Old non-bearing 9/0 or Penn Mariner 49 for deep drop fishing

JA_Angler · August 21, 2014, 11:28:30 PM

Hey guys. I am targeting snappers in waters up to 800+ ft. I have a choice between a old Penn 9/0 (non-bearing, was left-handed but converted to right-handed) or a Penn 49 mariner (black sideplate, seems to be in good condition). I am leaning towards the 349 though I initially wanted the 9/0. Line being used is 500yd of 65/80lb PowerPro with 5-7lb sinker. Any suggested upgrades for either should be less than $30.00. Awaiting your guidance. I am getting either reel for $50.00. Kent

Shark Hunter · August 22, 2014, 01:18:45 AM

The Mariner is a good reel. A 5 to 7lb weight might just put it to the test. $30 to upgrade isn't very much. I would go with at least a stainless sleeve and new drags on the 9/0. JMO

Keta · August 22, 2014, 01:29:18 AM

49 or 349?

akfish · August 22, 2014, 03:26:31 AM

Maybe a 349 but definitely not a 49. And you need to realize that parts for the 349 are very hard to find -- and getting hard to find for the 49 as well.

Keta · August 22, 2014, 03:52:21 AM

I've got 10 349's now and a pile of parts so I will be fishing them and passing them down to my son.

Shark Hunter · August 22, 2014, 03:59:57 AM

I know the 349 is your area of expertise Lee, but is it really up to pulling up a 7lb weight from 800'?
I would choose the 9/0 just for capacity and drag. What kind of drag numbers can you get from a 349 on a $30 budget?

Keta · August 22, 2014, 04:25:15 AM

Quote from: Shark Hunter on August 22, 2014, 03:59:57 AM
I know the 349 is your area of expertise Lee, but is it really up to pulling up a 7lb weight from 800'?
I would choose the 9/0 just for capacity and drag. What kind of drag numbers can you get from a 349 on a $30 budget?

I do 48oz and 700' plus with them, 2.3:1 and 3.25:1 gear ratios and long handle arms make it easy. I can't remember what a 9+1 (as far as I know I'm the only one that has these) or 7+1 (Dawn sells 7+1 sets) 349 produces (they came with a 3 washer drag) for drag but I fish them with 50lb and get a very smooth 20 pounds.

The 6/0 and 9/0 are much stronger reels but not narrow.

Shark Hunter · August 22, 2014, 04:42:19 AM

I think the 349 is a fine reel. I have yet to add the Master Mariner to my Arsenal. I have a pair of Super Mariners. I am sure with the Budget JA is on. There is no way he can upgrade the 349 with a $30 Budget. A stock 9/0 with a 5 stack puts out about 25 lbs. That's the only reason I said 9/0. If he goes with just a basic drag upgrade, He can pull that off. With all the upgrades available, That reel can be turned into a 50lb reel. You just have to add a zero to his Budget.

Keta · August 22, 2014, 05:01:38 AM

The imposable to find aluminum spools for 349's sell for $80.00 and up.

conchydong · August 22, 2014, 11:55:02 AM

Use the 9/0. Several companies offer motor attachments for them. Cranking 5 lb weights from 800' will get old and you will come to appreciate the electric motor. Also as mentioned, parts are more readily available for 9/0s in addition to having the ability for greater drag and line capacity.

Alto Mare · August 22, 2014, 12:42:38 PM

I also vote for the 9/0. You've mentioned $30 budget, that won't get you much, I would at least upgrade the drags, unless you already have them in and a stainless steel sleeve, as Shark Hunter and Conchydong mentioned above. Akfish also makes a good point, the 349 parts are very hard to find and as I always said, I believe a narrowed 6/0 is a much better reel, but the kit alone is close to $200 $:-\$ .
Good luck with whatever you decide with the reel and on bringing those monsters to the boat.

Cone · August 22, 2014, 04:35:54 PM

Be careful the 9/0 bushing reels may have a three piece spool. If you use mono they have been known to have bad things happen to a three piece spool. My vote would be for a newer 9/0 with bearings.
Bob

Keta · August 22, 2014, 04:44:58 PM

Spectra eliminates most of this problem and is better for fishing deep.

CaptDavDavis01 · August 22, 2014, 05:36:47 PM

Get the 9/0.

Leave the 49/349 for a teaser reel. You would kill it on the first trip. It's got a 4/0 drag- not even close.

Alto Mare · August 22, 2014, 07:10:10 PM

Captain, don't compare the 49 to the 349, they're different animals. The 349 main gear is shorter than the 9/0 but wider, the pinion is also shorter but a little wider with a thicker wall. The 349 could handle the job, but as Akfish mentioned parts are very hard to find $:-\$ . By the way, I'm talking about the slower ratio gears.
With that said, I still like the narrowed 6/0 compared to the 349.