Once again I find myself converting a reel to "99" sizing...it's just a very comfortable size I guess...at least for our fishing around here. I wanted this reel compact, fairly light, and very strong. It sure feels like I'm there, this reel feels super solid.
The first photo shows what I started with, just your run of the mill 259. Most of the corrosion was on the posts and stand, so the Tiburon frame and spool kit took care of that. The second pic shows all the parts laid out for assembly. Although there is a stock dog pictured, I actually used a Keta's Kustom ss dog. I also used a Pro Challenger ss gear sleeve and Bryan's 5 stack. The astute may also note the brass top washer and different first carbontex washer in the drag stack. I pilfered two washers from Bryan's kit for a future project, and replaced them with stock items. Combine that with the added thickness of a #10-66 star and there's no need for the wave washer. The last two photos show the finished reel.
I'm confident this one can take every pound Bryan's five stack can generate. After I spool it up I'll make a few pulls and see what she can do. 8)
Here is a front and rear view of the 259/99 River King. 8)
That is very nice!!
Mo: That is a nice reel there bud! ;D
ZJoe
That's one beautiful sleeper.
I got the reel spooled up with 30lb. mono and tested the drag. Testing went well...I got 19lbs. locked down finger tight from the top of the spool. I've got enough headroom to fish 40lb. mono if needed, but I really prefer 30lb. with the drag set at 10-12lbs. I was a bit worried about my main gear...as its not my favorite type steel gear. I like the moly coated gears, and this one is chromium plated. If you zoom on the parts pic in the first post you'll see where the plating has flaked off inside the gear. I was worried this might affect smoothness of the drag, but if it has any bearing, I'm missing it. This 5 stack is as smooth as all my others.
The first pic shows that chromium steel gear and an Acetal under gear washer mounted on Pro Challenger's ss gear sleeve. I used one shim under the sleeve for a precise fit. The second photo shows the scale after testing, and the third pic is the "money shot". All dressed up with pink 30lb. Ande and ready for action! 8)
Mo I think that's some sort of 1/0 Grouper Special Junior you just built. really nice. I'm a 259 fan.
WELL DONE SIR!!
Mike
That's a whole lot of drag.
Quote from: Bryan Young on January 31, 2017, 08:50:52 PM
That's a whole lot of drag.
For this size reel, I agree Bryan. All the other reels I've done with this #5-60 gear made 15-18lbs. tops. I think with a little line ran off the spool this reel would make 20lbs. Its not really important that it maintain that number long either...as I don't fish for anything big enough to run with that much drag. I'd be using that to lift one glued to the bottom. Actually, I can't see me ever buttoning it down. 8)
Great little reel there.
Nice reel Mo,you should be able to cross the eyes of a few cats with that. 99 is a nice size. Sheridan
Darn it MO......another project on the self imposed Honey Do list of reels I have to build..... Im gonna have to take another job just to support this list....another Home Run brother....definitely a Cool Beans Project....Bill
Very nice build, top shelf.
You never know, you may need it for a big snapper if it picks up your bait :D
Thanks folks for taking a look...and the nice comments! 8)
Great job on a great reel! Very nice indeed.
I'll be taking this reel out on the river next weekend, hope I can hook something big enough to make him sweat. I spooled up with this new "catfish" line...sure looks cool! 8)
This awesome acrylic knob looks right at home on the River King with it's orange mono. Hope it don't spook the hillbillies down at the dam...HA!! 8)
stunning
MO; do you have two knobs? The second picture looks like a longer knob.
Joe
Quote from: Reel 224 on July 10, 2018, 06:16:58 PM
MO; do you have two knobs? The second picture looks like a longer knob.
Joe
Hmm...must be camera angle...only have one knob! The top photo is looking down on the knob resting at an angle, shortens the image.
Wow Mo, can't say I've seen a more stunning 259. The orange "catfish mono" is perfect fit and congrats on finding a worthy reel for that amazing custom orange "Lou knob".
"A worthy reel"...that's the key words buddy! I've been waiting patiently for Pro Challenger to restock the orange 501 spools, but Alan told me a few days ago that orange would not return. Well, that sorta threw a blanket over the project I had envisioned for Lou's handle knob. I had it out yesterday, admiring it again, and looked over and saw that River King with it's glowing orange line. Watcha call it? An epiphany? ;D
mo ... farmer 56 here .... i believe i have an orange spool but jigmaster 501 size .... yours for the asking ..... at sons place now enjoying new grandson born 7-6-18 added this mo did you mean 501 or 99 size
Quote from: farmer56 on July 11, 2018, 03:13:43 PM
mo ... farmer 56 here .... i believe i have an orange spool but jigmaster 501 size .... yours for the asking ..... at sons place now enjoying new grandson born 7-6-18 added this mo did you mean 501 or 99 size
It was a 501 orange spool That Pro Challenger made...you have that one? Name a price for it, or maybe we can trade, I have a few parts hanging around.
Quote from: farmer56 on July 11, 2018, 03:13:43 PM
mo ... farmer 56 here .... i believe i have an orange spool but jigmaster 501 size .... yours for the asking ..... at sons place now enjoying new grandson born 7-6-18 added this mo did you mean 501 or 99 size
Really cool of you Dennis! And congratulations on your new grandson!!
....farmer 56, congrats on new family member
Ted
hey mo i will be back in minnesota sat. i will check then ... but i know i have one .... and guys thanks for the kind words didn't mean to hijack thread though.....
mo65 have orange and lime green 501 pro challenger spools unused never spooled .... orange free to you BUT i really want a dam 270 drag kit 3 - 7 is making don't know what their cost is but giving up a spot in line might be too high a price pay ... P M your mailing address and the orange spool will be mailed out monday morning ..... farmer 56 dennis
Thanks for the pictures. That reel makes me wanna stretch the orange line till it's sunset brown. Nice work. Good fishing 🎣. Never get old.🐟
Mike, do you know what the weight is on this reel ? ... Jeff
Quote from: Rivverrat on July 14, 2018, 05:14:56 PM
Mike, do you know what the weight is on this reel ? ... Jeff
Hi Jeff. The reel weighs 1lb. 7oz. fully spooled with 30lb. mono. 8)
Hey thanks for that. I had been wondering what they weighed for some time with that 1/2 frame. Sounds like they'd be happy fishing 30 -50.
What River & dam are you fishing ? ... Jeff
Quote from: Rivverrat on July 16, 2018, 12:04:10 AM
Hey thanks for that. I had been wondering what they weighed for some time with that 1/2 frame. Sounds like they'd be happy fishing 30 -50.
What River & dam are you fishing ? ... Jeff
I fish the Ohio river at Bellville and Willow Island locks, and the Muskingum river at the Devola lock and dam. The Scioto river is closest to me, and it offers some fine catfishing, but I don't have access to a decent pool. 8)