One of the most common line weights used in Northern California is 20 pound test. For inshore fishing on the day boats out of any local Norcal port, it's pretty much all you'll ever need. Match it up any of these reels with a lightweight 8 foot stick and you've got a great little 20 pound outfit. We're looking for a reel that will hold 200 yards of straight 20# monofilament. Star drag or lever drag is fine, but no two speeds and no levelwinds for the sake of this discussion. Just so we all get to start at the same point, we will clean out the bearings or bushings and then lube them with your lube of choice. We will also upgrade the drags to greased carbon fiber. That means that the only differences in our list of reels will be gear ratio, retrieve rate and price.
All of the reels listed below will deliver an easy 5 pounds of drag, which represents a 25% drag setting for 20 pound mono. Only the discontinued Penns would have trouble delivering more than 8 pounds of drag. The more modern reels could easily be rigged with up to 400 yards of 50 pound spectra and a short topshot of 40 pound fluorocarbon. A typical drag setting for 40 pound fluorocarbon would be 12 to 14 pounds of drag. So, whether you are old school or new, these would be your choices for a 20 pound non-levelwind single speed reel!
Accurate 400 BX Narrow - 225 yards of 20# mono, 4:1 gear ratio, 23 inches per crank ($409)
Avet SX - 220 yards of 20# mono, 5.3:1 gear ratio, 30 inches per crank ($159)
Daiwa Black Gold STTBG20H - 210 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 35 inchest per crank ($179)
Daiwa Saltiga SA20 - 170 yards of 20# mono, 5.4:1 gear ratio, 35 inches per crank ($379)
Daiwa Saltiga SALD20HS - 210 yards of 20# mono, 7.3:1 gear ratio, 42 inches per crank ($409)
Daiwa Saltist Lever Drag Hyperspeed STTLD20HSH - 210 yards of 20# mono, 7.3:1 gear ratio, 42 inches per crank ($239)
Daiwa Saltist Lever Drag STTLD20H - 210 yards of 20# mono, 6.3:1 gear ratio, 36 inches per crank ($229)
Daiwa Seagate 20H - 210 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 35 inches per crank ($149)
Daiwa Sealine SL20SH - 210 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 35 inches per crank ($115)
Daiwa SL-X20SHA (disengaging spool) - 210 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 35 inches per crank ($125)
Newell 220 - 200 yards of 20# mono, 5:1 gear ratio, 27 inches per crank ($150)
Penn Fathom 15 - 190 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 28 inches per crank ($199)
Penn Jigmaster 501 (narrow 500) - 200 yards of 20# mono, 4:1 gear ratio, 27 inches per retrieve (discontinued)
Penn Squall 15 - 190 yards of 20# mono, 6:1 gear ratio, 28 inches per crank ($149)
Penn Squidder 146 (narrow 140) - 220 yards of 20# mono, 3.3:1 gear ratio, 18 inches per crank (discontinued)
Penn Surfmaster 100 - 200 yards of 20# mono, 3:1 gear ratio, 16 inches per crank (discontinued)
Penn Torque 15 Black - 190 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 28 inches per crank ($400)
Penn Torque 15 Gold - 190 yards of 20# mono, 6.1:1 gear ratio, 28 inches per crank ($400)
Progear Classic Series 501 - 200 yards of 20# mono (approx), 6:1 gear ratio, 36 inches per crank (discontinued)
Shimano Charter Special with topless frame - 190 yards of 20# mono, 4.2:1 gear ratio, 23 inches per crank (Alan Tani conversion)
Shimano Torium 14 - 200 yards of 20# mono, 6.2:1 gear ratio, 36 inches per crank ($180)
Shimano Trinidad 14a - 200 yards of 20# mono, 6.3:1 gear ratio, 38 inches per crank ($470)
Shimano Trinidad 16na - 200 yards of 20# mono, 6.2: gear ratio, 46 inches per crank ($480)
Shimano Tyrnos 8 - 170 yards of 20# mono, 6:1 gear ratio, 37 inches per crank ($180)
What about the Penn 525mag?
