Penn 209 Shark Slayer

[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.

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

I will take you up on that Buddy!

[Newell Nut]

Nice work Joe and the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. Good Luck to you catching more of those sharks.

[Keta]

....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....

They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.

[Tightlines667]

....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....

They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.

Also, if the fishermen... and his finger... are not one of the slow speed models

[Keta]

....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....

They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.

Also, if the fishermen... and his finger... are not one of the slow speed models

They do hurt when they get a finger.

[fIsHsTiiCkS]

....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....

They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.

Even though most stay away from a levelwind. If everything is well greased and the drag is smoooth then the levelwind rarely has any issues unless as Lee said it's a fish that makes crazy runs like a tuna.

[steelfish]

wow.. thats a really big shark for this small reel.

no wonder I have a friend that use 4 of them everytime he's on the water.

[Newell Nut]

They are tough little reels. We have a couple on the party boat with the level wind broken off and they work great.

[Keta]

My largest salmon was caught on a much smaller Mag 10 LW, 42#.  Not nearly in the same class as this shark.

[tristan]

That's an amazing catch on that reel!

How's the gearing on the 309?   Any tougher than the 209?

[long haired country boy]

hey pompano joe, sometimes when you are not busy & have a minute, could you call me so as I can pick your mind. I am interested in building a 209 to "shark fish" with. 912-288-0743. Thanks.                    long haired country boy

[foakes]

Welcome, CB --

A 209 will land a shark, as you have seen -- but that is not typical, or the percentage bet for that reel.

The reel and main and pinion will handle a shark, if all of the factors fall in place -- however, the level line guide will be a weak link, IMO -- particularly if the line orientation from the lowest rod guide -- to the spool is at a angle compared to lining up straight -- due to the guide not in sync.  And the worm, pawl, worm gear, idler gear, and adjustment screws are all at risk.

If you are ready for this -- go for it -- and hope I am wrong.

Or remove the level line apparatus completely --

Or use a Long Beach, Senator, Jigmaster, etc. -- beefed up as you wish -- this would be my choice and consideration.

Any fish can be landed with any reel -- and it is a lot of fun -- but if looking for consistant results -- another reel may be a better choice.

Just my opinion...

Best,

Fred

[Rancanfish]

Fred's right,  but I just have to say there is no more fun than riding the edge of being over matched.

We were catching more rays than anything one day shark fishing in SF Bay.  The sharks weren't biting but the rays were on fire.

I tossed out a Penn Levelmatic with 12lb test and was down to the spool about three times before getting a 45lb ray to the boat. Yeehah that was fun. Let the drag and pole do the work. And that was with the old leather drags.

But boy that's a big shark....

[thorhammer]

I have to say, always thought a solid bar like is available for Abu to take out LW would be a great idea for 209 / 210.

[rippin_lips]

It's been my experience that sharks don't always require heavy gear. There is always that one pissed off shark that won't quit, but many are lazy. I have landed 3-4 foot bull sharks while trout fishing with a 6 foot spinning rod and 10 lb mono using a circle hook. That being said, you don't get to choose if a 5 foot or 15 foot shark takes your bait.