Levelwind reel for bottom fishing??

[bulletbob]

Anyone use one??.. I walked into a Salvation Army store up here in Ithaca, and they had a 7 ft, heavy duty spinning rod in nice shape with a Penn Peer 309 heavy duty levelwind conventional reel fully spooled w/what looks like 30 lb mono.. At $10, I couldn't resist.. the reel was balky, jerky and crappy feeling, but its a USA Penn, and they are bulletproof.. In half an hour of cleaning, oiling, and tweaking it was running like a Swiss watch.. I guess someone up here used it for deep trolling in the Finger Lakes, or maybe for trolling Ontario Salmon.. Its a 3-1 ratio, so its not a high speed, but its really beefy and good sized, and looks like it would be a killer reel for deep bottom fishing. I don't see many level winds used in salt water, but it looks like this would be good bottom fishing reel, where a hi speed retrieve is not desirable. Anyone use a big level wind reel for bottom fishing?.. I could take the level wind off in about 2 seconds if I wanted to , but its so smooth and free wheeling I am not sure if there would be any advantage.. I don't have anything this size [350 yards of 30 lb capacity] so it was a no brainer for $10, and the rod looks like a nice stout spinner for use with a 20 lb class spin reel.
Anyone have problems with the level wind mechanism crapping out in salt water? Backlashes?.. Too slow when dropping rigs in deep water etc??... bob

[Gerry Zagorski]

Anyone have problems with the level wind mechanism crapping out in salt water? Backlashes?.. Too slow when dropping rigs in deep water etc??... bob

Some are better then others but for the most part it's not needed and just another thing to break. Most of the issues are with casting and should be fine for straight drop bottom fishing.

[h2ogonj]

I use abu 5500c's all the time level wind is fine for fluke, seabass, etc... black fish or bass I like a lever drag reel.

[frugalfisherman]

You got a good deal. Just adjust the spool tension. Too loose=backlash. Too tight doesn't go down fast enough. Also you might have a spare pawl in a compartment in the side plate.

[Joey Dah Fish]

I love my level wind. The only thing I would think about is it takes additional time to get down to the bottom. Other than that I love it.

[MohawkJD]

I have a Saltist 40 with a levelwind. I don't like casting with it. Great for straight drop & reel bottom fishing. My 40's without cast nice. I don't have too much trouble casting my Revo's with levelwind, but I have to use a very thin knot for shock leaders.

If you remove the levelwind, make sure you don't leave any openings for (salt)water to get in.

[Blackfish Doug]

That was one of the 1st level winds I ever used. The trick to that reel is every time you get back from using it put a few drops of 3 in 1 oil on the level wind gear & bar.Also when your stuck in the bottom don't try to jerk your rod out use your hand otherwise your going to go through a lot of pawls. As for level wind reels this year I was using the lexa 300 with the power handle a must. I was very impressed with the power & durability & the drag as well. If a reel lasts me a season without breaking down its a good one. It casts very nicely as well I highly reccomend it if your looking for a new one.

[bigal427]

I used a Penn 965 and a Abu 7000 for many years with no problems . Then I switched to a Avet SX and love it