well, lately my other "me" which is a tackle ho is having a crush on this reel, the penn Baja Special.
but my real me which is a poor weekend warrior keeps say no, you dont.
I really like the real, love the old-school look and the beast under the hood, as well as he alloy body ala accu-frames, also love how the drags are big as a 6/0 but in a narrow 4/0 presentation, 4:1 gears for torque and it really looks good fishing them on the Mexico pangas so you dont worry if they get scratch it as happens with the gold shiny reels
but.. but.. here comes the "buts".
I already have some reels in that same class:
- Fathom 40 which has almost the same line capacity, double dogs, big drag force and cast like a dream too.
- Trini 16, this has less capacity but cast as champ, have new carbontex and upgraded dog/spring and feels like a small tank
- penn 320gti, upgraded drags and as you know has 4/0 drags and gears as well as 4:1 gears for torque, not as sturdy as the Baja but enough for my normal fisheries
so, I feel that if I go for a Baja Special it will be almost doing the same than fathom just bit more torque, I dont see if any of my reels are good for Tresher sharks but also dont think a Baja Special will do it, but hey, I dont like to go for sharks LOL.
if those first gen. Baja Special had more line capacity I think I would have gotten one a long time ago, I know there is a new line of US Senator (what they drop the baja name???) and one model is wider as the penn 4/0 senator, but for $250 I think I will better go for a used red 4/0, add double dogs and some more goodies and call it a day.
your thoughts if you where on my shoes?
did I miss something or am I totally wrong? please correct me, I was also thinking to maybe sell the trini and get the new baja version narrow, too many reels too little time to fish them all
Sounds like you don't "need" another reel in that class but if you've become a tackle 'ho you know its not about the need... trust me, I remember who and when the "tackle ho" term was created! It originated on Allcoast back in the day by HD, who was a true tackle 'ho by any definition... I've been following his lead for years nowl
LOL.. that doesnt help me too much, one point to the tackle ho on me LOL
now seriously, what big advantages will a Baja Special give me over the other 3 reels?
If you have the fth40ld you really don't need a Baja Special or US Senator 113N. More drag control. But the 113HN probably casts better. For Yoyo, dropper loop, I'd rather have the Fathom. If you have the fth40n, well 7:1 is too fast and I'd rather have the 113hn!
A tricked out Trini 16 is faster, less power, less capacity.
A 320gti is fine for rockfish.
Mine is the fathom 40 star drag 6:1
You're probably fine. Same capacity, 40" per crank on the retrieve, plenty of drag. The Fathom 40 is wider than the 113hn. Of course if you have tackle 'ho-itus then mo is mo betta!
Nobody NEEDS a Baja Special, that's probably why I have 2, plus a YTS, a Pro Gear 454 and various 113H reels, all about the same size.
Yeah, no Baja Special for me but I have a YTS, Avet HX Raptor, a couple of PG 540's, Avet JX Raptor, and a Saltiga 40LDII... I'm good for 40-50#. I also have 40# on a Torium 20 for surface iron and a 40# leader on a Lexa 400 and Battle 6000. There's 50# on TLD20II for local trolling too. I've thought I should add a 113HN just to have one!
danm guys.. you're not helping either, I think I asked the question on the wrong forum, this place is full of tackle hos ;D ;D ;D
Im pretty sure some of you have the sticker on the bumper of your car that says.
He who dies with the most toys wins
Quote from: MarkT on February 07, 2015, 06:27:06 AM
There's 50# on TLD20II for local trolling too.
actually that part of the questioning on the Baja, I might forget about the Baja and get a proper 50# reel
a tanked 113H wide would to the trick or your TLD 20II is betta'? (Naa that will be part of another thread)
I friend of mine just caught a monster black bass here in Baja waters with a stock red 4/0 on 80# braid, you dont need that much line available on the 4/0 with braid since you never want to give line to a monster bass which wants to get on its cave for shelter.
a Baja Special has the guts for the stopping power of the 6/0 and plenty of line 300yd 80#.. see, now I want it again.. damn
A Baja a Special is a proper 50# reel! It'll get more drag than a TLD20/30II! Load it with 65/80# spectra then whatever topshot is appropriate.
