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Locally Owned in Nanaimo, BC • Trusted Since 1986
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Centerpin Reels

(55 products) FAQ

Explore high-performance centerpin reels for float fishing on rivers across British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Shop premium models like Kingpin and Kinetic for smooth drifts, precision control, and reliable performance in all water conditions. Fast Canadian shipping and trusted local service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Centerpin Reels Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a centerpin reel used for?

A centerpin reel is designed for float fishing, allowing your float to drift naturally with the current. They're commonly used for targeting steelhead, salmon, and trout in rivers throughout British Columbia and Canada.

Q. Are centerpin reels good for beginners?

Yes. While there is a learning curve, centerpin reels offer unmatched drift control for float fishing. Many beginners quickly learn with the proper setup and practice.

Q. What's the difference between a centerpin reel and a spinning reel?

A centerpin reel has a free-spinning spool with no drag system, allowing the line to flow naturally with the current. Spinning reels use a bail and drag system, making them better suited for casting lures and bait.

Q. What size centerpin reel should I buy?

Most anglers choose reels between 4.5 and 5.5 inches in diameter. The ideal size depends on your rod, fishing style, and the species you're targeting.

Q. What fish can I catch with a centerpin reel?

Centerpin reels are commonly used to target steelhead, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, rainbow trout, and other river species using float fishing techniques.

Q. What line should I use on a centerpin reel?

Most anglers use a quality monofilament mainline with a fluorocarbon leader. The ideal line strength depends on the species being targeted and local fishing conditions.

Q. Do centerpin reels have a drag?

Traditional centerpin reels do not use a conventional drag system. Instead, anglers control the spool manually using hand pressure, providing precise control during the fight.

Q. Which centerpin reel brands does Harbour Chandler carry?

Harbour Chandler carries premium centerpin reels from trusted brands including Kingpin, Amundson, and other leading manufacturers, with options for both new and experienced float anglers.

Let customers speak for us

from 1921 reviews
Gibbs Mini G - Irish Cream
Realized they were too small for Salmon fishing

Realized they were too small for Salmon fishing so we cut the hooks off & made them into nice earrings for my daughters - would sell like hotcakes @ Christmas

Rich L.
Gibbs Mini G - Irish Cream
Gibbs Inline Flasher - UV Purple Haze Stripe
Works great bought 3 and used it for a daisy

Works great bought 3 and used it for a daisy chain!

Allan M.
Gibbs Inline Flasher - UV Purple Haze Stripe
SCOTTY - Braided Downrigger Line (200 lb test)
Strong

Strong -💪

Alexth T.
SCOTTY - Braided Downrigger Line (200 lb test)
Kingpin Spey 4" Silver Bear Face
very solid reel

solid reel . more “beef” than a similar sized Hardy click and pawl reel. Balances well with modern fiberglass and bamboo two hand rods

dan k.
Kingpin Spey 4" Silver Bear Face
Scotty Tablet Holder
Scotty Tablet Mount

Good price at Harbour Chandler and unit sees perfect for the job and well built (as most Scotty things are).

Ernie P.
Scotty Tablet Holder
Harbour Chandler Nanaimo online and retail fishing and marins upplies

I first found this place in person when boating and at dock in Nanaimo. Great prices and staff then. I just placed 2 orders online. Very good prices compared to what I get here at retail stores in the lower mainland. Knowledgeable staff and placing my online orders. I’ll likely buy much of my gear in the future from them.

Ernie P.
The Harbour Chandler
Mustad DemonLink DLSS04 Ball Bearing Swivel With Coastlock Snap - Stainless Steel
Received

Received. Look like good quality. Haven’t used them yet.

Ernie P.
Mustad DemonLink DLSS04 Ball Bearing Swivel With Coastlock Snap - Stainless Steel
Mustang Catalyst Flotation Bib Pant
mustang always makes a great suit and great

mustang always makes a great suit and great pricing

Adrian V.
Mustang Catalyst Flotation Bib Pant
Victron SmartShunt IP65 Bluetooth Battery Monitor
If you dont have this in your boat your missing out

If you dont have this in your boat your missing out.

