Penn 209 Shark Slayer

[pompano joe]

It's probably doesn't fit the forum's TANK criteria, but the results were truly amazing.  A college student named Johnny who comes by the shop regularly recently brought in a 209 that belonged to his dad.  He and a group of his buds from school are absolutely crazy about fishing and stand-outs on the local fishing forum (Pensacola Fishing Forum). 

The reel was in great shape, so it was a simple matter of cleaning her up and adding a few mods.  After disassembling and degreasing I put it all back together.  Additions were an older steel main gear, Carbontex fiber drag washers, Alan's stainless gear sleeve, 3 position SS long stroke power handle and aluminum jigging knob. Had to go back in and replace the original pinion gear that collapse at 15 pounds of drag.  I think we found the design limitation on that piece. 

The results...Sawyer, the ring-leader of "The Young Guns", as I like to call them, put a healthy 5 1/2 foot, 100+ pound Bull Shark on the beach with her.  These guys were super stoked.  I was just glad to be a part.

[foakes]

Hi Joe --

It's great to see the younger generation getting involved in fishing activities.

Great report & good job on that old 209.

How did the LW hold up -- or was it removed?

Hard for me to see how the nylon idler gear or LW would hold up in these conditions.

Best,

Fred

[Shark Hunter]

Awesome fish with an Awesome reel. Your reputation is well known in the gulf area Joe. I only make it there two or three times a year, but I have heard your name mentioned more than once.

[pompano joe]

How did the LW hold up -- or was it removed?

Level wind still intact!  So far, so good.

[pompano joe]

Awesome fish with an Awesome reel. Your reputation is well known in the gulf area Joe. I only make it there two or three times a year, but I have heard your name mentioned more than once.

Thanks!  Huge compliment coming from you!  Let me know next time you're in my area...we'll fry some fish!

[Bryan Young]

Very amazing...such a big shark with that reel.

[SacFly]

Cool job on the reel, and that shark pic is awesome.

[Dominick]

Wow!  I would have said it would not work.  I'm glad you did not fry it.  Good job.  Dominick

[DaBigOno]

Nice work!

Simply amazing!!

[Maxed Out]

Holy shaazam batman !!! Love the 209's,  I bet that was one fun battle with that beast. I know you are already planning on besting this catch, and why not I certainly would. I have no doubt you could go bigger, but I suggest a life vest in case it decides to pull you out to sea....I think that happened on gilligans island one time. lol

Another example of why penn reels hold more IFGA world records than all other reels combined.

[FatTuna]

That is a very impressive fish on a 209.

[alantani]

you know, joe, you're doing some really nice work!!!!!! 

[Alto Mare]

Joe has lots of friends, some told me about him and all had good things to say...nice work Joe.

[Tightlines667]

Photo of the month candidate here?

[alantani]

agreed!!!!!!