Ever since I watched John Wilson trotting for Roach with his Allcock’s Match Aerial in the first series of Go Fishing, I have had a passion for the centre pin fishing reel. 15 years later an unexpected bonus from work allowed me to buy my own Match Aerial, and my fate as a centre pin fanatic was sealed.
So when I got married last year, and my wife wanted to buy me something special to mark the occasion, the obvious choice was a very special centre pin.
Any of you who have watched Chris Yates on TV, or have seen pictures of him in the angling magazines, will have spotted his wonderful old Allcock Aerial centre pin, which dates around 1915. This was the style of reel I set my heart on.
If you are a true purist, then only the real thing will do, and in today’s market the real thing will cost you upwards of £500. That’s a lot of money for a reel with almost 90 years of wear and tear. Fortunately, for the less afflicted, there are a few talented people out there still turning out centre pin reels that, using modern materials and techniques, far-surpass the quality of the original item. One of the best is Chris Lythe.
Chris Lythe makes a range of centre pins, mostly of the spoked-aerial variety, and each component meticulously hand-made. Some are based on those once made by the likes of Allcock, Hardy etc. while others are of his own design.
Not all of his reels are currently pictured on his website, though I understand this is soon to change. The particular reel that caught my eye was one of those without a picture, but going by it’s description, and seeing the quality of those reels that were pictured, I took the plunge and ordered a wide-drum, 4 inch, 12-spoke 1915 pattern. Chris describes this reel as a true all rounder, the traditional aerial. Ideal to compliment a cane rod and Wallis cast this is my favourite of the whole collection, plain in looks but a dream to fish with.
His reels are made to order, and for those of you who like to live life in the fast lane, Chris’s delivery times might come as a bit of a shock. When I ordered my reel back in June 2001, he was quoting 9 months, but it was nearer 15 months before I received the reel. Don’t let that put you off – all good things come to those who wait, and I can assure you my reel was very definitely worth the wait. If you are desperate, you could always ring Chris to see if he has any in stock, which occasionally he does.
As with all of Chris’s reels, mine is turned from high grade aluminium bar stock. The fittings use nickel silver, stainless steel and brass, and on my particular model, the handles are of a white ivory colour. Just like the original, the front plate has eight large holes, and one of the spokes features a tension adjustment which allows you to slow down the rate at which the reel spins particularly useful when trotting. The ratchet is a simple spring and pawl type, engaged with a lovely brass button on the back.
Chris tells me that after successful trials, he is now using a new type of self-lubricating metal for the spindles on his ‘pins. Certainly my reel spins very well, and after a period of bedding in I expect it to run even smoother.
The quality of the reel is exceptional. Putting it alongside my other expensive centre pin, the Young’s Bob James, Chris’s reel completely outclasses in every way. If it was a car, it would certainly feature a flying lady on it’s bonnet.
Finally, Chris can engrave the reel for you if you wish. Mine says "Glenn and Kim, 16th July 2001". So no excuses for forgetting my wedding anniversary!
The purist will look at my reel and immediately start to point out the minor differences to the original, but in my view that is missing the point. What Chris has achieved is a wonderful approximation or the original, with all the benefits of better quality metal, higher tolerances and superior workmanship. It might still be costly – prices are around £300, and it’s worth contacting Chris for the latest price list, but if you think of the amount of work he has put in the reel, and balance this against an original, it doesn’t look quite as bad. Besides, 30 years from now, who knows what a collector might be prepared to pay for your reel!
Having spoken to Chris recently, I know he is looking to expand his range, so if you fancy buying yourself the reel of your dreams, he might just be able to make it for you!
See Chris’s website, at http://www.chrislythe-centrepins.co.uk, or give him a call on ( 44) 01423 867267.
