Say i take a surfmaster 100, give it steel gears, steel sleeve, 5 stack, an aluminum spool, and aluminum crossbars (to be ordered from PC).
What's a good target range for that? I figured I'd load it with 30# braid. I dont think it'll handle much heavier than that.
I currently possess all but the spool and frame bars.
Functionally that's prolly it, but 30 may creep into the spool flange depending on your tolerances. 50 may work better but I wouldn't button it down on a grouper...steel or not, the teeth and gear itself are still small.
thorhammer is right, I do not go by pound test when spooling Spectra on older reels, diameter is more important. I would suggest 50-60 pound and it will be thinner than 20# mono. You can fish it with 20-30 pound mono/fluro topshots.
I fish my surfmasters as 20# reels, even the Tib framed one.
JasonGotaProblem;
I run 40lb Kast King Super Power braid on all my Delmar's and my Squidder's with a 50lb mono shock leader...3oz weight plus bait (chunk). The Delmar's can go 75 yards on a good day with 7-8 foot med heavy and heavy rods, The Squidder's will go 100 yards plus with a 12" med heavy rod. I am not trying to break the rod when I cast...just a nice smooth angling up sidearm cast does the job.
The 40lb Super Power braid measures .015" compared to 20lb mono that I have that measures .016". The braid manufacturer says the measurement is .30mm measurement (or about .012").
I have used the 20lb mono and the 40lb braid on my Squidder's and the distance casting is about the same on average....but I am not shooting for the moon. I use the 40lb braid for fishing.
In all my years of fishing I have never had line creep into the spool flange with any Penn conventional reel, casting or dropping....but thats not saying it wont happen.
Keta is correct...fish the diameter of line that works best for you. I have found that .015/.016 braid works well for me and that is about the minimum that I would use on the old Penns, but that is not written in stone. All you can do is test your reel with 30lb braid and see if it works for you...if not go 40lb.... or more.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 27, 2023, 01:00:55 PMSay i take a surfmaster 100, give it steel gears, steel sleeve, 5 stack, an aluminum spool, and aluminum crossbars (to be ordered from PC).
What's a good target range for that? I figured I'd load it with 30# braid. I dont think it'll handle much heavier than that.
I currently possess all but the spool and frame bars.
Jason, I have been using a 100 Surfmaster this season with 65 pound braid and 30 foot 100 pound test mono leader. I fish in boulder fields and the heavy line with a light drag is the only way I have found to prevent a big striped bass from taking me into the rocks and cutting me off. No way you can stop the fish and if the drag is tight it just makes it easier for the fish to cut it on a barnacle covered rock. The reel is up to the task of taking 40 pound plus fish. I probably use about five pounds of drag.
John
I may not get to do the spool any time soon. My mortgage just went up $600 a month. Surprise! I think any tackle purchases in the next month or so might get me stabbed in my sleep.
I'll spool up the bronze spool and see what I can do to.it.
let us know how it turns out.
I'm just gonna dump these here...
If you would like to buy a slightly lighter weight aluminum spool with slightly more line capacity for half the price I have a good used tested true made in the USA Newell spool for your 100.
Looks mean. The surfmasters are pretty close to indestructible. The antidote to finicky ball bearing loaded reels from the Pacific rim.
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on August 30, 2023, 06:01:32 AMIf you would like to buy a slightly lighter weight aluminum spool with slightly more line capacity for half the price I have a good used tested true made in the USA Newell spool for your 100.
man I wish I'd waited. I sold that 704z spool and immediately went and ordered the 100 spool from PC. Thanks for the offer though.
not to steal , but if jason for sure doesn't want newell 100 spool Randy, i will take it farmer56
Sorry about that Jason. I will try to be quicker next time.
Dennis, I am sending you a PM to avoid hijacking Jason's thread.
Thank you,
Randy
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on August 30, 2023, 04:01:54 PMSorry about that Jason. I will try to be quicker next time.
Dennis, I am sending you a PM to avoid hijacking Jason's thread.
Thank you,
Randy
No apology needed, I appreciate the offer. And I am a chronic hijacker of threads (usually unintentionally) so I'll never be mad at someone for hijacking mine.
Re the reel shown above, I put exactly 240yds of 50# jbraid on it. It could have fit more, but that was all there was left on that spool from filling a different reel.