I have lots of fishing toys (and will get more) but my youngest son says he wants all my fishing gear when I die. I told him I really can take it with me and I'm getting a really big coffin and taking it all with me! He said, Dad, you can't do that to me! Well, we'll see, I'm not planning on going anytime soon.
The power of the Dark Side is strong here ;D I woke at 5am to get ready for work only to sit down and read this board and drink coffee. My Baja Special is a beast and now has become my sons Baja Special for anything that resembles fishing...I have to keep him from fishing in the pool (got to draw the line somewhere). If you decide to get one you will not regret it, casts well, tons of drag, narrow spool,reversible lugs, made in the USA, ect...And you can find them for less than $250.00.
I have had good luck with this person: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Baja-Special-113HN-Star-Drag-With-Complete-Rod-Clamp-Assembly-Made-in-USA-/391029450834?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b0b2be852
Sorry to mess up your morning ;D ;D ;D Got to go to work!
Big Tim
Space Herring "Commander of the Sun"
Just let "The Force" have its way. There is no reason fighting it! ;D
Daron
Green Shark, "The Rogue of the Seven Seas"
Do we "need" many of the reels we have? No, but want overpowers need most of the time.
Sounds like you need to FIX an addiction, so you need a Baja Special
I'd get a Baja as not only is it a great reel but since they are discontinued and replaced with the US Senator, that unique reel may be a collector's item for your grandkids and they will be posting pictures of it 50 years from now on Alan Tani's grandkids reel repair forum.
The 113HN's are fine reels I bought one back after they added the extra bearing in the handle and the cost was $175. What a deal! After a pre-fishing service I spooled it up with 40 lb test to go on a jig stick for tossing surface iron and the reel has not caught one fish. Why? you may ask, its because I mainly use other reels when down in Baja. My pops lives in Loreto and I fish there a couple of times a year, plus my other trips out of San Diego into Baja but still my Baja Special has no fish stink on it....go figure. Would I pass on a 113HN or the newer US 113N's, no...well maybe not the US 113N's because all my reels are black execpt one. For private boating and panga use in Baja I tend to use lever drags two speeds becuase of their fexiblity for slow trolling live bait, moving mean fish from structure and you never know when you may drop a bait for yellowtail, grouper and such to be picked up by a sailfish ot marlin before your bait reaches the bottom.
If I did not have one would I buy another? Yes. Would I use it often? Mostly likely not but at least I'd have one just in case.
Edit: Oh and I caught a 225 lb thresher on a live mackerel when small barrilete fish tried to hide under our boat when some sailfish were slashing through them. I tossed out a mack on a SLD 30II fishing 50 lb test looking to hook a sail and was surprised 45 minutes later when the threasher came to color. So, you never know then you may hook that threasher in Baja. But the bigger two speeds like the 30II's are mainly only used for sails and marlin.
Quote from: Keta on February 07, 2015, 09:57:16 PM
Do we "need" many of the reels we have? No, but want overpowers need most of the time.
Lee, I'll take the ones you don't "need" ;)
I have lost count of my reel inventory, but if you ask my wife she'll tell you I always "need" another reel....or 2 ;D
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 08, 2015, 03:34:58 AM
in Baja I tend to use lever drags two speeds becuase of their fexiblity for slow trolling live bait, moving mean fish from structure and you never know when you may drop a bait for yellowtail, grouper and such to be picked up by a sailfish ot marlin before your bait reaches the bottom.
If I did not have one would I buy another? Yes. Would I use it often? Mostly likely not but at least I'd have one just in case.
thats completely true, here in Baja you never know what you can get... but I never go after sails or marlin on my latituds, so no reason for big off-shore heavy reels.
