Frankenreeled my first Penn conventional--narrow Baymaster-Beachmaster, SUCCESS!

[festus]

This old Baymaster 180 was cheap because the handle knob was unfunctionable plus the headplates were rough.  I saw the frame posts were in fairly good shape, along with the reel seat, and I really liked the scenery on the tailplate.

One thing I've observed in the last few weeks is Penn conventionals in the smallest size, that is the narrow ones like the Squdder 146 and Surfmaster 100 are expensive.  Only place I've looked is online because there aren't that many Penn users in the mountains of East Tennessee.  You might see a Penn Squall or Fathom, and occasional 209 once in a blue moon used by catfishermen, but seems that Abu, Daiwa, and Shimano are more popular 'round these parts.

So, I simply cleaned the tailplate, frame posts, and reel seat from the Baymaster and attached a Beachmaster 155 headplate.  This has the plastic spool.  The previous owner of the Baymaster knew what he was doing, because when I removed the old mono I found about 30 yds of braided dacron underneath.   I stripped that off and put about the same amount of fresh braided dacron and the remainder of the bottom of a spool of 17 lb test Red Lightnin'. Didn't have quite enough mono to fill it to full capacity but it has plenty.

And this little jewel will outcast my other Penns distance wise. 
   

[xjchad]

Nice work! I was really surprised how well my son's 180 casts with that light plastic spool. 
Looks great! 

[STRIPER LOU]

Nicely Done Festus. The narrow reels are quite popular and as you said, can be a bit pricey.

The 146 Suidder Jr. is one of my favorites.

Keep at it, your doing great!

Regard's,  ..  Lou

[mo65]

   Bravo Chester...she looks great. The plastic spools cast so well because of the reduced inertia. They are plenty strong for any fishing you'll do with that size reel...and if you bust one they are easy to find.

[foakes]

Good work, Chester!

Best,

Fred

[festus]

Thanks for the compliments, fellers.   

I did a little side-by-side comparison between this Baymaster and two of my Abus.  Both the 5000B and 6000C Ambassadeurs have clickers. 

Which is easiest to cast?  The Abus of course.

Which reel would I rather fight a fish with?  The Penn. 

Which reel would I rather cast artificial baits with?  The Abus

Which would I rather use bank fishing with live or cut bait?  The Penn

Which reel would I think would distance cast the farthest?  The Abu 6000C. 

[WestCoast Transplant]

I bought 5 180s in the last few months. Great little reel. Fished one on an 9' ugly stick with an aluminum spool in the surf for perch. Lots of fun.