Suggestion- I take out the stock clamp assembly and keep it intact, and install SS screws with nylocs on the stand cut to correct length as a stud using that OEM strap clamp, then and use SS acorn nuts on the clamp. Much lower profile that doesn't hang on stuff and all available at hardware bigbox. I think I use 10-24 scews / nuts. Alternatively, cut screws as is, and use Penn torque clamp and capture nuts- the aluminum clamp is half the price of the graphite one and slotted to fit about everything.
Jason , farmer56 here , now that i not only tried to hyjack but also now will tell you trivial info that will help you ZERO ,, my favorite reel is the 100 followed by the Penn 180 ... lite in the hand ,, brass bushings help with backlashes . Just the right capacity with 50 lb. Jerry Brown line for trolling Mn. waters for big Northern Pike . I have never wanted more drag either ... sorry for side track ..Dennis retired ex-farmer
Sidetracking is usualy not a issue here.
So I decided to make frame bars for this guy. I spent 2 hours on one bar. Probably not worth the effort. But i did it. I started with a brass 505 bar and cut it down. Yes it would be easier to start with a 506 bar but i have zero of those and about 20 505 bars so that was an easy choice. After cutting I drilled and tapped the side i cut. That was a pain. But im happy with the result. However given how long it took I'm not excited about doing the other side. Anyone ever hear of a reel only having one bar?
Quote from: thorhammer on August 30, 2023, 07:53:59 PMSuggestion- I take out the stock clamp assembly and keep it intact, and install SS screws with nylocs on the stand cut to correct length as a stud using that OEM strap clamp, then and use SS acorn nuts on the clamp. Much lower profile that doesn't hang on stuff and all available at hardware bigbox. I think I use 10-24 scews / nuts. Alternatively, cut screws as is, and use Penn torque clamp and capture nuts- the aluminum clamp is half the price of the graphite one and slotted to fit about everything.
Another side-track: John could you possibly post a picture of your clamp arrangement. Can't get a visual in my minds eye, but it sounds cool.
That came out great. I have thought of doing it, but I don't trust myself to get the holes perfect. If you do make another, make a little dimple for the take down screw or it will be a bit proud.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 27, 2023, 01:00:55 PMSay i take a surfmaster 100, give it steel gears, steel sleeve, 5 stack, an aluminum spool, and aluminum crossbars (to be ordered from PC).
What's a good target range for that? I figured I'd load it with 30# braid. I dont think it'll handle much heavier than that.
I currently possess all but the spool and frame bars.
https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,26074.msg295284.html#msg295284
Posts #1 & #10.
40lb...12lbs max drag. Fished as such for over 10 years.
YMMV...
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 31, 2023, 03:27:30 AMSo I decided to make frame bars for this guy. I spent 2 hours on one bar. Probably not worth the effort. But i did it. I started with a brass 505 bar and cut it down. Yes it would be easier to start with a 506 bar but i have zero of those and about 20 505 bars so that was an easy choice. After cutting I drilled and tapped the side i cut. That was a pain. But im happy with the result. However given how long it took I'm not excited about doing the other side. Anyone ever hear of a reel only having one bar?
That turned out great but stop kidding yourself, the first time you take it fishing, you'll pack up in ten minutes to go spend the time putting the other bar in proper. Takes one to know one.
Quote from: Gfish on August 31, 2023, 04:56:15 AMQuote from: thorhammer on August 30, 2023, 07:53:59 PMSuggestion- I take out the stock clamp assembly and keep it intact, and install SS screws with nylocs on the stand cut to correct length as a stud using that OEM strap clamp, then and use SS acorn nuts on the clamp. Much lower profile that doesn't hang on stuff and all available at hardware bigbox. I think I use 10-24 scews / nuts. Alternatively, cut screws as is, and use Penn torque clamp and capture nuts- the aluminum clamp is half the price of the graphite one and slotted to fit about everything.
Another side-track: John could you possibly post a picture of your clamp arrangement. Can't get a visual in my minds eye, but it sounds cool.
I think this is what he is suggesting? I did not have to cut the studs, and already had acorn nuts.
I rarely clamp this size reel but every reel larger.