I think Im set, will start to save some coins for a Baja Special 1st of 2nd gen not the newest one.
Quote from: steelfish on February 08, 2015, 10:53:16 PM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 08, 2015, 03:34:58 AM
in Baja I tend to use lever drags two speeds becuase of their fexiblity for slow trolling live bait, moving mean fish from structure and you never know when you may drop a bait for yellowtail, grouper and such to be picked up by a sailfish ot marlin before your bait reaches the bottom.
If I did not have one would I buy another? Yes. Would I use it often? Mostly likely not but at least I'd have one just in case.
thats completely true, here in Baja you never know what you can get... but I never go after sails or marlin on my latituds, so no reason for big off-shore heavy reels.
I fully understand about you not needing larger reels, that was kind of my point, though not stated very clearly. I like smaller two speeds and use 40 lb test for about 85-90% of the type of fishing I do in Baja. My 113HN just seems too big, my go to reel is a JX two speed bought around 8 or so yeas ago and seen many trips both in the Pacific and Sea of Cortez. There are alot of very good options out there now, many more than when I bought my JX, so before you lay down some cash for the Baja Special you may want to check them out.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 09, 2015, 05:34:29 PM
my go to reel is a JX two speed bought around 9 or so yeas ago and seen many trips both in the Pacific and Sea of Cortez. There are alot of very good options out there now, many more than when I bought my JX, so before you lay down some cash for the Baja Special you may want to check them out.
well you hit on the nail again, for my almost 80% of fishing I like to to as light as possible but with strong reels, thats why all my reels are 100% aluminum and with upgraded drags (except 320gti which is graphite but new drags, tho), calcutta 400TE, saltist 20H were giving me fish here and there with problems, then I wanted something bit bigger for trolling for cheap and got me the 320gti which was really good, a friend of mine offered me his almost NIB fathom 40 with 80#braid for $100 and I just couldn't let it pass, which its strong and very light and its my current my go-to reel, a young friend received a used trini16 gold from an uncle as a gift but he only used it 2 times in 2 years until few weeks ago he wanted to make a trade, his trini16 plus a trevala 6.6 MH for one of my RC cars (a nice one), Im more tackle ho than RC ho, so I did it ;D ::)
now, I think I only need a medium/compact 2-speed reel but I really cant spend more than $300 right now, in the other side seems like a Baja special will give me nice gear ratio, big power and not too heavy.
I really like the new okuma lineup and the Metaloid 12II will fit my army nicely but do you remember what I say at the beginning ?
Quote from: steelfish on February 07, 2015, 04:23:16 AM
but my "real" me which is a poor weekend warrior keeps say no, you dont.
its on $300 mark, I might actually sell maybe the trini16 to help me get the metaloid 12-II, but then you have the fathom LD 40-II speed with the same price tag, on which case I will have to sell the fathom 40 start drag that I currently have.
like you said, too many choices.
BTW...the JX 2-speed was my dream reel 3 years ago then then a new breed of LD reels with stronger drags and upgraded parts, bearings, etc appeared.
I need one!............. Or two?.........probably four! I like new reels. Especially in multiples, starting with at least one or two, and preferably in even numbers......unless there is only one available in which case I will pass because if there is only one then it is to rare and expensive to fish with. I do not collect reels for looking at leave that to the reel experts.
My reasoning is that since 95% of my fishing is done on my boat and my boat has..........8. Rod holders and it is well known that it is against the laws of fishing to not use them all, then by extension of reasoning it is logical that I must have at bare minimum 2 of any given size, type, or grade of reel? Well okay maybe not the soundest in terms of science but I have convinced myself of this universal principal and that is good enough for me.
One thing leads to another, or one reel leads to another.
it's a perpetual cycle that begins with one reel and then one more and ends with death!
Has nothing to do with need.
