Which conventional to rebuild for surf fishing??

[TheReelGuy850]

Wanting to find a project reel to build for surf casting here in the panhandle.Any suggestions??I have plenty of time..so no rush to build.Just want a surf fishing tank that'll sling some lead

[txangler81]

The jigmasters seem to have the most aftermarket parts available. some of it depends on what you are fishing for.

[CapeFish]

A Shimano 15/30

[Slazmo]

A Aussie built "Sea Martin".

A pretty simplistic design that'll cop a flogging at the beach and you'llbe the only person with one on any stretch of beach.

[BMITCH]

Depends on what and how your gonna fish it. Up here in the NE I was using Newell 200 series. Really smooth and light. Great reel for both bait and lures. If you need magnetic cast control then there are any options. For this I was using squidders with mags installed. Good reel for bait and weight. If your looking to build one then maybe the jigmaster is the way to go. Lotsa parts available. If you build one share your success with us. Whatever you choose good luck!
Bob

[foakes]

Old school -- Squidders, , Surfmasters, Jigmasters

Current -- Squall or Slosh

For me, it boils down to simplicity and strength and ease of cleaning after being in the salt spray -- or maybe getting dunked.

Good Luck -- and share with some pics your chosen project.

Best,

Fred

[Bryan Young]

Also for old school, if you are looking for a lever drag, TLD5 or TLD10 are great choices.

New School Lever Drag:  Squall

[Aiala]

Don't see how you could go wrong with one of the classic Penn Mag Powers (970, 980, 990). They show up fairly regularly on fleaBay, and are terrific reels; just ask Sal! 

~A~

[steelfish]

my casting reel for baitfishing is a saltist 20h... not the best but cast like a champ and its all metal also really simple on the insides to clean regulary

[TheReelGuy850]

Well ladies and gentlemen i do believe after some long hard thinking i will go with the jigmaster Any hotrodding ideas??Just love those old MADE IN USA PENNS

[CooldadE]

Great starting point. You could go mild $ to wild $$$

[Shark Hunter]

SS Sleeve, 5 stack drag kit, steel gears and Tib Frame.

[foakes]

I agree with Daron -- and you should consider a power handle and crank since the SS sleeve, steels gears, and upgraded greased drag stack will handle most anything in the surf -- just need a good power crank with the proper angle for comfortable control.

Best,

Fred

[CooldadE]

I have three sizes of Jigmasters. 500 size, 99 size and 501 size. They all cast well but the narrower reels seem to cast better...

[TheReelGuy850]

Once i get m 309 lw hotrodded a bit and completed ill be searching for a jig master.Question??Whats the cost of the narrowed frame kit?And will it cast decent?Should i mag it??