Anonymous
Victron SmartShunt IP65 Bluetooth Battery Monitor
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
I love fishpond

I love fishpond.

Allen N.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
West Coast Fishing Tackle Electro Mirror Flasher - Chrome Zone
My favorite flashers

Awesome flashers expensive but worth it when they are in fire catching fish

Nathan D.
West Coast Fishing Tackle Electro Mirror Flasher - Chrome Zone
Octagon Crab Trap – Heavy-Duty 31" x 31" x 10" Crab Pot
Crab Trap

Awesome.
Well built trap.
Looking forward to giving it a try.
Highly recommend.

Randy D.
Octagon Crab Trap – Heavy-Duty 31" x 31" x 10" Crab Pot
Scotty Downrigger Plug 2121 - 12V Plug & Socket
Scotty products are the best

Scotty products are the best, I like that they continue to innovate. Love Harbour Chandler. The folks there remember who you are, cashier called me by name.

David G.
Scotty Downrigger Plug 2121 - 12V Plug & Socket
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom Downrigger Rod Red 10'6"

Amazing rod at this price, handles more on the medium side of medium heavy, love the colour too, so easy to see contrasted to the world around you. Boated some pretty mid August springs with it

Spencer
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom Downrigger Rod Red 10'6"
SIMRAD Halo 20 Radar
Replacing my 3G radar

In replacing my 3G radar, the entire process was easy- HC staff were extremely helpful throughout the process. From testing the old unit to identifying a 'plug and play replacement and required adapter, everyone was available and informative. I'm almost looking forward to the next foggy day.

Jim S.
SIMRAD Halo 20 Radar

What customers think about the store

Well-stocked marine and fishing retailer with extensive product selection. Fast shipping, knowledgeable staff, and responsive customer service. Competitive pricing with frequent sales. Highly recommended by fishing enthusiasts and boaters across North America....

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Quality Service Shipping Staff

Steve's Weekly Fishing Report

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  • Prawning is Hot!!

    Prawning is Hot!!

    For the last month I've been getting lots of really good prawning reports from all over Georgia Strait. The word is there are loads of prawns, and they are extra...

  • The Rain is Here, and so are the Salmon!

    The Rain is Here, and so are the Salmon!

     We are finally getting the needed rain to pull this years salmon into the rivers and stream. Every river system will now be loaded with fresh salmon and followed by...

  • Time to Hit the River!

    Time to Hit the River!

    River fishing was great this week, despite the low water. The forecasted rain kept getting delayed, but it's finally starting to arrive. This will cause a big push of fresh...

  • River Fishing is about to Pick Up!!

    River Fishing is about to Pick Up!!

     With some rain in the forecast river fishing is about to kick into high gear! It's been a dry fall so far, so while the saltwater salmon fishing season has...

  • Ocean Salmon Fishing Still Going Strong!!

    Ocean Salmon Fishing Still Going Strong!!

    With the nice weather conditions, our ocean salmon fishing is still going strong! Most salmon runs seem to be running a bit late this year, giving us extra time to...

  • Beach Fishing is Heating Up!

    Beach Fishing is Heating Up!

    The beach fishing on Vancouver Island has kicked into high gear! The rain last week has got the fish moving and fishing has been excellent. The rivers have some fish...

  • Beach Fishing Season is Here!

    Beach Fishing Season is Here!

    With the change in weather, beach fishing is heating up! This is my favourite time of year when the salmon stage at river and creek mouths, bringing fishing opportunities even...

  • Large Chinook Fishing is Peaking!

    Large Chinook Fishing is Peaking!

    Fishing for large Chinook has been excellent in Georgia Strait for the last week. Some of the fish have moved in closer to shore, but the outer islands and rocks...