[622253]

I am considering using a conventional reel for surf and peir fishing at times when I wish to cast a fair distance, but wish to depart from using spinnging reels for a change of pace. Crazy?? Depends on who you ask. My wife thinks so. But......... My question is simply is there anyone who could give me any feedback on the Penn Surfmaster Series of conventional reels? I know that they made 100, 150, and 200 models, but know very little beyond that. I have always used Penn Reels with good success, but not conventional ones for any distance casting, only drop to bottom fishing. Thanking anyone who may have any input or advice on my question.

foxfirejem

 

[spygull]

Ive been useing surfmasters for over 40 years. they are the basic conventional casting reel. Simple dependable and easy to maintain. They can be extremly difficult to cast with as they have no anti backlash control. I started out useing squidders but I switched to surfmasters in the late 50s when I started useing monofiliment line instead of the old braided nylon. Squidders were a great reel as they had vanes on the spool that acted as a break that helped control backlashes and used ball bearing suspension on the spindles. There problem was the spools were not strong enough to withstand the preasure of mono line and I destroyed a couple of reels because the spools exploded. I was always able to get much more distance with my conventional rigs than my spinning tackle but it requires a lot more practice to get proficent at casting. My suggestion to you is if you want to get into convention casting is spend the extra money and get one of the new hi-tec magnetic brake reels. you will save the difference in lost lures and avoid a lot of frustration which may cause you to abandon a really delightfull form of surfcasting.

 

[622253]

Hi Spygull, and thanks for your input. I have a Squidder which I aquired recently, but have not used it as of yet. Being a person who has fished fresh water with bait casting rels, mostly having some type of brake mechanisim, I have more first hand experience with "professionall over runs", or more commomly referred too as backlashes, than I care to remember. I chose the Surfmaster series mainly because it is out of production, so I am told, and it is a vintage peice of equipment. When I first got into 35 m/m SLR photography I was given, as a Xmas present from my wife, an auto focus camera, Minolta 7000. I think that was in 1988. Well......since then I have aquired 4 or 5 other SLR's, all Nikon, and went with the older, out of production ones which are considered vintage, 1960's - 1980's. More of a challenge I guess. Guess that is why I deer hunt in regular gun season with a flintlock musket. I mentioned that my wife really thinks that I am crazy. I'll let you know how my Surfmaster efforts progress. Many Thanks!!

foxfirejem

 

[spygull]

If your squidder has a metal spool it is a newer model and can take the preassure of mono line. With the surfmaster remember never to thumb the line, use the side of your thumb on the rim of the spool. The first time you burn the skin off of your thumb you will understand why.

 

[622253]

Thanks for the tip on not thumbing the line. That is exactly what I do with fresh water bait casting reels. Just goes to show one is never to old to learn. Tight lines.

foxfirejem