Penn Reels - just as you find them

[Lingwendil]

Ever since seeing a guy fishing one on Youtube ("Fish your way" channel) I've been after one. After a bit of research I think they are unique and effective reels that are worth adding to the collection and fishing from time time with one.

[thorhammer]

Hey Ling, the spools are the same as Surfmaster 200 / Beachmaster 155. Mystic has the original plastic spool, but with a disclaimer that though NOS, they may well be brittle- which could also be the case with a plastic x-Master spool. However, if you wish to cast the thing every so often, i believe I have a plastic spool you can hold N/C, welcome to it, unless you want the NOS for display. If you are going to use mono I can put some dacron backing on it for you and you can just pop it in. PM me your address if so; I have parts to send to Randy and Chad in the next day or two and will get it out as well.


Paying forward from Joe and Harry, who sent me parts a couple years ago when I went through all my X-Masters.


John

[Lingwendil]

Thank you! I'll send you a PM shortly!

[mo65]

  Mystic has the original plastic spool, but with a disclaimer that though NOS, they may well be brittle- which could also be the case with a plastic x-Master spool. 

   I saw that disclaimer too. I think those spools will be fine if backing is used under the mono and not wound on too tight. I use the plastic spools a lot. No problems yet. Spooling mono without backing at a high tension will pop it...like a lot of folks found out...even years ago when they were brand new. I noticed Mystic also still has the aluminum spool for the 350...that's great!

[thorhammer]

I'd much rather put that L spool in a 200 but that's just me

[Lingwendil]

I'm not hot on non-levelwind reels yet, maybe that will change this year...

[foakes]

Those 350's are a very high quality reel -- plus they work very well to level the line retrieval.

Folks who actually use these reels get spoiled pretty quickly.

The mechanism that controls the heavy spiral bar is comparable to what a clock-maker would build.  

Plus, the quality and simplicity of the Spiral level-wind  components is top rate.

There are about 8 parts to the LW assembly that are unique to this reel.  I am fortunate to have these in inventory.

A very capable reel for capable anglers.

Best, Fred

[oc1]

350's don't cast very well because the spiral bar must sit fairly high.  The line drags over the spiral bar during the cast and the retrieve.  It's a good idea for trolling, deep drop and other non-casting situations.

If you get rid of all level winding mechanisms then doing it with your fingers will quickly become second nature.
-steve

[Rivverrat]

Steve spoke what I was thinking but refrained from saying.

Had to google to make sure this 350 was the model I was thinking of. Me & this level wind bar never got along. I found at some point it would get nicks in it & quickly weaken my line with fish on. It was for me as Steve
states an undesirable casting reel with the bar in place.

 16 years old on the river bank in a mid level fit of frustration. Using the best tools I had,  my trustee KABAR & Leatherman I set forth twisting, pulling  & prying that bar out. Liked that reel much better afterward... Jeff
   

[foakes]

You guys need to realize that this reel is best for dropping over the side of a pier or boat -- or maybe some trolling situations.

Not casting...

Every reel has its place -- and that is likely why it did not last.  Folks kept trying to use it for casting -- because that is what they expected.

All I was saying -- is that it performs well, as designed, is a tough reel, and works if one uses it as designed.

Different strokes for different folks -- different reels for different deals.  😄😄😄

Best, Fred

[xjchad]

Different strokes for different folks -- different reels for different deals.  😄😄😄

Best, Fred

Good one Fred!

[Rivverrat]

 Well Fred what your saying makes perfect sense.
I wasn't smart enough at the time & few if any here in Kansas would have known its proper use... Jeff

[mo65]

Well Fred what your saying makes perfect sense.
I wasn't smart enough at the time & few if any here in Kansas would have known its proper use... Jeff

   Jeff's childhood sounds much like mine...learning the hard way how to properly use saltwater equipment for heavy freshwater fishing. Penn made all those different models for a reason. If you need a non-levelwind reel...it's a pretty safe bet they made one to fit the bill...rather than hack on a levelwinder. I also understand the need for special mods at times. I did make a frankenreel once...or twice...or...

[Alto Mare]

With that said...Some Hawaiians could cast a 6/0 better than some could cast a Squidder...just saying...

Sal

[ReelFishingProblems]

Newest additions to the quarantine collection.

Funny I got this 710 that had a quick PUM job done like Mo just discussed.
The 26 has a crack in the spool, but I'll go through and clean everything else up, maybe put new bars and seat on it so it looks pristine other than the crack