What about OMOTO VS-10?
Alan,
If I may, I'm setting some additional criteria. I think that the reels should have metal spools. Plastic spools might crack with #20 mono. And since I'm a Penn guy, I suggest the following be added to the list:
Penn 60 Longbeach, 2.5:1 ratio
Penn 155 Beachmaster and it's narrower variants, 3:1 ratio
Penn 285 Delmar, 2.3:1 ratio
Penn 9M with levelwind removed, 3.4:1 ratio. I've done this to one of mine and it makes a very light, compact reel. This one could turn out to be my favorite reel for this purpose. We'll see how it goes.
All of these reels should hold approximately 200 yds of #20 mono or more. I realize that there are many other suitable Penns for the job, however, these inexpensive reels are always available on ebay. I didn't include other Penns because they are either too big, not commonly available, or parts are no longer made.
I recently picked up an "as new" Charter Special on eBay for $75. Even with the "Alan Tani" conversion, that has to be the cheapest way to hit the criteria.
But do you need to do the conversion? I presume Alan's posting referred to a salmon rig. If so, why eliminate level wind? The standard Charter Special only needs to have a greased Carbontex washer ($10) to make it an almost perfect salmon reel.
IMHO the 20-pound rig is good for fishing for many species - rockfish, lingcod, smaller seabasses, school-sized tuna (20-30#), salmon, etc. The removal of the level-wind evens out the playing field just as disregarding 2-speed reels would.
QuoteWe're looking for a reel that will hold 200 yards of straight 20# monofilament. Star drag or lever drag is fine, but no two speeds and no levelwinds for the sake of this discussion.
Just look at all of the possibilities that have been mentioned. No need for a gold-plated, tungsten wonder machine that you need a second mortgage for to get out on the water.
let's add a stainless steel handle arm and a 4/0 kolekar grip. i love spending other people's money! ;D
What about the TLD Star 15/30? 360yds of 20, 13lbs drag
I've been to this website multiple times over the years. It's been a wonderful resource and I finally decided to register so that I could reply to this thread with my ebay purchase from last night.
I have fished with Penn 990 and 980 since they were the "hot, new thing". I'm on a super tight budget right now, so last night I bought a 970 on ebay. I think that it could make the list; hopefully it's already got the HT100 conversion (very likely since it's spooled with braid).
So...Penn 970, 4.25:1 gear ratio. 275 yards of 20 lb mono. Drag? I don't know; I'll be finding out.
welcome! i just finished servicing a 980. beautiful reel. i have a few international 20 handles left and these are the ones that in generally bolt on to the 9 series penns. it's a great looking combination. alan
Quote from: day0ne on December 19, 2011, 07:51:37 AM
What about the TLD Star 15/30? 360yds of 20, 13lbs drag
good one, yes!
Alan: Ack! you forgot my favorite Penn International 20. This is a real 20lb reel :o. It's a good thing God made rod holders. I used to get arm weary waiting for my sinker to hit bottom in 50 feet of water ;D. I'm the only guy I know that wears a harness fishing for Stripers in the bay with this reel. Dominick
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/Penn%20International%2020/003.jpg)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/Penn%20International%2020/004.jpg)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/Penn%20International%2020/005.jpg)
Quote from: Pescachaser on February 05, 2012, 02:11:07 AM
I'm the only guy I know that wears a harness fishing for Stripers in the bay with this reel. Dominick
Don't feel bad Dominick, a lot of other 80 years old guys do. By the way ;D, what are you trying to show here? I think the Zin is playing a trick on you ;).
Awesome reel Dominick - never seen a 20 before.
Cheers, Justin
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 05, 2012, 02:44:24 AM
Quote from: Pescachaser on February 05, 2012, 02:11:07 AM
I'm the only guy I know that wears a harness fishing for Stripers in the bay with this reel. Dominick
Don't feel bad Dominick, a lot of other 80 years old guys do. By the way ;D, what are you trying to show here? I think the Zin is playing a trick on you ;).