Quote from: Keta on August 31, 2023, 01:11:30 PMI rarely clamp this size reel but every reel larger.
x2
Im actually took all the clamp studs, screws, etc out from the reelseat base.
I also only use clamps on reels 4/0 size and larger, except from my Mak15 which is the size of a jigmaster but lot more stronger
that reel is looking good Jason, you should go for the 2nd DIY bar
I failed to mention i drilled about 3/8" into my right index finger with a very tiny drill bit by doing something i already knew better than to do. Tonight is my last night to prep for my trip Saturday. I'll probably cut the next bar next week.
I will fish it with one bar and posts on the other side. We'll see how it goes.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 31, 2023, 12:50:34 PMQuote from: Gfish on August 31, 2023, 04:56:15 AMQuote from: thorhammer on August 30, 2023, 07:53:59 PMSuggestion- I take out the stock clamp assembly and keep it intact, and install SS screws with nylocs on the stand cut to correct length as a stud using that OEM strap clamp, then and use SS acorn nuts on the clamp. Much lower profile that doesn't hang on stuff and all available at hardware bigbox. I think I use 10-24 scews / nuts. Alternatively, cut screws as is, and use Penn torque clamp and capture nuts- the aluminum clamp is half the price of the graphite one and slotted to fit about everything.
that's a nyloc (which is just fine) but yes that's the idea. I use nylocs against the stand because they won't vibrate loose like stock, and acorns with blue loctite on clamp itself.
Another side-track: John could you possibly post a picture of your clamp arrangement. Can't get a visual in my minds eye, but it sounds cool.
I think this is what he is suggesting? I did not have to cut the studs, and already had acorn nuts.
I gotta say this Pro Challenger spool is a thing of beauty.
Also: ordered Tuesday installed Friday. Can't argue with an order turnaround like that.
JasonGotaProblem;
Your right it is a thing of beauty way too nice to fish. You should send it to me for "safe keeping". ;D
I ended up reinstalling the posts. I made a new frame bar, and in trying to fine tune it I realized my cut wasnt as square as it looked. Which made me realize my original one also wasn't as square as it first looked.
I've now ruined 4 jigmaster frame bars (thankfully none were new all were quite scratched), only to decide that I'm gonna just order the PC frame bars next time i sell something.
Anyone wanna buy a 704Z spool? It worked out nicely last time.
Chui's spools are sweet.
So I cut the studs to size. Only reason I'm using a rod clamp on a reel this size is because it's on a trigger seat so it's not metal on both sides. And I have spares. Plus I tend to be an idiot and push things past their intended range. All in the name of science, of course. I moved the 50# braid to the new spool. I have a 20# flouro leader thats ready to get bumped up to 30# or higher the first time that it fails. But i wanna start light. The bite is hotter when the lines are thinner. Or something like that.
JasonGotaProblem; Coming along nicely and I am still interested in your line weights that you are using...so keep reporting on that if you will.
Where do you intend to fish that reel? I lived in Tampa and Lutz many years ago and fished Clearwater, the Gandy, etc, and heavy lines were not so much needed...pretty "clean" fishing. The only time I used heavy lines and steel leaders was for shark fishing. Up here 40 lb (braid with a 50 lb mono shock leader) sometimes much more is about the minimum that I use on the big rivers....nothing but riffraff....hard fishing....snags and breakoffs are the norm.
Speaking of trigger seats. I had never used a trigger seat until a few years ago when I started making my own attachments for the purpose. My old hands where having a heck of a time controlling the cast and the trigger attachment sure help that out a lot. Now I use nothing but.....
My immediate plan is to take it offshore (Atlantic side) tomorrow to target some snapper at the shallower depths of where this trip is going.
Longer term, i dunno. I've said in the past that no matter how small/light a setup is, regardless it's primary target, it's also a snook rig, and if it's not capable of that it's not worth using (my daiwa SS700, My shimano MLZ10 and bantam 100, all also a snook rig but more skill is required)). Now as my collection drifts toward larger stuff and I'm starting to go offshore, I have to revise that to everything doubles as either a snook rig or a grouper rig. Not that I couldn't use a 9/0 senator or an LT100 on a snook, but that moves away from the intent, which is to catch big fish on light tackle).