Yep so many choices you got to love it. If under $300 is what your looking for how about a Fathom 25NLD 2 speed? Their kind of new but in the used market I bet they will start to show up soon. Spectra backed I think those reels would make a nice compact 40 to 50 lb test reel. I have a Fathom 25N star drag that I fish 30 lb on and have plenty of power with its 6:1 gears to fish 10 lbs of drag, maybe more but have not pushed over that. But, like I said if your looking to troll with the reel instead of the GTI think a LD reel would be better than a star.
Half the fun for me when selecting new gear is playing around with all the goodies at the tackle shops until I find the right gear for me. After all is said and done thats what it will all boil down to, selecting the right reel for you. Good luck and happy hunting.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 09, 2015, 11:17:38 PM
Yep so many choices you got to love it. If under $300 is what your looking for how about a Fathom 25NLD 2 speed? Their kind of new but in the used market I bet they will start to show up soon. Spectra backed I think those reels would make a nice compact 40 to 50 lb test reel. I have a Fathom 25N star drag that I fish 30 lb on and have plenty of power with its 6:1 gears to fish 10 lbs of drag, maybe more but have not pushed over that. But, like I said if your looking to troll with the reel instead of the GTI think a LD reel would be better than a star.
Half the fun for me when selecting new gear is playing around with all the goodies at the tackle shops until I find the right gear for me. After all is said and done thats what it will all boil down to, selecting the right reel for you. Good luck and happy hunting.
well, bad thing here in my town we dont have any tackle shop with the new 2015 or even 2014 reels, so I have to buy online according to what I read.
I actually though that the fathom 40 was bigger than what actually.
LOL, you know, I needed a good rest and stop thinking on the Baja Special I was about to get one on fleabay, on a third double-thinking I might be actually better with a LD reel since I already have the trini16 or the fathom40, sell any of those and get me a fathom 40LD2 on few months, for casting 30# I really dont feel the need to chance my calcutta 40TE yet.
well, finally today someone brought me a Baja Special for repair and service, it belongs to a guy that runs a sport fishing charter so it´s bit beat up from the customers.
I have to say that the alloy frame didnt impressed me too much, in the pictures looks a lot more sturdy, because of all the good comments and opinions Im pretty sure the aluminium frame is more than enough for for fishing 50#line.
the guts I wasnt impressed or dissapointed cuz I knew them by memory since I have read a lot about this reel, but even with the "thin" alloy frame I think I it convinced me to get one later, but I´ll also build a stock size 113h tank as a side project for heavy fishing adding SS parts from time to time without any hurry.
the Trinidad 16 aluminium body feels stronger overall and even better now with the carbontex and DC dog and spring mod.
Quote from: David Hall on February 09, 2015, 10:07:03 PM
I need one!............. Or two?.........probably four! I like new reels. Especially in multiples, starting with at least one or two, and preferably in even numbers......unless there is only one available in which case I will pass because if there is only one then it is to rare and expensive to fish with. I do not collect reels for looking at leave that to the reel experts.
My reasoning is that since 95% of my fishing is done on my boat and my boat has..........8. Rod holders and it is well known that it is against the laws of fishing to not use them all, then by extension of reasoning it is logical that I must have at bare minimum 2 of any given size, type, or grade of reel? Well okay maybe not the soundest in terms of science but I have convinced myself of this universal principal and that is good enough for me.
One thing leads to another, or one reel leads to another.
it's a perpetual cycle that begins with one reel and then one more and ends with death!
Has nothing to do with need.
a rodholder with no rod is just a pipe full of air.
NO, you do not NEED one, BUT do you WANT one?? ;) I have one that I use a lot in Baja (Sea of Cortez) and my complaint is that there is too much free spool for Baja style trolling. That being said, that free spool is the reason MANY people buy them. I still love it and it is my reel of choice most of the time. It has NEVER failed to bring in whatever has had to offer me--Dorado, YFT, Amberjack, Wahoo, Marlin etc. So to each his own. I service my reels and try to take care of them--but I could not do so without all the advice on this site.
