Hello and thanks for letting me join your site, I am 53, hail from Ohio, yes I know folks from Ohio are buckeyes worthless nuts ;D.. my fishing here is for Flathead Catfish 5lbs-55lbs from shore in small to med. sized rivers. My current set ups are Penn Fathom 20lws, and Penn Squall 15lws. I am lob casting 4oz-8oz. of weight with a 4-10 inch bait fish. Line 30-40lb mono.
Due to Rotator Cuff surgery My fishing will be delayed this spring. I need a project... I saw the reels folks here have rebuilt/hotrodded/updated and it got me thinking of attempting a Penn project reel myself. Knowing nothing about Penns other then Fathoms, Squalls, 209s and 309s I am at a loss where to start. I looked at squidder, jimaster narrows on eBay.. I would like to avoid using a 209 or 309 if possible. I would like the reel to hold 100-175yards of 30-40lb mono and have at up to 15lbs of drag.. levelwind is not a requirement. Any suggestions of older rebuildable/upgradable Penns that fit my requirements? Advice is greatly appreciated...... Fred
fred, welcome! there are a couple of nice reels to start with. a basic 4/0 senator 113h may be big, but you will get the drag you need. the levelwinds might be a big light! ;D
You're in the same general area as Mo, who should be around soon. He has been hot rodding reels for the same purpose for a little while now.
Sid
Thanks for the welcome and advice! I am not looking for level wind, hoping that opens the field up a little more!
If you want to spend the $ for the frame and spool a narrow 113H.
Welcome, Fred --
If I was fishing for large, heavy cats in the rivers -- with the chance of hooking a monster -- a strong consideration would be a 113 US Senator with the only add-on being Tom's drop in double dog on the deck bridge assembly.
This would be a capable and bulletproof setup with the numbers and line you have indicated.
Best,
Fred
__________________________________________________________
The upgraded Penn 113HN/US113 Senator Bridge Assemblies are here!
This is Bridge assembly specifically designed for those who want to run drag numbers at or above the recommended maximum settings on your
Baja Special or 113 US Senator family of reels.
Read the discussion here: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=17972.0
Here it is:
The bridge comes fully assembled ,drop in ready, with the following components:
Modified Penn Bridge 3-113HN
One piece construction, hardened 416 stainless steel gear sleeve.
Hardened 17-4 stainless steel dogs.
Modified Penn dog springs 14-15KG
Stainless steel dog posts.
Stainless steel washers, screws, and cir-clips.
Delrin washer to replace Penn 4-155 under gear washer.(not pictured)
Because of the assembly time, shipping on these will have a two week lead time.
Price, including shipping is $65.00 each.
Rob will have them on the website in the next few days.
I want to thank everyone for their input, especially Jeff and Alex for the hands on testing!
Tom
Hi Chillydigits. If you were bypassing the 309 because of stock drag numbers, read my thread about how to build a 15lb. max drag 309 for under $100.(reel cost included in that price).
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=18587.0
If you were bypassing it because you're not crazy about the feel(like me)...consider my favorite, the 210. It's capable of making power just shy of those big Senators the guys are suggesting, and packs down through the rip rap a whole lot easier!
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=18615.0
I haven't even had time to fish this one yet...but I'm certain nothing in the river is going to bust it.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=20574.0
I love the big reels when fishing in the boat. Here's my 4/0 project.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=19717.0
One of these days I'll get a deal on a 6/0 Senator and build the trophy hunters dream...but I'm confident chasing the largest of cats with reels producing 15-20lbs. of drag. Realistically speaking, when we are using 30-40lb. line(and that's the size preferred by most cat guys) going past 20lbs of drag would be break off city. Then for those "river monster" size lunkers...the Senator with 50-80lb. line on it would allow you to see why horsing a flathead is exasperating! :D ;D 8)
Hey...I should add that Fred's suggestion...the Baja Special with Tom's bridge is on my wish list. 8)
Mo, thanks for the advice, I am passing up the 309s just because I don't care for them.. I was looking at the Senators suggested, sweet looking reels! but even the narrow ones seem to hold 250yds of 50lb test.
My river Flathead fishing is on the Muskingum north of Zanesville up to Coshocton, not big water by any means. A couple spots it's a1/2 mile walk in to my fishing spot. I will start looking at 210s, as the lone Penn fan in the group I fish with, any chance to catch a nice fish on a classic Penn and get to rub my Abu friends a little always makes for a great night on the river..
I hear ya on the 309...it's not my favorite either...but most folks who fish Penn around here use 309s...they are very popular. We fish the Muskingum too, the last lock at Devola. Welcome to the site! 8)
Mo, that 259/99 is one sharp reel. Any idea how much 40lb mono that Reels holds? It is hard for me to get an idea of its size. Is it close to an Okuma Catalina 25?
