Reel Repair by Alan Tani

   Perfect...that's a mighty strong word for a fishin' reel...not sure a perfect one even exists. All in all, I reckon this 146 Squidder is pretty close. This gem started out as a "parts reel" for a Cortez Conversions project I'm working on. After lifting the parts I needed, I couldn't help but notice there was a very nice reel left incomplete. Ideas began to clog my mind. Ideas of a bone stock, yet unique, special purpose reel.
   I've always fancied these small Penns as freshwater bass fishing reels. They can be outfitted for lighter duty fishing easily enough, the only real drawback is speed, hard to keep a buzzbait on top with a 3:1 gear ratio!   I've converted a 109 and a 180, so now this 146 joins the family.
   Daron came through with the spool, which I think defines the whole unique look of this Squidder. The maroon spool and black sideplates go together like Martin & Lewis, and the maroon handle knob ties it all together. Under the hood she's bone stock. A brass main gear provides a fluid feel more familiar to a bass fisherman, and all the power needed for freshwater bass fishing. Three new HT100's greased with Cal's will make sure a lunker doesn't get away.
   Yep...this is pretty darn close to "perfect"! 

Nice color combo Mo.
I have one just like it with Maroon plates.
She is a beauty.

Nice Mo!

You have any eye for this stuff!

very nice!!!!!! what a beauty!!!

Great job Mo, are you going to fish with it, or to good for fishing ay, cheers Don.

Quote from: Donnyboat on June 23, 2017, 09:41:59 PM
Great job Mo, are you going to fish with it, or to good for fishing ay, cheers Don.

   Yes Don...it was built with Largemouth Bass fishing in mind. The 3:1 gearing would be tough with many baits(spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, topwater frogs) but I think I can fish plastic worms just fine with it. The gap between the spool and the rings is surprisingly tight. I'm going to try a braid first because it's sensitivity is the best selection for soft plastics. Probably a heavier braid(to avoid that gap) with a mono or fluoro leader. 

Cool build brother.....Bill

You have done well here grasshopper.      -Ted

 

Quote from: mo65 on June 23, 2017, 05:06:31 PM
After lifting the parts I needed, I couldn't help but notice there was a very nice reel left incomplete.

Nice recovery Mo - good to see I'm not the only one that buys a reel for parts and end up fixing it as well. 

Mike

I found one in my stash almost like yours Mo.
Black Plates and Handle with a red spool.
Bone stock. The 146 is hard to find in good shape for a good price. I have a few.

Nicely done!

Nice reel Mo. Reminds me of my 501. There is something about a vintage stock reel in great condition that gets my attention quicker than a custom job.
Basto

That's visually a lovely looking reel Mo, from stock parts. Great eye for detail.

Great job Mo! The Jr. is also one of my favorites.

..................Lou

I love those things.  I still have one BNIB 146. 

But, bass fishing? Hmmm.