TomT
I sold my Baja Special after I got the Tank from Sal. The Tank catches everything down in Baja. It's on its way to Sal for a tune-up. Sal should post the tune-up procedure for us. Dominick
You may not need a Baja Special per se...owning a Fathom 40...
But, the Baja is gonna be tougher over time. The frame may seem light, but it is stiffer than the cast frame of a Fathom.
Really it comes down to a "doomsday prepping" sort of psychology for me...I may fish other more fancy dancers the vast majority of the time...put everyone needs some utterly simple and reliable troller/caster/live baiters in 3/0 (tanked up Jigmaster) and 4/0 (tanked up Senator or Baja) around for the end times. ;D
Quote from: Dominick on June 05, 2015, 05:23:27 PM
I sold my Baja Special after I got the Tank from Sal. The Tank catches everything down in Baja. It's on its way to Sal for a tune-up. Sal should post the tune-up procedure for us. Dominick
well I just got a pretty decent shape 113hl few weeks ago for a tank project that will be done put money on it every other month, it a project without any hurry, specially when few nice upgrades are in the oven right now, like the double dog bridge or plate, and already few other parts that werent available few years ago without a custom job on a machinist, like octagon drags, etc, etc
I already have the 113hl to tinker, I bought and waiting to install I got a left side accuframe, 2 SS dogs and undergear carbontex drag, that will put my 113h a bit better than stock.
if someone already build their 113h tank and is willing to sell their Baja Special like Dom, Im all ears Im in the Market for one specially at a good price, merely for panga fishing.. guest where? yep, in the Baja, sea of cortez side...
Quote from: johndtuttle on June 05, 2015, 05:32:53 PM
You may not need a Baja Special per se...owning a Fathom 40...
But, the Baja is gonna be tougher over time. The frame may seem light, but it is stiffer than the cast frame of a Fathom.
Really it comes down to a "doomsday prepping" sort of psychology for me...I may fish other more fancy dancers the vast majority of the time...put everyone needs some utterly simple and reliable troller/caster/live baiters in 3/0 (tanked up Jigmaster) and 4/0 (tanked up Senator or Baja) around for the end times. ;D
those are exactly my same thoughs, the fathom is a nice reel, but its a reel that I might let go as soon as I get money to get something better, maybe something in the same size but 2-speed, I dont feel it like a reel to keep for many years, Im not a shimano guy but my only keeper right now is the calcutta 400TE, its a really awesome small machine, I like everything on it, the Baja it would be a keeper too, as well as the tanked 113h project.
- Alex
Quote from: steelfish on February 07, 2015, 04:23:16 AM
well, lately my other "me" which is a tackle ho is having a crush on this reel, the penn Baja Special.
but my real me which is a poor weekend warrior keeps say no, you dont.
well, at the end seems like the Tackle ho on me won the mental battle.
I just got a used but in good shape Baja Special reel, since the first day it appered on the fishing store shelfs I knew it would be a perfect reel for fishing on the panga boat, old school look and new guts plus powerful and narrow, but hey, you guys already know that 3x better than me.
this is how I got it, that line will be taken off and I will install 400yds of 80# braid and top it with 60# mono.
big plus was to find out that has one of those 5/0 alan tani handle knobs, those really rock, now I want all my reels with AT delrin handle knobs
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/P1050645%20ss_zpsvi9afayu.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/P1050645%20ss_zpsvi9afayu.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/P1050640%20ss_zpsdfbvj7co.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/P1050640%20ss_zpsdfbvj7co.jpg.html)
I just also got one of the ratchets that Keta made for this reel which is a big improvement over the stock ratchet that have caused few aislated problems on the AR dogs, in few days I will open the reel and compare both ratchets for you guys to check it out, and I will install Keta ratchet and test it if not with a big fish then lifting some dead weights.
