penn reels - California Fishing

1toughfish · 08-14-2004, 04:21 PM

getting a new reel. most likely a conventional. and of course a penn. anybody have suggestions?

cst · 08-14-2004, 04:54 PM

Penn Jigmaster 500

it will handle 25-30# tests beautifully.

if you want a lighter reel get a shimano of one sort or another. Price range would be helpful too. and do you want level wind or are you ok without it.

1toughfish · 08-14-2004, 04:56 PM

yeah i was thinking about that one...

jstcrzyengh · 08-14-2004, 06:12 PM

What are you fishing for? What lb line do you want to use?

1toughfish · 08-14-2004, 06:16 PM

basically in between 10-35 lb line and all kinds of stuff. can that reel handle an albacore?

cst · 08-14-2004, 07:58 PM

im sure if you get the acuframe and replace the drags and washers it will hold up just fine.

jstcrzyengh · 08-15-2004, 10:23 PM

There is no such reel that will fish the lines you want to fish. For saltwater you are literally looking at 6-8 reels. Not just 1. The 500 is great reel for 20-30, with 25 being perfect. It will hold some god awful amount of 10lb test like 2000 yards. at .03 cents a yard you are looking at $60.00 to put 10lb test on a reel wit ha drag system not capable of being that smooth. I would look at hookuptackle and ask jon, he can hook you up with some low cost quality reels.

FishSlayer · 08-15-2004, 11:35 PM

Also dont be afaid to buy a used Penn reel, try some local tackle shops or a Swap Meet. A lot of landings will sell their old rental gear for a good price, if you can get a used Penn reel for under $20 bucks do it. As long as it still turns you can get the drag washers and bearings replaced cheaply at a tackle shop that does repairs.

fishinkid · 09-01-2004, 10:55 PM

i would go with a penn 535 these are a great reel with a great drag for 15 to 25 pound line and you can get a used one for about 90 bucks. or get a 505 not the500 jigmaster and put some accurate parts on it but the 505 i hard to get at times because penn does not make it anymore

cst · 09-02-2004, 10:58 AM

i found this reel. it has a little rust around the outside of the spool and other then that, i cant see anything wrong from looking at the outside only. its a Penn Peer #309. Is it any good? if i keep it im going to have to get a new spool and switch the drags so i probobly wont keep it unless it is of some use to me.

jstcrzyengh · 09-02-2004, 11:24 AM

The Problem with that 309, and with OLD skool Jigmasters is that the spool spreads if line is put on by a machine at a tackle store. Making it harder to cast and crank, if not impossible. If they sell the hardened aluminum spools for it than upgrade and go from there.

fishinkid · 09-02-2004, 12:14 PM

the only thing i would trust those 309's with is rockies

FishSlayer · 09-03-2004, 12:03 PM

Take it to a tackle shop and get it cleaned up and repaired for 20 bucks, then put the line on it yourself. Use it on the pier...

cst · 09-03-2004, 10:28 PM

i rather not repair that crappy reel lol.

fishinkid · 09-04-2004, 05:13 PM

save the 20 bucks and use it to get a new reel