Quote from: Chillydigits on February 04, 2017, 08:46:50 PM
Mo, that 259/99 is one sharp reel. Any idea how much 40lb mono that Reels holds? It is hard for me to get an idea of its size. Is it close to an Okuma Catalina 25?
Thanks...it's a great feeling reel in the hands too. It's the same size as a Silverbeach 99...same size side plates as a Jigmaster. I'm not really sure of line capacity...but the 30lb. line I used came off a Levelline 350...and Scott's spec sheet says the 350 holds 300yds. of 30lb. I bet Jeff(Rivverrat) will have some suggestions too.
Hi Chilidigits,
Was thinking a Shimano TLD 15 would be perfect for this type of fishing. Has a larger drag, is narrow, casts great, easy lever drag adjustments, and I think just the right size. I've caught some nice ocean going fish to about 30 pounds on them and they are not outgunned on that size fish.
They're common reels and you should be able to find one on ebay for a decent price. Also lots of help on this forum on how to work on them, me included.
Good luck in your search. I was a flat head fisherman in SW Missouri, but all of mine were caught on a trot line.
josa1
josa1
Nice job mo :D
Hey Fred, welcome! I been chewing in this one...
250 yds / 40....want to hotrod and fish classic Penn....need around 40lbs drag....CASTABLE......
I woke up this morning and think what you are after is a 505 HS Jigmaster. Ballbearings, castable, high speed gear will let you get more drag surface, and it's the AR-15 of Penns in terms of mods you can get....frame, handle, drags and you'll have a castable, smooth beast. If you want to go full monty, a Cortez Classic 500 kit with bearing control knob, SS giuts, Adam insert...done.
I love the 210, have a few and fish them. But levelwind is not gonna cast 40-50 mono very well.
JMO
John
I agree with John on the 506.
You could also try the 501, you should be able to find one online in fair shape for $80- $100.
No need to go all out, but I would recommend at least this kit:
https://squareup.com/store/pro-challenger-llc/item/jigmaster-package-a
and this
https://squareup.com/store/pro-challenger-llc/item/jigmaster-gear-sleeve
If you're not able to find one, I'm able to make you one with any options.
Good luck!
Sal
Quote from: Chillydigits on February 04, 2017, 08:46:50 PM
Mo, that 259/99 is one sharp reel. Any idea how much 40lb mono that Reels holds? It is hard for me to get an idea of its size. Is it close to an Okuma Catalina 25?
Chillydigits, I'm sorry...I just noticed in your first post you said you weren't familiar with the older Penns...and I used a couple of antiques to describe the size of the 259/99...DUH! :D They say a picture is worth a thousand words...so I'll shut up and let you take a look at this pic. These cat combos are(from left to right) a 309, a narrowed Surfy 250, the 259/99, and the 210. I known you're familiar with the 309...so use it as a size gauge. 8)
Mo, that's some pretty work right there. Howver clearly the little Surfmaster is outgunned in your quest for big fish. I'll PM you my address :)
I meant 15lbs drag not 40, in my post. Hadn't finished coffee.
Quote from: thorhammer on February 05, 2017, 02:19:16 PM
Mo, that's some pretty work right there. However clearly the little Surfmaster is outgunned in your quest for big fish.
Oh no John...that 250 Surfmaster is for all purposes a 501 Jiggy(same as your suggestion) but using the lower gear ratio of 3:1. It will make 15lbs. of drag all day long. It has all steel gearing and a 5 stack drag kit. I stuck to these lighter cat combos because Chillydigits is fishing a river not much wider than your living room...and these size reels have served me well in that river. 8)
Here's a link to the 250N: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=19281.0
I love those guys....have 200's, 160's, 180's, 155's, squidders, but still no 100 / 146 width....in due time :)
I can't thank everyone enough for all of the great suggestions and offers! I really like the look of MO's 250/501 spool hybrid, I am leery of my first project involving dremeling out the side plate. Dremel tools and I have a hate love relationship, I hate them, they love to hurt me.. Although there does appear to be a nice 250 donor reel on eBay as I type this.
I am settling more on the 501 with its 4:1 ratio and ability to hold 170yds of 40lb mono. I would want to change the internals to the stronger stainless parts from the site Sal linked for me, replace the drag components. Bearings? After I got it mechanically sound, order a Tiburon frame for it... How is the clicker on the 501 reel? Is it loud like my Penn Fathoms?
So now I start looking on EBay for 1 or 2 501s
Again any advice is appreciated
501's are not cheep, you might price out getting a 500, doing the internal upgrades and then get a Tiburon 501 frame and spool.
Avoid a plastic spool unless you plan on replacing it but Penn 29L-501 spools are hard to find.
Quote from: Chillydigits on February 05, 2017, 04:59:40 PM
I really like the look of MO's 250/501 spool hybrid, I am leery of my first project involving dremeling out the side plate. How is the clicker on the 501 reel?