Lee, according to some readings seems like you have to look into made the small dogs on your same SS material just like the 113h, 112h and 114h dogs you use to make, yours are pure SS solid metal and factory ones are molded poured SS which is softer.
PS: I need to stop this tackle ho thingy before my wife starts to notice some of the last new adquisitions of penn reels on the fishing rack shelf
Quote from: steelfish on July 19, 2015, 07:47:41 AM
PS: I need to stop this tackle ho thingy before my wife starts to notice some of the last new adquisitions of penn reels on the fishing rack shelf
Wives can be unreasonable at times.
nice handle
Quote from: jonnou on July 20, 2015, 09:36:04 AM
nice handle
thanks, the boss (alan tani) has some for sale in you want one
Tell your wife you got it for her! But you have to make sure it works right before you give it to her.
I started doing that 25yrs ago, now I just say thanks for the gift you bought me, she says what did I buy you this time?
Oh just a new reel,
how much did I spend?
That's not important, it only matters that I wanted it and you bought it for me, your so great to me, So I was thinking you know our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks and we really should do something big so I was thinking about that fishing boat I bought you for our anniversary back in 2008 could really use a crab Davit.
Quote from: David Hall on July 21, 2015, 12:23:11 AM
Tell your wife you got it for her! But you have to make sure it works right before you give it to her.
I started doing that 25yrs ago, now I just say thanks for the gift you bought me, she says what did I buy you this time?
Oh just a new reel,
how much did I spend?
That's not important, it only matters that I wanted it and you bought it for me, your so great to me, So I was thinking you know our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks and we really should do something big so I was thinking about that fishing boat I bought you for our anniversary back in 2008 could really use a crab Davit.
LOL that is a nice one.. I should try it next time.
when I really want something I tell my wife, ok, dont give me any gift on father's day, nothing on my D-day and for xmas just tell me how much are you thinking to spend on me, I will add to that the money for all those gift and I will opening a box with a new reel on dec 25th.
Quote from: day0ne on February 07, 2015, 06:14:49 AM
Nobody NEEDS a Baja Special, that's probably why I have 2, plus a YTS, a Pro Gear 454 and various 113H reels, all about the same size.
Quote from: conchydong on February 08, 2015, 01:01:01 AM
I'd get a Baja as not only is it a great reel but since they are discontinued and replaced with the US Senator, that unique reel may be a collector's item for your grandkids and they will be posting pictures of it 50 years from now on Alan Tani's grandkids reel repair forum.
LOL this two posts spoiled me really bad.
since I got my Baja I really like it and its always with me on my fishing trips, trolling or on the yoyo, I was keeping my eye on fleabay from time to time to check if I ever saw another Baja Special at a good price but no avail.
But just few hours ago on my lunch time I went to a near yard sale from my work and saw on a table along with others reels an old 113 blacky that a guy was selling for cheap because he hate them a lot, too dang slow and weak he said.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/14606318_1190909594299650_2505732797951452033_n_zpsldpgn8ry.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/14606318_1190909594299650_2505732797951452033_n_zpsldpgn8ry.jpg.html)
I took it just because of the really cheap price and because with some R&D parts it will become on one awesome reel, I dont know, maybe you guys have a better idea but this reel doesnt look like the good old 113 blackies to me, its something familiar on the side places, a tuna figure that looks appealing.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8341%20Baja%202_zpskcchgsys.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8341%20Baja%202_zpskcchgsys.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8339%20baja%202_zpsjualkqog.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8339%20baja%202_zpsjualkqog.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8337%20Baja%202_zpseqekjqc1.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8337%20Baja%202_zpseqekjqc1.jpg.html)
scooore!! well now I own two of these babies and came to stay and to fish on the Baja waters
Tom!! hurry up with the R&D parts mi amigo, seems like I will need two more, or maybe three.
PS: the reel sounds still reely good and the free spool its really nice, it has a sound if you spin the spool so, it might need new bearings but thats not a problem at all
You might want to soak it for a couple days before you try & look inside that one....Jeff
Hope those missing screws aren't broken off in the frame.