Sal: Don't tell me this is not a 20lb reel. Dominick
Yes it is a 20lb reel, and a good one at that. I was talking about the pictures that you posted from photobucket. I do not see any images, but it might be just me. I probably had too much homemade wine with dinner tonight ;)
X2, It says image or video has been moved or deleted.
Brendan.
Perhaps he means this.
;D
(http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q523/rumbum01/P1010309.jpg)
After all, it is an Int'l 20; doesn't that make it a 20lb reel? :)
At this moment, I don't think I would fish for anything heavier with mine. It has the original drag and is very jerky. Someday I will send it to Cal Sheets so he can work his magic on it.
Hey Sal and George, I fixed it. Check it out. I don't know why Photobucket photos disappear like that. What I did notice when I fixed it was that the code that removed the photos was different. Justin, I was browsing on Ebay one evening and saw this reel. It looked clean so I put it in my watch file. A few days later I received an email from Ebay saying the bid was ending. The price was right so I bid on it an it was mine. I really like it. The line on it is brand new and it hardly has any scratches on it. I would give it a 8+ out of 10. I don't remember what I paid for it but if I find the paperwork, I'll let you know. Dominick
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 05, 2012, 03:55:44 AM
Yes it is a 20lb reel, and a good one at that. I was talking about the pictures that you posted from photobucket. I do not see any images, but it might be just me. I probably had too much homemade wine with dinner tonight ;)
Sal: My mother used to use that homemade stuff to dye clothes. :-* Dominick
I'm hoping that you're not comparing that california water that you drink with my wine ;D
When I first saw the title I thought it had to do with a reel that weighed 20 lbs. and got very excited. The excitement only lasted a few seconds, kinda like some of my fishing experiences.
We could keep you excited ;), did you need a reel that weighs 20lb? I believe that 16/0 is close to it.
Quote from: Makule on February 06, 2012, 12:05:33 AM
When I first saw the title I thought it had to do with a reel that weighed 20 lbs. and got very excited. The excitement only lasted a few seconds, kinda like some of my fishing experiences.
I just went out to the garage and weighed the Penn International 20 (The Super Bowl is boring me). It weighs 4lbs. 1.81436948 Kg for our foreign friends. Hmmm ??? I wonder if things are lighter down under since Australia and New Zealand are upside down on the map? Hey Wallace and Justin would you step on a scale and report back on the conditions. :D Dominick
Many years ago, I visited a guy in Texas who had Zane Grey's very large, custom Kowalovsky reel. Awesome looking thing. Resembled a souped up winch. That thing weighed at least 20 lbs.
I believe the guy who owns Baja fish gear owns the reel you speak of (Kovalovsky 20/0)... I heard it went for $25k :o
Hey Dominick... How did that Super Bowl bore you... GIANTS WON!!!!!! GO NY, GO NY, GOOOOOO!!!!!
I'm a little excited... sorry,
Dom
Quote from: broadway on February 06, 2012, 04:53:25 AM
I believe the guy who owns Baja fish gear owns the reel you speak of (Kovalovsky 20/0)... I heard it went for $25k :o
Hey Dominick... How did that Super Bowl bore you... GIANTS WON!!!!!! GO NY, GO NY, GOOOOOO!!!!!
I'm a little excited... sorry,
Dom
Actually that's what was boring me. They didn't play that good against the 49ers. Where did the cohesiveness come from? They played tough and tight. Good for the Giants. Dominick
pesca your standing on the ceiling
my oz weight 66kg
my usa w 99kg
nz is diff;
justin nz w 111kg
justin usa w gk111
Quote from: wallacewt on February 06, 2012, 06:36:49 AM
pesca your standing on the ceiling
my oz weight 66kg
my usa w 99kg
nz is diff;
justin nz w 111kg
justin usa w gk111
Instinctively I knew it ???. Dominick
Quote from: Makule on February 06, 2012, 12:05:33 AM
The excitement only lasted a few seconds, kinda like some of my fishing experiences.
