Picking up on this old thread, I did get to use the centrepin on sunday
Although I've loved to use the pin in the past for float fishing, stalking carp, even Pike deabaiting and get on fine, it's a totally different game to be able to cast a light leger with some accuracy straight from the reel.
I too have wimped-out of risking a new swim with my probable futile attempts at Wallace-casting, and plumped for the fixed spool reel
Anyhow, with a decent fish under my belt I decided to give it a go for the last hour.
After a bit of (noisy) practice I was able to make a half reasonable cast, although not right across the other side of the river yet!
What I did find though, and seemingly the key to it, is not to try to cast too far.
I just concentrated on getting the technique of synching the line coming - off the reel and the swing correctly. I'm sure that when this is mastered, distance will come naturally (I hope!).
No, I didn't catch anything on the 'pin, but I did see enough "light at the end of the tunnel" to encourage me to persevere - I know it'll be worth it when I eventually get a Barbel on the end