Penn Spinfisher 712

[Swampfox]

I have a Penn 712 spinfisher (greenie), and I want to throw got-cha plugs and spoons for Spanish Mackerel off piers here in NC. What needs to be done to make this reel braid ready? I was looking at spooling with 10 or 15lb braid to gain casting distance.

[pjstevko]

Contact Foakes on here.  He's the man

[1badf350]

You could either start with 20 feet of mono on the spool, or wrap electrical tape on the spool arbor to give the braid something to bite into.
You could also do both.

[drumbum]

Underfilling a bit and being vigilant with checking line after bail closes is about all you can do.

[JasonGotaProblem]

A lot of typing has been expended on the topic of braid to spools. We seem to have come to the consensus that it's entirely unnecessary to do tape or mono backing as long as the knot is tied "underhand" but I'm not willing to go down that rabbit hole again.

Plan on shimming the spool to adjust line lay, and make sure the line roller and spool lip aren't scratched.

Other than that just make sure you have a swivel on the lure as braid seems more likely to suffer twist knots (I refuse to call them wind knots because that's not what they are).

[oc1]

Penn designed the 712 greenie for mono.  But, it came out before they realized that the plastic spool could break if the mono was wound too tightly (like during a prolonged fish fight). Oops.  It is a classic reel but was also a learning experience that Penn did not correct until coming out with the black and gold aluminum spool of later generations.  You won't have any trouble using it with mono for Spanish, but there is always the possibility you could hook a king or cobia.

The trouble with switching it to braid is that it will hold way more 10-15 lb. braid than you could ever possibly need.  You might want to consider using 40 lb braid that will be easier on the hands and have a more realistic line capacity. 

I would go with a 716 greenie.  It has an aluminum spool, bullet-proof internals, lighter weight, and enough line capacity for what you want to do.

[Midway Tommy]

Heed what Steve suggested, but you might want to look into purchasing a 712 aluminum or maybe even 712Z spool. They will tolerate braid much better than the early 712 plastic spools.

[JasonGotaProblem]

but there is always the possibility you could hook a king or cobia.

The trouble with switching it to braid is that it will hold way more 10-15 lb. braid than you could ever possibly need. 

Steve you're far more knowledgeable and experienced than myself. Far be it from me to question your wisdom. But these 2 statements contradict each other.

[foakes]

The Penn 712's are one of the best reels ever produced by any manufacturer.

Early greenies had a plastic spool —- when Penn realized their mistake in using the "Tupperware" spools —- they quickly switched to a silver aluminum spool very shortly after introduction.

If you need a lot of line capacity —- just tie off the braid to the aluminum spool.

If less line capacity is OK for your usage —- use some mono for about 30 yards as a spacer below the braid on an aluminum spool.

When using braid, some folks may not agree with me on this —- but the weakest link is the line roller.  It will "groove out over time" with the stock Penn roller.

The surefire remedy is to install a DAM Quick line roller.  These are made of Tungsten-Carbide, which is the same material used in industrial applications for drill bits to be used on steel and SS.

They fit perfectly, and will outlast and perform much smoother and better —- because the braid cannot groove them —- thus causing premature braid failure or wear.

Otherwise, you are good to go with a great reel.

Best Regards, Fred

[oc1]

but there is always the possibility you could hook a king or cobia.

The trouble with switching it to braid is that it will hold way more 10-15 lb. braid than you could ever possibly need. 

Steve you're far more knowledgeable and experienced than myself. Far be it from me to question your wisdom. But these 2 statements contradict each other.

Yeah, you're right.  I'm mostly full of B.S..  The thoughts were tempered by a lot of years/hours casting at spanish from piers withuut ever hooking that king or cobia. 

I used to struggle with selecting gear that is either (1) appropriate for the task at hand and comfortable to use or (2) stout enough to handle that once-in-a-lifetime fish that never seems to come along.  I decided that being stripped and humiliated by something too big to stop would be an adventure in itself and almost as good as catching a fish. In the meantime, I'll be comfortable.  Comfort is way under-appreciated. 

Time is running out.  76 years old and still waiting for that big one.  To date, the only time I've been stripped was when I was casting at bonefish and accidentally snagged a 40-inch diameter Green Sea Turtle.

[oldmanjoe]

I have a Penn 712 spinfisher (greenie), and I want to throw got-cha plugs and spoons for Spanish Mackerel off piers here in NC. What needs to be done to make this reel braid ready? I was looking at spooling with 10 or 15lb braid to gain casting distance.

My personal feeling is you would do better with 15 plus pounds of braid .  There are a lot of posts of were fire wire brand was the braid to use . Than there is the modified  crosswind  slides to help braid spool with less hourglass effect .   Short version 20 -25 pound braid is more supple than momo and will get you out there  .

[1badf350]

Penn designed the 712 greenie for mono.  But, it came out before they realized that the plastic spool could break if the mono was wound too tightly (like during a prolonged fish fight). Oops.  It is a classic reel but was also a learning experience that Penn did not correct until coming out with the black and gold aluminum spool of later generations.  You won't have any trouble using it with mono for Spanish, but there is always the possibility you could hook a king or cobia.

The trouble with switching it to braid is that it will hold way more 10-15 lb. braid than you could ever possibly need.  You might want to consider using 40 lb braid that will be easier on the hands and have a more realistic line capacity. 

I would go with a 716 greenie.  It has an aluminum spool, bullet-proof internals, lighter weight, and enough line capacity for what you want to do.

From what I've seen only the very earliest 712/713 had a plastic spool. Penn corrected it pretty quickly with the silver aluminum spool.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Sounds like an intact plastic one would have some collectors value.