Makule: This comment kind of reminds me of the times we would go trolling in the bars in Manhattan... :-* :-* Dominick
Oh boy, must be Mimosa time in CA. :o.
QuoteMakule: This comment kind of reminds me of the times we would go trolling in the bars in Manhattan...
I'm old enough that it takes a while for me to get excited when I go bar trolling. Had too many of those "teaser strikes". These days, I'm more likely to be the one offering the teaser just to see what comes around.
Quotepesca your standing on the ceiling
my oz weight 66kg
my usa w 99kg
nz is diff;
justin nz w 111kg
justin usa w gk111
Nice one Wallace. ;)
QuoteI would give it a 8+ out of 10...
It's a beauty Dominick.
Cheers, Justin
Quote from: Pescachaser on February 05, 2012, 02:11:07 AM
Alan: Ack! you forgot my favorite Penn International 20. This is a real 20lb reel :o. It's a good thing God made rod holders. I used to get arm weary waiting for my sinker to hit bottom in 50 feet of water ;D. I'm the only guy I know that wears a harness fishing for Stripers in the bay with this reel. Dominick
Yeah Dom, but they don't make them any better nowadays than the old Penn 20, except maybe the 20T, serious small reel.
Alan and crew,
Im researching 20# reels for a futrue purchase (star or lever drag). Im not jigging w/the reel just bait fishing therefore no need for fast retrieve. Of the 20# reels listed (sans Intnl 20), which reels (plural) do you see as the best values (build quaiity vs performance vs cost). I dont mind upgrading the reel some to get reliability and performance. Im still kind of "stuck-on-stupid" in regards to 300 yard capacity on most (not all) of my reels and Ive noticed your parameters for these reels is 200 yrds; why??
I plan to use the reel on party-boats (3/4-3 day trips) and these reels get banged-up pretty tuff w/boat rash. I dont mind some boat rash on my reels but the local scene is abusive on reels. I hate it when someone puts there rusted $39 Big5 special with cheap flourescent blue llne in the rack banging the heck out of my saltigas, etc. (that's why I keep my reels covered in the rod holders till I need one and just pop off the cover and stuff in back pocket). The people on the overnite to multi-day trips are typically more considerate of gear than those on the short trips.
Im tired and broke from spending $400 plus for reels (only when necessary ie Andros, etc); I would like to keep this in/near the $200 max range with upgrades if possible. This forum has shown me that a $150 Torium w/a few upgrades can compete EASILY with $400+ Trinidads (this is a classic example of my definition of value).
So, lets have at it!
Leo
Hey Leo,
I wrote a response then deleted it because I though you answered your own question...but...
Mono or braid? Presuming that you are posting your question here, I will presume you going to use mono.
Star Drag - Shimano Torium, TLD Star,
Okuma Cortez,
Daiwa Sealine SL-H
Abu 7000 series
Lever Drag - Shimano Charter Special T1000 with Tom's solid aluminum frame, Tyrnos 10
Okuma Solterra
Hope this helps.
Hey Byan,
I hope Im not answering my own questions and posting them ;D. And yes "mono"; Im not one who puts braid on every reel (at least not yet). Speaking of which; when do you Bryan use braid (other than increased line capacity and the ability to use different weight line) on your reels? And what criteria do you go by in choosing a reel for just mono vs a reel to use braid with?
Also Bryan, Im not a fan of high gear ratios for bait reels (ie Toriums etc) and really dont see a need for it. Am I missing something here?
Thanx Bryan for your quick and thourogh response,
Leo
I use braid on all my reels for the fishing I do now. I like the idea of feeling ever twitch of the fish. I will be switching my trout gear over as soon as I use up the spools of 2# and 4# mono that is stored in the frig. I think it will take me another 5 years before I switch those out to braid.
