc drag systems for powerful fish, or

• Click-and-pawl systems for classic feel and sound

Fly reels are designed for:

• Line storage and smooth retrieval

• Controlled resistance when fighting fish

• Balancing the fly rod for accurate casting

• Versatility across rivers, lakes, and saltwater

FINREEL fly reels combine lightweight CNC construction with dependable drag systems, offering serious performance without the premium price tag often seen in legacy brands.

Centerpin Reel vs Fly Reel: Key Differences

Which Reel Is Better for River Fishing?

It depends on how you want to fish.

Choose a Centerpin Reel if:

• You fish flowing rivers frequently

• Natural drift is your top priority

• You enjoy hands-on control and traditional techniques

• You target steelhead or salmon

FINREEL centerpin reels are designed with perfect spool balance and low start-up inertia, helping anglers achieve longer, cleaner drifts — even in cold or technical water.

Choose a Fly Reel if:

• You prefer fly casting techniques

• You fish multiple environments (river, lake, coast)

• You rely on drag systems for fighting fish

• You want versatility across species

FINREEL fly reels offer smooth drag engagement and corrosion-resistant finishes, making them reliable for both freshwater and light saltwater applications.

Can You Use a Fly Reel for Float Fishing?

While some anglers experiment with fly reels for float fishing, most eventually discover the limitations. Fly reels are not designed for continuous free-spool drifting, which is where centerpin reels excel.

That’s why anglers who start with fly reels for river float fishing often upgrade to a true centerpin reel once they experience the difference.

FINREEL Philosophy: Traditional Techniques, Modern Precision

At FINREEL, both centerpin and fly reels are designed with one principle in mind:

Respect traditional fishing methods — but improve them with modern engineering.

From classic centerpin designs to contemporary fly reels, FINREEL focuses on:

• CNC-machined aluminum bodies

• Precision bearing systems

• Balanced spool geometry

• Practical durability for real anglers

This approach allows FINREEL reels to compete with long-established Western brands while remaining accessible to anglers worldwide.

Final Thoughts: Centerpin or Fly Reel?

There’s no universal “better” reel — only the right reel for your style of fishing.

• If you value natural drift and river control, a centerpin reel is unmatched.

• If you prefer casting versatility and drag-driven fights, a fly reel is the smarter choice.

Many experienced anglers eventually own both, using each where it shines most.

👉 Explore FINREEL Centerpin & Fly Reels and choose the reel that matches how you fish — not just what’s trending.