When many surf fishers hit the beach, they plow into the waters as far as they're willing to wade, and heave the line as far from shore as possible.

But the experienced say that
the anglers are scaring away
half the fish that swim tight to
the sands, feeding on bait trapped in the froth of waves against the land.

But what about the other half in the deep? You got something against catching them?

Cover all bases. It's a big ocean. Be prepared to rocket the line.

Alvey Reels--originally an Australian company founded in 1920, but now also distributed in America through Alvey Reels U.S.A.--makes side-cast or center-pin reels that are meant to cast a country mile in the surf.

The company also makes center-pin reels for salmon and steelhead fishing, big-game, saltwater fishing and more. Fly-fishing reels are also produced.

So the benefits of fishing the side-casting reels in the surf are obvious: they cast far.

For salmon and steelhead fishing, like on upstate New York’s Salmon River, center-pins are also deadly.

Hardly any resistance is on the line. It rolls right off the reel because the spool is parallel to the waters, unlike spools that are perpendicular to the waters on spinning reels.

Center-pin reels are also the simplest possible construction, practically a spool on an axle, also providing less line resistance.

The larger spool of a center pin also
gives freedom to line dumping off the reel, compared with smaller spools on spinning and conventional reels.

The low-resistance also allows light line
like 4- to 6-pound test to be fished for the biggest, oldest, most wary trophies or fish spooked by angling pressure.

This all adds up to a reel that’s so well-machined that a river’s current can pull a fly, lure or bait off the reel to create a drag-free drift longer than on any other reel.

A salmon or steelhead could even pick up the hook and never feel resistance until an angler yanks back.

Center-pin reels are also used on longer rods like 10- or 11-footers.

The length helps with casting, balances well with the reel and keeps more line off the surface for less resistance. It also allows floats to be used far from the hook.

The company promotes its salmon and steelhead center pins as reels for trolling and drift-boating, but fishing with them in rivers is more popular in the Northeast.

For big-game or other fishing in saltwaters, center-pin reels offer simplicity and durability or ruggedness.

Learning to use
side-casting and center-pin reels takes some practice.

Alvey fly reels are meant for heavy-duty fishing for saltwater fish, salmon or steelhead.

The company also makes rods to match the center-pin reels and produces fishing accessories.

For more information, visit the Alvey Reels web site.