Quote from: Rivverrat on October 11, 2016, 02:25:05 AM
You might want to soak it for a couple days before you try & look inside that one....Jeff
thanks for the advice Jeff, I sprayed some Inox Mx3 lubrican all over the reel, it was really all cover up with oil and I leave it on a ziplock bag, it will stay there for some days, no hurry on open this reel up, I have some reel to work on before gettin into this one, not the 1st time doing this method and it had worked wonders before.
Quote from: day0ne on October 11, 2016, 04:48:09 AM
Hope those missing screws aren't broken off in the frame.
well to bad, they seem to be broken inside the frame, i will try to take them out with a screw stractor tool, if not luck with those and at least I can take the rest of the screws and the side plates out from the frame then I will be golden, I have another Baja Special frame and another spool that I can use if I have to, I got that frame and spool from another forum as spare for mine, my plan was to unpainted them and paint them on a unique color and install them on my working reel, but if I have no luck with the screws on this new reel I will use the spare frame, all I have to order some are extra sideplates screws.
nice find Alex! I love a yard sale special!
With all those broken screws, even with a good price, it could be a bad deal. Good that you have a spare frame!
Quote from: MarkT on October 11, 2016, 06:09:33 PM
With all those broken screws, even with a good price, it could be a bad deal. Good that you have a spare frame!
there are only 3 broken screws, I have a machinist shop near from home, I think they can take all those screws out for not too much money, I will try myseft first to take the rest of the screws and the side plates out, but yep, that spare frame will save the day, even if I can take all the screws out I will use the spare frame on this reel, its looks almost new.
I will let you know how this ended up in few days
Quote from: steelfish on October 11, 2016, 06:32:31 PM
I will let you know how this ended up in few days
well,.. errr, hmm how can I say this?
I coulndt wait more day and yesterday took the new reel to check how bad were the broken screws into the frame
this next is the new reel with the spare frame, spool and left side plate(its more like half reel but its missing all the internals and right side plate with handle, etc so 70% of the cost of the reel is missing, making it no cost efective to get all those parts new from scotts)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8394%20ss_zpswkeghsbt.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8394%20ss_zpswkeghsbt.jpg.html)
the frame screws that were still in good shape were kind of hard to take them out but with some force, a good screwdriver and lots of inox oil I could take them out completely and still in good shape but not with a lot of white buildup for the lack of grease when installed.
but the good news are that I could take the side plates, the broken screws were missing the head so the side plate slide away once I took the screws in good shape out, wasnt that easy but with a tap here and a tap there on the side plates and they were free.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8428%20ss_zpsm3f9ifwn.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8428%20ss_zpsm3f9ifwn.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8432%20ss_zpsdhitljne.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8432%20ss_zpsdhitljne.jpg.html)
as you can see on the above pictures, the original owner or whoever that broke the screws, tried to take the sideplates out with no luck because the edges of the frame had a lot of bad nicks and scratches from the use of a screwdriver to separate the frame from the sideplates, I think he was afraid of using WD-40 or something because there is no sign of any lubrican on the frame, it was dry as bone.
as you can also see, once I took the sideplates out the broken screws were still on the frame, but they were easily taken out with a small locking pliers and Inox oil again, just locked the jaws on the screw and turned it around until free.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8436%20ss_zpsoqux8qnt.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8436%20ss_zpsoqux8qnt.jpg.html)
the aluminium behind reelseat was on a nice shape, no signs of corrosion in there just pretty dirty.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8441%20ss_zpsztvlmwsw.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8441%20ss_zpsztvlmwsw.jpg.html)
overall, that frame is still pretty usable as is, its nicked and badly scratched on the bottom but if I have to use it Im pretty sure there will be no problems on it while fishing, but thanks that I have an almost new spare frame I will and the reel will look pretty good.
just to finish on this reel, once I finished to separate all those parts I put some yamaha grease on the visible interior metal parts, interior sides of the frame, reelseat, etc, then put all the parts together again and storage the reel on a ziplock bag for be serviced later, but now I have a peace on mind that there arent more hidden problems and its gonna be a good reel in pretty good shape when finished.