I really don't see a need for mono in the entire reel. I've had braid on some of my reels for over 5 years now, a little less capacity over the years, but still no problems The cost versus waste and time or re-spooling, and the longevity of braid had me convinced over 20 years ago when I went fishing in Japan and all of the stuff my friend were using was PE braided line.
Regarding the reels, unfortunately, there are not may new reels with lower gear ratios. But if you consider the diameter of the new reels versus the ones of yester-years, they are a lot smaller. so, let's say you compare a Penn 111 with a Pro Gear 255, which is almost half the diameter. At full spool, you are probably pulling in twice amount of line than the Pro Gear 255 at full spool. Therefore, if you want somewhat equivalent line per crank, the newer reels would have to up their gear ratios. What I'm trying to say is just because the newer reels have higher gear rations, it doesn't mean that they are pulling more line in that your Penn 111 with lower gears.
Bryan,
In regards to the braid-mono thing: Im kinda like you with mono in the frig. Id have mono in the frig except that space is taken up with a couple jars of whole baby octopus bait, CA glues for r/c stuff, tooooonss.... of batteries (li-on, primarys etc), and whats left of my pro grade 35mm film (lasts forever in the frig: before/after shooting). Oooooh, and some room for ice cream and some food. Seriously though I have a lot of mono kept in a very cool place as well and really need to use some of it up due to time (not aging being kept in a very cool place). Ive bitten the bullet on some of my reels and guess I'll get off my but and do the rest of them with braid.
In regards to gear ratios vs line retrieval vs spool diameters; thanks for reminding me of the spool diameters and line retrieval. I forgot about the spool diameters of these smaller new reels need the higher gear rations to retrieve "normal" amounts of line per handle turn.
Do you use braid on graphie spools (ie SLOSH, spinners) as well?
Thanx,
Leo
I do have braid on a couple of reels that have graphite spools, with no problems thus far...Hmm, where did those reels go? Did I loan them out???
maybe you can add these 2 reels avet sx or mx... :)
You're right Mel. I thought it was previously mentioned.
Thanx Gents,
Leo
Quote from: Bryan Young on June 16, 2012, 05:11:01 PM
You're right Mel. I thought it was previously mentioned.
yes it's on the original list by Mr. Tani except the mx...good luck Leo
Quote from: LTM on June 15, 2012, 05:59:09 PM
Alan and crew,
Im researching 20# reels for a futrue purchase (star or lever drag). Im not jigging w/the reel just bait fishing therefore no need for fast retrieve. Of the 20# reels listed (sans Intnl 20), which reels (plural) do you see as the best values (build quaiity vs performance vs cost). I dont mind upgrading the reel some to get reliability and performance. Im still kind of "stuck-on-stupid" in regards to 300 yard capacity on most (not all) of my reels and Ive noticed your parameters for these reels is 200 yrds; why??
I plan to use the reel on party-boats (3/4-3 day trips) and these reels get banged-up pretty tuff w/boat rash. I dont mind some boat rash on my reels but the local scene is abusive on reels. I hate it when someone puts there rusted $39 Big5 special with cheap flourescent blue llne in the rack banging the heck out of my saltigas, etc. (that's why I keep my reels covered in the rod holders till I need one and just pop off the cover and stuff in back pocket). The people on the overnite to multi-day trips are typically more considerate of gear than those on the short trips.
Im tired and broke from spending $400 plus for reels (only when necessary ie Andros, etc); I would like to keep this in/near the $200 max range with upgrades if possible. This forum has shown me that a $150 Torium w/a few upgrades can compete EASILY with $400+ Trinidads (this is a classic example of my definition of value).
So, lets have at it!
Leo
U can get a intl 20 less than $200
Not on the list already...Shimano Talica 8 ..........comes with a 20lb mono cam. High end but will also fish 40-50lb.
Penn Fathom 12 or 15 would, in my opinion be the best $200 reel.
I really like my Tani(charter) Special mainly gets used for light gear trolling 10kg.
Omoto vs10 I use for lobbing live bait to dollies on 8kg.