Trolling Reels

[Fish Nut]

Gang the winter is getting to me. I am taking the time to clean up some of my equipment for spring. I know trolling isn’t sporting but I still have a blast at it. I am working on my reels and figured I would let you guys know what I use. These models have served me extremely well for many years. I wax and clean them each season, they still shine.

Penn 114 I use these for umbrella rigs and my WWB A little overkill. These things are beast. I run 30-40lb mono on them.

Gear Ratio: Line: Capacity: Weight:
2.1:1 50 lb. 525 yds. 48 oz
First Year Manf.: Before 1941

Penn 113 I use these for tandems daisy chains singles usually run 30lb mono on them.

Gear Ratio: Line: Capacity: Weight:
2:1 30 lb. 475 yds. 24 oz
First Year Manf.: Before 1941

Penn 49L I started out using these reels so I have a lot of nostalgia for them. I run lead core on them in the spring and have caught hundreds of fish on them. I have never had one fail me. I just had to change the drag washers in a pair I bought in 1981. Due to there different configuration they look cool when rigged up. I troll 8 of these in the spring they will bring in any striper in short notice.

Gear Ratio: Line: Capacity: Weight:
3.5:1 30 lb. 300 yds. 30 oz
First Year Manf.: Before 1941 Discontinued by Penn: 2006


Penn 309M. Can I say anything bad about these reels? I always steered away from them because they were small. However, I caught my biggest stripers on these last year. I had a blast using them. They can handle anything the bay can throw at them and have earned solid spot in my trolling spread. I use these reels exclusively when the Spanish and blues come into the bay when trolling.

Ratio: Line: Capacity: Weight:
2.8:1 30 lb. 350 yds. 26 oz
First Year Manf.: 1966 Discontinued by Penn: NO


I know they are star drag systems. If it's not broke don't fix it!!!!!!!!!

[goinsfishin]

Good choices.....
The Penn 309 especially is a Bay workhorse....and has been for years.....
Don't forget the 309's grandson the 330 GTi.....a good dependable workhorse with a little more backbone.

[reeltor]

Thats a nice line up Rob. I"ve got a slew of different reels that I bought trying to find a new favorite.
Couple of 309's
one Penn 320
three Penn 330's
one Penn 535
couple of Penn 113's
one Diawa Sealine 40
three Shimano Tekota 800's
two Okuma T20L's
one Avet MX
one Quantum Cabo 30 levelwind

After all the looking around I"ve found the Tekota's are my favorite by far, but they are expensive. The Okuma's and the Daiwa are tanks and have held up well too. I use the Daiwa, Shimano's and Okuma's for heavier lines and the others off boards for tandems and singles. All the Penns are older, which I like, and frankly there is no reason to look further for bay fishing. Price is right, parts are readily available and they are easy to service yourself.

[hippie]

got two brand new Penn 113-H's a few years ago. Even right out of the box, the 113's had to have the drag turned down tight (like with large plumb pliers) inorder to pull an umbrella rig without any weight! If I had to do it over I would go with a bigger reel. Bob

[goinsfishin]

Originally Posted by hippie

got two brand new Penn 113-H's a few years ago. Even right out of the box, the 113's had to have the drag turned down tight (like with large plumb pliers) inorder to pull an umbrella rig without any weight! If I had to do it over I would go with a bigger reel. Bob

I think I'd take them apart and see if maybe they are missing a drag washer......somethings not right.....I've pulled a 24" 6 arm umbrella with 32 oz inline with a 113H and the drag was fine, actually had to loosen it a bit to set how I like them.

[hippie]

Steve, I don't know anything about Penn reels. I would love to troll with these because they are the biggest in my arsenal. It seems as though there is not alot of adjustment in the star drag. When I tighten it down it is really too tight because I can't pull any line off the reel. Thanks, Bob

[drichitt]

Just picked up 4 Penn 340 GTi for $99.95 each; regular at $149.95. Received an email from Bait N Hook in NJ this am, no tax or shipping over $250. Promo Code: 340GTI ....Don

[garlien]

For the little bit of trolling I do...The 309's are sweet....Then again I am fool enough to troll slow with spinning reels too....

Hey, if it works, it works.....

[goinsfishin]

Originally Posted by hippie

Steve, I don't know anything about Penn reels. I would love to troll with these because they are the biggest in my arsenal. It seems as though there is not alot of adjustment in the star drag. When I tighten it down it is really too tight because I can't pull any line off the reel. Thanks, Bob

Somethings definitely wrong......113's are workhorses......I'll be glad to take a look.....PM me a phone number.

[jdimig]

Mr. Alan Tani is the worlds best source for information on how to service your reels.
http://alantani.com/

Thanks Alan.