Reel Repair by Alan Tani

As I finished my squidder build (thanks Tom) I put the rod right next to my Jigmaster cortez conversion and noticed the hand knurled bearing cup and wondered if it would fit in the squidder or if there was such a part for the squidder.....

Is there?  Can they be swapped?

If they both have CC plates I think they use the same bearing caps. Give it a try, might need to change a few shims around

That knob is to center the spool, not a cast control/anti backlash control!

Glue in some neodymium magnets on the clicker side. Avoiding, of course, the clicker. If you sufficiently remove all oil etc you can hot glue in place and it'll stay put pretty well, and pop off with minimal persuasion without messing up the finish. 5 min epoxy is slightly more permanent after you're done fine tubing. Cheap, easy, reliable, and effective. How often do you get all that?

I've got that on my poor man's version (surfmaster 100 with aftermarket spool and bars) and it casts like a dream.

Quote from: MarkT on March 14, 2026, 03:15:52 AMThat knob is to center the spool, not a cast control/anti backlash control!

X2 Using it for a cast control can dammage your reel.

Quote from: Keta on March 14, 2026, 03:54:13 AM

Quote from: MarkT on March 14, 2026, 03:15:52 AMThat knob is to center the spool, not a cast control/anti backlash control!

X2 Using it for a cast control can dammage your reel.

It will certainly wear the bearings faster.
Probably a dumb idea.   Seemed like something to think about.

I would not go as far as dumb.

Using heavier weight oil in the bearings can help.

Quote from: cbar45 on March 14, 2026, 05:01:23 AMUsing heavier weight oil in the bearings can help.

that is a solid idea.

Quote from: cbar45 on March 14, 2026, 05:01:23 AMUsing heavier weight oil in the bearings can help.

It will reduce your casting distance and increase the minimum weight you can cast.  You may or may not need to be making long casts or cast light weights.

The squidder has a spool adjustment on the left side only.  So the spool has to be centered using shims

It was designed for those with honed casting skills. Something I have always lacked.  if you can't feather the spool with thumb pressure as you cast then the next backlash will be as bad as the last one.  The usual approach is to not try to swing for the fences, make short easy casts, use the spool tension knob, and hope the backlashes are small ones. With time it gets easier.  Not screwing up at that critical moment when a fish suddenly appears is the absolute hardest part.

It will take a good while to wear out a spool spindle using spool tension.  But, it only takes an instant to crack a side plate using spool tension.

I do not think a 140 has enough room under the hood to ever get thumb-free casting with magnets. They will probably help though.

Tip for those casting declined, :0), or new to conventional reels.

#1 DO NOT START WITH BRAID!

Pull off as much line as you are trying to cast and some more and put tape on the spool covering the line.  WHEN you backlash you will not have to go as deep to clear it.

Good idea Lee, I never heard about that trick.  Dominick