Alex, finish that up this weekend so we can get a look :)
Did you get the rest of the stuff in that crate? looks like a wide Senator in there.
Quote from: thorhammer on October 12, 2016, 06:45:55 PM
Alex, finish that up this weekend so we can get a look :)
John, lets see what I can do, probably I will do it cuz its mine and Im still pretty exited, but I have some pending reels and few rods (nothing special on this just changing guides on one boat rod) that can send this reel to the next week.
Quote from: thorhammer on October 12, 2016, 06:45:55 PM
Did you get the rest of the stuff in that crate? looks like a wide Senator in there.
nop, I was so happy to find that Gem on the "trash can" that I forgot to even ask for the price for the rest of the reels LOL.
fantastic score, good things come to those who visit yard sales.
To answer the original question....Yes ! I think every one needs at least one Baja / US113 in their arsenal.
Even though they come from a time when spooling a reel full up with just mono they are in my mind a very versatile reel. 40 - 50 lb. line fished with appropriate drag is no problem as they come out of the box. They produce a butter smooth 15 lbs. of drag. Which says a lot for any star drag reel & for a reel this size they are really wonderful casters.
Here's my most recent one. An ebay purchase that arrived yesterday. It's brand new ! Came loaded with 60 hollow. Had been looking for an original Baja in good shape. I bid to get it. Not a bargain really. However I didn't pay brand new price....Jeff
Quote from: Rivverrat on October 16, 2016, 06:06:56 PM
To answer the original question....Yes ! I think every one needs at least one Baja / US113 in their arsenal.
right on Jeff, you have the US senator and Baja, cool, my goal was to have Two Baja Special reels, its something sentimental about having Penn to build a great reel with the Baja name on it, since I saw them I was pretty sure I would have to have at least two of them and they will be keepers.
by the way, you did a relly nice buy with that new old Baja Special, like I said, I keeped my eyes open to check for another Baja on ebay and fishing forums, and I pretty sure I saw that one you posted on ebay.. I see that Tom will have to start a list of request for bridge/antireverse upgrades soon.
congrats again.
well after few days soaking on sprayed oil, later the metal parts got a shower for few hours on white vinegar, for finally get a deep wash with dish soap and a firm brush, All bearings are still in good shape after a deep clean with Carb cleaner along with the bearing blaster which really shined here.
as it was told I used my other frame which is in 3x better shape than the one on the orginal reel.
now this is the Baja Special that was trashed and dirty on the milk crate along with the other old reels.
not bad for a reel cheaper than taking my family to inn&out burguers
old frame and spool at the right
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8560a%20ss_zpsaqp6h9wo.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8560a%20ss_zpsaqp6h9wo.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8562%20ss_zps1hqsp7rq.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8562%20ss_zps1hqsp7rq.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8565%20ss_zpsltjrqsyg.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8565%20ss_zpsltjrqsyg.jpg.html)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8567%20ss_zpsevuelkyl.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8567%20ss_zpsevuelkyl.jpg.html)
this will be using a thin delrin washer at the top of the drag stack just before the spring washer, my other Baja Special is using a thicker delrin washer INSTEAD of the spring washer, I will see if I see any difference
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/alextellofotos/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8543%20ss_zps6kpofwcs.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/alextellofotos/media/carrretes/Penn%20Baja%20Special/IMAG8543%20ss_zps6kpofwcs.jpg.html)
Alex, very nicely done. Get some blood on that shine!!!!
Yup that came out nice. Alex really wanting to know what you find with the different washer set up. Curious to know if we notice the same thing....Jeff
Jeff, you have PM