Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Here are mine.

Oh yeah, that's Ron.  He and I message each other frequently on another forum.  I put the bug in his ear about doing up a Millionaire CV-Z as he loved the reels I did.  I found him those side plates in that 2500C build in the link above.  Super cool guy, hope he and I can meet up someday and fish.

These are fairly popular where I am, but the most popular is the super simple Schooley, invented right here in Greenville, MI, about 2.5 hours west of me.  While I no longer ice fish, I used Schooley's for many years.  Back in the day the local tackle shops used to sell them for $5.  I'd run two at a time in one hole, and a tip-up for toothy critters in another.

https://www.schooleyicetackle.com/about

https://www.fishusa.com/Schooleys-Spring-Bobber-Pole-Reel-and-Accessories/

The inline reels are catching on, mostly with guys chasing walleye and lake trout, but they still aren't as popular for them as a spinning reel.

Thanks for catching that Tony! I will edit headline and update info, look forward to meeting you in person! - john

I found this site while looking for decals for my 4600 Royal Express.I have been emailing this poster & he has some impressive mods worth checking out.

https://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=72806#p400985

https://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=77967

Quote from: Brewcrafter on January 11, 2025, 03:31:33 AMQuick note to all of the (greater) SoCal Ohana - this year the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show (https://sportfishingfestival.com/) will be March 6, 7, 8.  For the uninitiated, this is a fishing/outdoors trade show takes place at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, CA and is an incredible assembly of folks and businesses from across the entire sportfishing industry.  Boats, gear, charter operations, you name it - there is a LOT to see.  Many of us attend and rest assured The Boss (Alan) will be there as well.  See the latest in gear, find some great deals, and most importantly hang out with a whole lot of like minded folks.  Many of the top manufacturers will be there to answer questions and show off their latest offerings.  If you are planning to attend post it here! - john

Pure Fishing will be there and I will be attending as well.  Also to note, as I wish it was only 3 days, you missed the 9th.  Show dates are March 6-9. 

tony

Quote from: Gfish on October 01, 2024, 04:59:21 PM

Quote from: MexicanGulf on October 01, 2024, 04:23:57 PMI actually made a mistake in the conversion Kg to lbs. The values I use are 13 to 14 lbs of drag on the strike.

Checked it out; a 5N-II is 15/24lbs. So that means 15 in high-gear & 24 in low gear? But that's a maximum. Wrecking the pinion sucks. I'd decrease drag at strike several lbs. you need enough the set the hook, keep 'em sharp and be ready to quickly push the lever forward(says the guy without much experience).

Hi crew, could you please explain this concept that is not clear to me? That is, depending on which gear I use, the drag resistance varies?

 Lots of great bearing oils out there. For me, I'm an oddball. I use 10-40 motor oil on my bearings with shields left on. It's never let me down....yet.

 Ok you guys, now I'm ready for a beat down

I generally grease pinion bearings on lever drag reels, oil for all other bearings

For a casting reel take off the shields and service often. For trolling and bottom fishing reels, like Brewcrafter posted, grease and replace the seals.

Alan's bearing greasers are nice, if you start doing more reels they are a good investment.

BTW, nice boat and a common higher end boat in SE Alaska.

Fen - All good tips from some very knowledgeable Ohana.  You had asked about shielded vs. non-shielded bearings.  Let me start by linking one of Alan's original bearing tutorials https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=13.0
For my own $.02 on bearings, first the shields.  A lot of folks ditch them since they can trap moisture within the bearing.  Myself?  I pretty much take a "it is what it is" approach since I stay on top of my own stuff so I don't go out of my way one way or the other.  What I will say next (and others may differ) also can influence that decision -
Grease vs. oil.  General wisdom is "grease for gears and drags, oil for bearings".  I tend to look more at the overall use of the reel.  And I can tell you in my personal 114 and 114H reels the bearings are greased, because no way, no how am I ever going to be attempting to cast one.  Mine are used as trollers or bottom fishing rigs, and these are both applications where the extra drag of grease in the bearings should not affect performance, but will give an enhanced degree of protection against water intrusion.  And generally greasing is easier without shields (and Alan also has designed a great bearing packer that works great, shields or no shields, but definitely really only necessary when you are doing a lot of reels.)  Going for maximum casting distance when bombing irons or live bait?  Then a quality oil will probably be a better choice.  Keep us posted on your progress, those early Senators are great reels, a good value overall, and good ones to learn on. - john