259 long beach bait caster

[speedwagon2]

I have a long beach bait caster that I am planning to hot rod.  I have not taken it apart yet. Does this reel have bearings or bushings?  I believe jig master spools will fit this reel.  If this reel has bushings, which jig master spools will work?
  Thanks,  Dave Babcock(AKA Speedwagon2)

[Bryan Young]

Hi Dave,

The reel uses bushings, so you would use a Jigmaster 500 spool.

I have a 5 stack drag kit that fits in that reel perfectly to increase your drag range from 6-10 to 10-16 pounds, conservatively.

I narrowed my reels but have yet to use them...maybe this season for rock cod or halibut.

Bryan

[speedwagon2]

Bryan,
   Is there any real disadvantage to bushings?  I don't imagine one could convert to bearings. I know I fished with a lot of reels that had bushings when I was a kid.  My dad and grandfather had a lot of small conventional reels.  I would think a Newell replacement spool for a Jig Master would work in the 259.
   Thanks,  Dave Babcock

[Bryan Young]

I don't know about disadvantages,  but the advantages with bushing is no expensive bearing to replace, easier to maintain, and can get wet without worries.  If you are casting, you may loose a few yards but that's about it.  I love my 259.  It was my first ulua fishing reel.

[Shark Hunter]

I need to scratch that off my list. I need a 259 to love on too!