center pins are great, I love mine, in fact its about all ill use for steelhead river fishing. but you have to be on top of your game. they don't have a drag and there not idiot proof. I would suggest a really long rod, mine is 11.5 foot. I also use only 8Lb. line and 6 Lb. tippet. you really have to fight the fish well, not a lot of room for error. if the water is stained ill go up to 10 Lb line but usually no larger than that as the fish can see the line. if its super clear ill go to 4 Lb tippet.