Penn 210

[Swami805]

I have a pair of grandkids coming next week, normally they come a week every summer and I take them on the 1/2 day milk run on the local party boat. They rent tackle at the landing since it's so user friendly. This year my grandson wants to step his game up and go on the 3/4 day to the islands. I have a 210 levelwind I'm thinking of putting 25lb mono on for him on a suitable rod. The reel looks pretty good but before I pull it apart I'd thought I'd check in. We'll be fishing rockfish in 250-360 feet of water with 8-12 ozs of lead.
Anything to be vary of? Is this reel up to the task?
Only times he's fished is their trips down here, want something user friendly
Thanks in advance, Sheridan

[Swami805]

My only other levenwind option is a Taiwan made Abu 7000HS, Says it holds 230mm of 25lb test. I know my way around an old 5500,thinking this would be similar on the inside. Thanks

[akfish]

The 210 is a neat reel -- it's essentially a Jigmaster with a level wind -- but I'd be leery of fishing that deep with 12 oz. lead with it. I'm afraid the level wind just won't hold up. If you have a Penn 330 or 320 you'd be much better off. I assume you'll be using braid; 25# mono would be very difficult to fish that deep.

[Swami805]

Thanks, I have another penn levelwind but it's the size of a 4/0 and the kid is small. The boat will be crowded and I see some massive tangles in my future so I'll stick with mono. The stretch is a good thing with people new to this kind of fishing, they don't react to ever little thump on the line. Catch more fish since the fish have swallowed the bait and are pretty well hooked by the time you feel something. 25 is a good size so it will break easier when hung up on the bottom.
I'll use braid for me but I'll likely spend most of my time on the kids shoulder until he gets the hang of it a little.
I have a shimano charter special 1000 but I don't think it has enough line capacity for mono. It has 30lb braid on it that I've used for this type of fishing in the past.
The boat will be full of mostly tourist with rent rods, likely 40 on a 65' boat. The tangles can be epic. The rent gear is all mono and there's only 2 deck hands to deal with it.
Maybe I should go with a non levelwind, just trying to simplify the process as much as I can

[mo65]

   I agree with akfish, the 210 isn't designed for this type of fishing. I'd think he'd be better off with a good ol' Long Beach or Delmar. Easy to use...easy to maintain...makes for a fun day fishing.

[Swami805]

Good thinking, maybe that 3/0 with the narrow frame Randy made, trying to avoid him having to pay attention to guiding the line on the spool. All Delmars and long beaches I have are all collectors pieces.

[Keta]

The plastic LW gear is the week point but I landed a 35# Pacific halibut with my 210 when fishing for salmon.  I would not hesitate to use this reel occasionally for what you are planning but a non LW reel would be better.

[JRD]

Sheridan it will do.fine.  I use a few in Orange County and the Channel Islands for reds, boccacio and even the occasional ling.  The only suggestion is braid backing just use a 2 ounce heavier weight than everyone else to stay outta the tangles.   I use a 12 or 16 and get a longer crank like black pearls off set.  The Rock fish only fight the first 10 feet then it's cranking fast enough to keep them from floating off.

If you need another one I have one serviced and ready to go I will send you as a loaner.  If your grand kids falls in love with it I will donate to the future fisherman.

Let me know

Randy

[Swami805]

I do 5-6 trips a year on this boat for rockfish so I know the drill, really user friendly fish. Want a level wind so he doesn't need to remember to move the line while he's reeling.He only gets out once a year so trying to keep it simple. The 210 is in tip top shape and if it fries the level wind so be it, as long as the drags ok it should be fine. If the weather cooperates we'll fish the east end of Santa Rosa Island which has some decent size lings. Mostly reds and chuckleheads so he'll have fun if we end up on the coast.
I usually fish a calstar 900l with a trini 12 and 30lb braid. There's enough free board to get a decent underhand cast to keep out of the riffraff. I'll keep it simple for him, straight down 2 hooks and strips of squid.

[JRD]

They will have a blast!  Flip the lever and wind, no fuss, no muss, no worries. 

[Brewcrafter]

The downside also with braid is that it can be a little "rough" on the fingers of the user; but hopefully a levelwind will alleviate any necessity to handle the line excessively.  The nice thing with braid is in the inevitably tangles, especially if you say all the rental rods are mono, it helps your line "stands out" from the birds nest.  I can understand you wanting to use the mono, if you can try and pick something "unique" that can help ID your line if you end up getting wrapped.  Nothing beats fishing with the Next Gen, Good Luck!

[thorhammer]

I think the 210 will be fine, I love them. You might stick on a larger handle for the little ones to grind up with, is all I'd do, maybe a 24-66, 24-49 or better yet a power handle. I think the 210 comes stock with 24-155 if memory serves.

[Swami805]

I think it's a 24-66, I have a 24-49 or maybe one of Ted's handles, the Cadillac of grips
I have some tournament Ande in 30 pound, it actually breaks at 30lb. It's an unusual color green that should stick out from the other monos.
Great ideas, thanks

[Keta]

Check the plastic LW drive gear or replace it and teach them to keep their fingers away from the LW.

[Decker]

Good thinking, maybe that 3/0 with the narrow frame Randy made, trying to avoid him having to pay attention to guiding the line on the spool.

You mean the Tiburon T3N? I gave one to my 9 year old son for that purpose.  He hasn't used it yet but it seems appropriate (though expensive).  Also, it has the benefit of a 4:1 ratio, which would be good for that depth.