So I figure it'll see use inshore for live bait at times where I think a jigmaster would be overkill. It might go to the beach to target sharks and tarpon etc. I gotta try it out a bit to see where it fits in my Arsenal.
JasonGotaProblem; Please report back in when your trip is done...this is very interesting to me.
I love any reel based on a 30-49 stand and have the 100 146 501 506 49 in my arsenal. When I fish the Boynton inlet for snook I switch between the 100 and the 506, I gravitate towards the 506 more because of the higher gear ratio. The 100 with just the carbon fiber upgrade is solid and you have even better with the 5 stack so that's a very capable reel.
Quote from: Flat Top on September 08, 2023, 02:48:13 PMJasonGotaProblem; Please report back in when your trip is done...this is very interesting to me.
I second this! You're close to my neck of the woods
PM me I still have at least one.
Is this about the 704Z spool? Can you post pictures, tell me the price? I don't want to haggle, just want a good spool at a fair price.
Thx
Quote from: OhReely on September 29, 2023, 03:50:50 PMIs this about the 704Z spool? Can you post pictures, tell me the price? I don't want to haggle, just want a good spool at a fair price.
Thx
Didn't wanna derail the thread which is why i suggested pm. No need to haggle. NIB spool $50. Last one got a free drag cap, suspect yours will too. I can post pics tonight if you want.
Oh okay I understand. No pix needed, what you say is enough. I'll send PM with my address, you can give me payment details. Thank you.
As promised, that spool sale immediately caused a chain reaction that ended in me ordering that set of PC bars. Party on.
I have been using a Surfmaster this season ( a 200 that I made into a 100). I think you will be happy with the reel. Simple and very rugged. I fish mine with 65 pound braid. Only down side is 3:1 retrieve. I like a counterbalanced Jigmaster 24-66 handle on mine after trying out a few different handles. You really want to be able to crank it fast when a fish runs toward you!
I learned something new again. Thank you! The Penn Surfmaster 100 is a nice alternative to the Squidder 146. ;) I recently saw a hotrod Frankenstein 100. ::) :al
I still havent gotten a chance to throw a cast on this fella yet. Life gets in the way. Maybe I'll put it on a surf rod and walk over to the lake this weekend.
It's just been so stormy lately. I forget that elsewhere in the country there's such thing as rain storms that aren't thunderstorms. Here if its raining you don't wanna hold a fishing rod.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on September 30, 2023, 01:20:48 PMI still havent gotten a chance to throw a cast on this fella yet. Life gets in the way. Maybe I'll put it on a surf rod and walk over to the lake this weekend.
It's just been so stormy lately. I forget that elsewhere in the country there's such thing as rain storms that aren't thunderstorms. Here if its raining you don't wanna hold a fishing rod.
Thats a great looking reel! Have you had a chance to cast it yet? Do you plan on fishing bait or artificials?
I have a Penn Surfmaster 100 that have all original parts except new ht100s and I still use it today. I put 50# to 65# braid or 25# mono on mine. I often use it for casting lures in the surf for Stripers but I often caught Bluefish. :o :P
I love my Surfmaster reels. ;D
Quote from: Surfrat on October 21, 2023, 11:35:16 AMI have a Penn Surfmaster 100 that have all original parts except new ht100s and I still use it today. I put 50# to 65# braid or 25# mono on mine. I often use it for casting lures in the surf for Stripers but I often caught Bluefish. :o :P
I love my Surfmaster reels. ;D
What's the lightest lure you can cast with it in a no wind situation?
I did finally get to throw a few casts. I'm a bit out of practice and was a bit to conservative with my thumb to prevent ratnests, but I was throwing 6oz about 70yds pretty comfortably, with definite room for improvement as I get less rusty.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on October 21, 2023, 12:56:09 PMI did finally get to throw a few casts. I'm a bit out of practice and was a bit to conservative with my thumb to prevent ratnests, but I was throwing 6oz about 70yds pretty comfortably, with definite room for improvement as I get less rusty.
👍 Are you wanting to target snook with that weight on the end? I only ask because I think I read that you prefer to freeline or use splitshot. I was curious if you could cast a freelined shrimp far without backlashing.
