Conventional Reels Question

[ccacher1]

I have a really n00b question about my Penn Squall 25 (SQL25N). So, I went to Basspro to buy one and they were out but ended up selling me the display model for $10 cheaper. I went to use it last weekend and I was just trying to practice throwing a 2oz weight in the surf and could not adjust the spool tension control on the side to hold this 2oz weight up. I had the knob all the way cranked down but the weight would still fall like nothing was holding it up. My question is, is this normal or is something wrong with the reel? On my cardiff 300 if I tighten that knob all the way down it holds the weight up. I have the insurance on it so it Isn't a problem returning it, I just want to know if I should...

[StinkyMatt]

Adjusting the spool tension or the magnet setting?

If the spool tension is cranked down and it will not hold a 2 oz.....maybe sumtin rong.

[ccacher1]

The spool tension knob. Sorry I wasn't sure what to call it. I'm thinking there is something wrong...

[BillzBaitz]

ok well im going to folloow up your question with one back to you.. Is thet drag tightened down at all or is it all the way backed off. Usually on the display models they back the drags all the way off.. if the drag is backed off all the way its ging to act like its in freespool and will never hold up the 2oz weight.

[vincentek9]

it depends on the reel and how intense the spool tension knob can be.

holding up a 2oz.. it SHOULD be able to do that... but some of my reels can't. the important thing is thumb control. if you ever enter the leverdrag world.. you'll want to master the thumb control rather than be dependent on the tension knob. (adjusting the tension knob on a leverdrag so that it "slowly drops" a 2oz lure on freespool means the "strike" position will be WAYYY TOO TIGHT!!! therefore freespool is literally freespool with zero tension on it)

if you dont like the idea of mastering your thumb pressure, a simple check-n-fix to your problem is to cut a piece of metal sheet (some people use credit cards, but its not advised because those get compressed). and stick it inside of the spool tension knob. this will add a bit more resistance to the spool. thicker metal sheet = more resistance when you button it down.

[ccacher1]

Originally Posted by BillzBaitz

ok well im going to folloow up your question with one back to you.. Is thet drag tightened down at all or is it all the way backed off. Usually on the display models they back the drags all the way off.. if the drag is backed off all the way its ging to act like its in freespool and will never hold up the 2oz weight.

The drag was tightened down yes. I'm betting someone messed it up when it was on display.

[YakDout]

While the reel is in free spool the drag plays no part in line coming off the reel.

[Matar]

This is what I have learned from a problem I had with one of my reels.

The knob is just for spool play.

I couldn't ever get my reel to reel up a 2oz weight and took the reel apart and had learned that the drags were smashes and burned. Took the drags out and sanded them and let them sit for a bit. Put them back in and the reel works like a champ.

That's just what happened to me, worth a try.


I only want to do one thing in life. Whatever I want at that moment.

[oneyedeer]

Try putting hlaf oz weight even if it falls down see if it slows down the fall. If it doesnt I think there is something wrong with the tensioner....this knob is to control how fast line comes off when reel is in freespool...like someone mentioned if you tighten down enough it will break. When you first learn how to cast this is a must to slow down the rotation of the spool. Less rotations less chance of bird nest. When you get better you can back off on the tensioner....more rotation the farther you are gonna cast.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by ccacher1

I have a really n00b question about my Penn Squall 25 (SQL25N). So, I went to Basspro to buy one and they were out but ended up selling me the display model for $10 cheaper. I went to use it last weekend and I was just trying to practice throwing a 2oz weight in the surf and could not adjust the spool tension control on the side to hold this 2oz weight up. I had the knob all the way cranked down but the weight would still fall like nothing was holding it up. My question is, is this normal or is something wrong with the reel? On my cardiff 300 if I tighten that knob all the way down it holds the weight up. I have the insurance on it so it Isn't a problem returning it, I just want to know if I should...

What on earth are you even trying to do?

The knob on the right in line with the spool shaft is purely for spool alignment, it's not a cast control. The knob or dial on the left is the cast control, and like all magnetic cast controls it only functions when the spool is spinning. The star on the right at the handle is the drag adjustment and it should be able to create 15lbs of drag.

It sounds like you think the knob on the right for spool alignment creates the drag tension, or think it's some kind of cast control. It's not for either of those things.

I just fished five days with one of those reels, they are simple, work perfect and are virtually trouble free right out of the box. I can't figure out what you think is wrong or what you think it needs to do, but I assure you that reels is probably just fine.

You can tighten the knob on the right really tight to slow the spool some for drifting in freespool with the clicker on but it's not going to create a ton of resistance and you should not cast it or fish it this way all the time as it not only will ruin the reels performance, but eventually cause increased wear and the end of the spool shaft.

That reel is not a jigmaster or model T. It's like you've taken a corvette and want to drive it around all the time with the emergency brake on because it feels more stable. Tighten the spool knob in until you feel a slight resistance at the spool then loosen it till the spool turns free then use the magnetic brake for a casting brake because that is the way the reel is designed to be used.