New Newell "P" Series for Cod Fishing????

Hi,

I have two newells for cod. My first was the 447-5.5 and then I bought a 540-5.5. After a refit with penn drag washers (lubed up) they are my favorite reels. Almost as good and some like better is the penn 113 senator which has more cranking power but slower on the gear ratio. I like the higher ratios because I fish deep and want to get the fish/other up as soon as possible.

Looking at the P series, I may give newell a call and see if the handle will fit on my reels. The handle sometimes is a problem if too much pressure is applied (friend broke a new one).

Other then that I don't see much difference and actually prefer the graphite spool since it will not corrode when you leave the superline on for two seasons (or more)

Capt. Marc

Hi,
I would say the 300 series is on the small size for deep water cod. Look at the spec sheet from newell and see what you like. These reels can take a lot of abuse as compared to the pro gears (so I have heard). I heard you need to wash them every trip (inside and out) or problems happen. I usualy just wash off my newells with a hose at the end of the day.

Don't worry so much about the size of the drag washers if your replacing them (on the newells) with penn ht-100 stuff. You just want a smooth and sensative drag for cod. They won't be making runs like tuna and burning up the reel. The dry drag system on the newells is not very good.

http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/newell2.html

Capt. Marc