I am being nosey because I fish for barramundi which are very similar to snook.. Ive just bought a squidder jr but havent had a chance to fish it yet (have a newborn at home and dont want to risk a divorce just yet ;)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/17471-081023145622-383432237.gif)
I can not help my self So here I go . Jason is trying to knock them out with a 6 0z sinker than scoop them up with a net .... You two are in the same boat with new born babies , and a sever reel fetish , that risks the threat of divorce from your wives ... MY kind of guys !!
Ok back under my rock I go .
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/17471-071023152911-383221414.gif)
Haha thanks for the laugh
No I was just trying to see what the reel could do, and that's the ideal weight for the surf rod i had it on for testing. I do think there's a lower limit to the size of lure this spool can throw. When i get a chance I'll tie on a half oz sinker on a more appropriate rod and see what happens. My opportunities are limited. My creatively mischievous baby is 10 months now and she's a handful. My first was so calm and well behaved. This one's a cute little hurricane.
Barramundi looks so much like a snook it feels like a conspiracy to hide the fact that they're actually the same fish. They're also delicious.
10 months already! Think about something like an ink pad. You could put both of your fingerprints on a rod blank and take it from there.
On my 7ft rod, I cast 3/4oz to 2oz. On my 9ft rod, I cast 2oz to 4oz. The lightest on my 7ft rod with no wind was 1/2oz and a float. I was using 30lb braid with mono backing. I have used the penn 100 on musky, pike, and largemouth bass on another 7ft rod. :fish
Cute baby girl, Jason!
:) :) That is a Hallmark picture rite there . The adoring eyes ...
@Jason She is beautiful, congratulations. I am interested in hearing how you go casting 1/2oz.
@Surfrat Wow thanks for that detailed reply. That gives me some hope. I want to use my 146 for casting as light as 1/2 to 3/4oz. I don't normally need to cast too far. I've always used an ambassadeur and was hoping for similar performance.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on October 21, 2023, 02:09:41 PMNo I was just trying to see what the reel could do, and that's the ideal weight for the surf rod i had it on for testing. I do think there's a lower limit to the size of lure this spool can throw. When i get a chance I'll tie on a half oz sinker on a more appropriate rod and see what happens. My opportunities are limited. My creatively mischievous baby is 10 months now and she's a handful. My first was so calm and well behaved. This one's a cute little hurricane.
Barramundi looks so much like a snook it feels like a conspiracy to hide the fact that they're actually the same fish. They're also delicious.
I really love that picture brother, it actually had me in tears!
My little girl, is no longer little, she's 20!
Enjoy the heck out of it while you can. Kids really do, grow up way too fast now!
Amazing, just how quickly time passes these days!
farmer56 here, Jason you are one lucky family. she is just a sweetheart.
First fish for my 100. A 3' black tip. Fight was over in less than a minute. He was no match for the 5 stack.
Also first shark I'm keeping to eat. Brian says they're tasty. I cleaned him fast. We'll see.
Congratulations on your awesome catch! ;D How did you caught it?
Over in a minute, huh lol!
Must've had a little heavier rod with you, no?
Sharks are awesome eating!
You could just steak it up, and then blackened or even smoked!
Oh my goodness, I've just been dying, to get myself a piece of Striper!
Hard to get one in between 28 and 31 inches, here in New Jersey, when you want one lol!
Try to catch a legal(slot) one for the table, then all you can catch, are giant overs lol
Quote from: Surfrat on November 11, 2023, 09:40:32 PMCongratulations on your awesome catch! ;D How did you caught it?
Mullet and a bobber to keep it out of the weeds. I met this shark earlier in the day when he bit off all but the head of my first catch of the day.
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on November 11, 2023, 09:51:46 PMOver in a minute, huh lol!
Must've had a little heavier rod with you, no?
Sharks are awesome eating!
You could just steak it up, and then blackened or even smoked!
Oh my goodness, I've just been dying, to get myself a piece of Striper!
Hard to get one in between 28 and 31 inches, here in New Jersey, when you want one lol!
Try to catch a legal(slot) one for the table, then all you can catch, are giant overs lol
That's worse than the 28-32 snook slot. I only have one surf conventional rod and it's fairly heavy duty.
I think it'll be made into Trinidadian shark n bake. But a gluten free version.
How was the Trinidadian shark n bake?
Still a future dish. Sharky is in the freezer currently