It's probably doesn't fit the forum's TANK criteria, but the results were truly amazing. A college student named Johnny who comes by the shop regularly recently brought in a 209 that belonged to his dad. He and a group of his buds from school are absolutely crazy about fishing and stand-outs on the local fishing forum (Pensacola Fishing Forum).
The reel was in great shape, so it was a simple matter of cleaning her up and adding a few mods. After disassembling and degreasing I put it all back together. Additions were an older steel main gear, Carbontex fiber drag washers, Alan's stainless gear sleeve, 3 position SS long stroke power handle and aluminum jigging knob. Had to go back in and replace the original pinion gear that collapse at 15 pounds of drag. I think we found the design limitation on that piece.
The results...Sawyer, the ring-leader of "The Young Guns", as I like to call them, put a healthy 5 1/2 foot, 100+ pound Bull Shark on the beach with her. These guys were super stoked. I was just glad to be a part.
Hi Joe --
It's great to see the younger generation getting involved in fishing activities.
Great report & good job on that old 209.
How did the LW hold up -- or was it removed?
Hard for me to see how the nylon idler gear or LW would hold up in these conditions.
Best,
Fred
Awesome fish with an Awesome reel. Your reputation is well known in the gulf area Joe. I only make it there two or three times a year, but I have heard your name mentioned more than once. ;)
Quote from: foakes on November 18, 2014, 12:07:31 AM
How did the LW hold up -- or was it removed?
Level wind still intact! So far, so good.
Quote from: Shark Hunter on November 18, 2014, 12:32:03 AM
Awesome fish with an Awesome reel. Your reputation is well known in the gulf area Joe. I only make it there two or three times a year, but I have heard your name mentioned more than once. ;)
Thanks! Huge compliment coming from you! Let me know next time you're in my area...we'll fry some fish!
Very amazing...such a big shark with that reel.
Cool job on the reel, and that shark pic is awesome.
Wow! I would have said it would not work. I'm glad you did not fry it. Good job. Dominick
Nice work!
Simply amazing!!
Holy shaazam batman !!! Love the 209's, I bet that was one fun battle with that beast. I know you are already planning on besting this catch, and why not ??? I certainly would. I have no doubt you could go bigger, but I suggest a life vest in case it decides to pull you out to sea....I think that happened on gilligans island one time. lol
Another example of why penn reels hold more IFGA world records than all other reels combined.
That is a very impressive fish on a 209.
you know, joe, you're doing some really nice work!!!!!! ;D
Joe has lots of friends, some told me about him and all had good things to say...nice work Joe.
Photo of the month candidate here?
agreed!!!!!!
Quote from: pompano joe on November 18, 2014, 05:00:40 AM
Quote from: Shark Hunter on November 18, 2014, 12:32:03 AM
Awesome fish with an Awesome reel. Your reputation is well known in the gulf area Joe. I only make it there two or three times a year, but I have heard your name mentioned more than once. ;)
Thanks! Huge compliment coming from you! Let me know next time you're in my area...we'll fry some fish!
I will take you up on that Buddy! ;)
Nice work Joe and the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. Good Luck to you catching more of those sharks.
Quote from: Newell Nut on November 19, 2014, 12:34:19 AM
....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....
They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.
Quote from: Keta on November 19, 2014, 01:32:43 AM
Quote from: Newell Nut on November 19, 2014, 12:34:19 AM
....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....
They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.
Also, if the fishermen... and his finger... are not one of the slow speed models ;)
Quote from: Tightlines666 on November 19, 2014, 01:50:58 AM
Quote from: Keta on November 19, 2014, 01:32:43 AM
Quote from: Newell Nut on November 19, 2014, 12:34:19 AM
....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....
They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.
Also, if the fishermen... and his finger... are not one of the slow speed models ;)
They do hurt when they get a finger.
Quote from: Keta on November 19, 2014, 01:32:43 AM
Quote from: Newell Nut on November 19, 2014, 12:34:19 AM
....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....
They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.
Even though most stay away from a levelwind. If everything is well greased and the drag is smoooth then the levelwind rarely has any issues unless as Lee said it's a fish that makes crazy runs like a tuna.
wow.. thats a really big shark for this small reel.
no wonder I have a friend that use 4 of them everytime he's on the water.
They are tough little reels. We have a couple on the party boat with the level wind broken off and they work great.
My largest salmon was caught on a much smaller Mag 10 LW, 42#. Not nearly in the same class as this shark.
That's an amazing catch on that reel!
How's the gearing on the 309? Any tougher than the 209?
hey pompano joe, sometimes when you are not busy & have a minute, could you call me so as I can pick your mind. I am interested in building a 209 to "shark fish" with. 912-288-0743. Thanks. long haired country boy
Welcome, CB --
A 209 will land a shark, as you have seen -- but that is not typical, or the percentage bet for that reel.
The reel and main and pinion will handle a shark, if all of the factors fall in place -- however, the level line guide will be a weak link, IMO -- particularly if the line orientation from the lowest rod guide -- to the spool is at a angle compared to lining up straight -- due to the guide not in sync. And the worm, pawl, worm gear, idler gear, and adjustment screws are all at risk.
If you are ready for this -- go for it -- and hope I am wrong.
Or remove the level line apparatus completely --
Or use a Long Beach, Senator, Jigmaster, etc. -- beefed up as you wish -- this would be my choice and consideration.
Any fish can be landed with any reel -- and it is a lot of fun -- but if looking for consistant results -- another reel may be a better choice.
Just my opinion...
Best,
Fred
Fred's right, but I just have to say there is no more fun than riding the edge of being over matched.
We were catching more rays than anything one day shark fishing in SF Bay. The sharks weren't biting but the rays were on fire.
I tossed out a Penn Levelmatic with 12lb test and was down to the spool about three times before getting a 45lb ray to the boat. Yeehah that was fun. Let the drag and pole do the work. And that was with the old leather drags.
But boy that's a big shark....
I have to say, always thought a solid bar like is available for Abu to take out LW would be a great idea for 209 / 210.
It's been my experience that sharks don't always require heavy gear. There is always that one pissed off shark that won't quit, but many are lazy. I have landed 3-4 foot bull sharks while trout fishing with a 6 foot spinning rod and 10 lb mono using a circle hook. That being said, you don't get to choose if a 5 foot or 15 foot shark takes your bait.
Quote from: rippin_lips on November 16, 2016, 02:08:54 PM
It's been my experience that sharks don't always require heavy gear. There is always that one pissed off shark that won't quit, but many are lazy. I have landed 3-4 foot bull sharks while trout fishing with a 6 foot spinning rod and 10 lb mono using a circle hook. That being said, you don't get to choose if a 5 foot or 15 foot shark takes your bait.
I agree! I've caught a couple with a Jigmaster with very little effort.
I'm very lucky to have Joe as a very good friend. Joe has that personality that leaves you feeling better after being around him. He has prayed over me many times when i have troubles.
Try a bronze whaler, they get very angry.
Quote from: Keta on November 19, 2014, 01:53:13 AM
Quote from: Tightlines666 on November 19, 2014, 01:50:58 AM
Quote from: Keta on November 19, 2014, 01:32:43 AM
Quote from: Newell Nut on November 19, 2014, 12:34:19 AM
....the really impressive thing to me is that the levelwind did not break. ....
They hold up better if the fish caught is not a high speed one like tuna.
Also, if the fishermen... and his finger... are not one of the slow speed models ;)
They do hurt when they get a finger.
Saving fingers is why the #64 is plastic. Better it gives out than crush bone.