You could skip double dogging and just go with a single ss dog also. The clicker on the 501 is great. Good luck on your project! 8)
Keta , thanks for the advice, I had already thought about a new spool when I got the Tiburon frame.. Tons more 500s to pick from, now to pick one or two and get them on their way..
Mo.. if these 501s go well, I will build my Flathead winch, 250/501 spool... I will have to pick your brain I am sure when that time comes..
Again I want to say thanks! For all the help and advice to get me started!
The 250N "Flathead Special" is a good reel and can be easily changed to a 501 on the water. The same thing for a Tib 99 width 500/250.
I see the 210 mentioned here, I have a 15-210 AR dog drawn up and could have a few cut if there is any interest. I like the 10 and 210 and were my go to reels for salmon when I lived in Alaska.
Would this be a good reel to start my project with?
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=162375245256&globalID=EBAY-US
You can find a Jigmaster 500 for around $25-$35 if you look around enough. That one has a plastic spool. I'd try and find one with an aluminum spool.
There is a lot of rash on that reel and the plastic spool is a negative. FT's $25-$35 price range is what I would look for.
There are several 500 reels for better "By IT Now" prices and a few 500S reels for $19-$30.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Jigmaster-500s-great-condition-/162375967101?hash=item25ce5ca17d:g:wuwAAOSwZQRYX1r8 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Jigmaster-500s-great-condition-/162375967101?hash=item25ce5ca17d:g:wuwAAOSwZQRYX1r8)
If you can find a jiggy with an aluminum spool for $25-$35 you better grab it...lately the stock Penn 501 aluminum spools alone have been bringing $40-$50. I like Pro Challenger's latest offering better...comparable price and its brand new...in many colors. You'll see them on that link Sal provided earlier in this thread.
That Jigmaster in your link looks nice, and from experience, starting your project with something nice always goes smoother than starting with a heap. I like that it has a box...you can store the stock parts you don't use in that box. Also remember with these older models you stand a better chance of getting a steel main gear.
You might look at the Penn GS 555HS.....graphite frame, alum spool, Gear ratio can be changed via gear sets form 4.25, 5.3 or 6 to 1, plenty of capacity 600/20 and a reported 17 lbs drag with the Versa Drag system.....about the same width as a 500 JM and a tad smaller in diameter......it's kind of a sleeper and not commonly found......Bill
Quote from: TARFU on February 05, 2017, 06:37:17 PM
You might look at the Penn GS 555HS.....graphite frame, alum spool, Gear ratio can be changed via gear sets form 4.25, 5.3 or 6 to 1, plenty of capacity 600/20 and a reported 17 lbs drag with the Versa Drag system.....about the same width as a 500 JM and a tad smaller in diameter......it's kind of a sleeper and not commonly found......Bill
Bill, after I wrote about the Jiggy, because we wants a project, my 545 / 555 came to mind as well....they will flat out sling and already have carbon fiber versa drags and double dawgs in them. They were my daily king mackerel reels and are tournament ready out of the box. And no cat ever out ran a king.
According to tracking my "project" Jigmaster will be arriving in Mount Vernon Ohio this Friday... :)
good call. look at it this way...if you don't like it someone else here will take it off your hands :)
This is going to be fun :)
My new to me Jigmaster 500 arrived today, seems mechanically sound, no signs of corrosion, I will be ordering a tiburon frame.. stainless gear set.. narrow spool.. and a drag upgrade.. I can't seem to figure out how to post a picture of it. I will say it appears to have been cleaned and not regreased.
Never one to look before I leap, I picked up a Surfmaster 250 as well... It is very clean cosmetically, however it sounds like it has gear issues... It will stay in the box until I have my Jigmaster up and running..
Now I need to get some grease, oil, and anything else you would suggest to get started
Ok let me try to post a picture..
Photo posted OK. The reel looks great. Good Luck with it. Rudy
Nice Jiggy! 8)
You have a nice one to start with, got photos of the 250?
Here is my surf master
That's a nice reel too. Pop the side plate off and see what type of main gear you have...it might be a nice steel gear. 8)
Both look like they are in good shape externally and not having to replace parts with rash will save you some $.
Nice gear I double dog dare ya ;)
Chilly, great pair of reels....good as is and only better with your planned upgrades. You might check the thread on tools and lubricants, but I would be placing and order with
Mystic Reel Parts for the following: Cal's Drag grease for the drags, ReelX for the bearings, Penn Oil, and Penn Blue grease for corrosion protection and everything else. The smallest sizes last me for months as I do not rebuild more than 2 reels a month. And if it's in the budget one of Alan Tani's Penn wrench. Don't forget to order carbon fiber drags and extra dog springs, as the springs tend to become UFO's when least expected.
Bill
"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
Note your night steel spool will fit 250