Question Spooling an old Senator 4/0 Reel with no Level Line.

[1985 Century Mustang]

I just got an older Penn Senator 4/0 Conventional Reel and it's in nice condition. I noticed it doesn't have a level line, so this surely can be an issue when spooling it up. What's the best way to spool it evenly. I will be doing it by hand. Any good suggestions? Thanks

 

[dingbat]

I just got an older Penn Senator 4/0 Conventional Reel and it's in nice condition. I noticed it doesn't have a level line, so this could be an issue I'm sure when spooling it up. What's the best way to spool it evenly. I will be doing it by hand. Any good suggestions? Thanks

I fish 15 conventional reels of various sizes.

Made a spool holder with adjustable tension that I screwed on the wall is the garage.

Put the spool of line on the holder then threaded the line to the reel like normal. Use your “smart” thumb to level the line (on the spool) as you wind it on.

On trolling reels, I use #60 dacron as a backer topped off with a top shot of either braid or mono.

Anymore, I drop them at the shop and pick them up later that day. Not worth messing with for the price they charge

 

[cyclops222]

Tackle shop will do a better job. Than most people on a baseball field.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

I fish 15 conventional reels of various sizes.

Made a spool holder with adjustable tension that I screwed on the wall is the garage.

Put the spool of line on the holder then threaded the line to the reel like normal. Use your “smart” thumb to level the line (on the spool) as you wind it on.

On trolling reels, I use #60 dacron as a backer topped off with a top shot of either braid or mono.

Anymore, I drop them at the shop and pick them up later that day. Not worth messing with for the price they charge

Thanks I'm using full mono. I'll give your idea a fair shot giving it some tension too.

 

[dingbat]

Thanks I'm using full mono. I'll give your idea a fair shot giving it some tension too.

Would highly recommend using a “no-stretch” backer under the mono.

1. Minimizes corrosion of the spool. I spray my Dacron with oil before applying the top shot

2. The backer can substantially reduce the amount of line required to fill the spool (1/8” below the rim).

3. Prevents mono from collapsing the spool

 

[cyclops222]

That stretchy type of fish line, can distort the side walls, of some reel spools. Respooling a reel on a hot sunny day ? Is a great way to create MASSIVE pressure on each layer of deeper line. I have had mono look so bad when a big fish ran out 1/ 2 the spool. That I finally converted to braid as the filler. Low stretch. I just remove the stuff as sunlight ruins it. I am not a anal person.

 

[dingbat]

Respooling a reel on a hot sunny day ? Is a great way to create MASSIVE pressure on each layer of deeper line. I have had mono look so bad when a big fish ran out 1/ 2 the spool.

People don’t realize how much mono actually stretches. Claimed to be upwards of 30% with some lines.

My mono (#40) "way back" rods are 300 yds., 175 yds. and 150 yds. back from the boat. If you use the 10% figure, that is 30 yards of stretch that gets wound back on the spool under load. A lot of stored energy that gets twisted down to the spool.

That I finally converted to braid as the filler. Low stretch. I just remove the stuff as sunlight ruins it. I am not a anal person.

Most of my trolling rods are spooled with #80 dacron, fill 300 yards of #80 braid, topped with 25' of #100 mono leader.

Typically change line every 5 years out of guilt. Couple of rods have 10 year old line of them. Cut back a couple feet of braid and tie a new leader in the Spring.

 

[Chris1956]

OK, I'll bite. Dacron was used in the 40's. I didn't think it was still used. What is it's advantages over braid?

I use heavy mono as a backer and 100+ yds braid, with a surgeon's knot between.

 

[dingbat]

OK, I'll bite. Dacron was used in the 40's. I didn't think it was still used. What is it's advantages over braid?

Green Spot is still used quite a bit........

Less Expensive
Low Stretch - doesn't twist itself into a distorted mess down in the spool.
Larger Diameter - requires less, weight
Easier on the hands
Ties better

I use heavy mono as a backer and 100+ yds braid, with a surgeon's knot between.

Double uni knot - Dacron to Braid
Slim Beauty knot - Braid to wind-on Leader

 

[Chris1956]

Just a question. Is green spot also called squidding line? Or was that braided nylon line?

On the original topic, is dacron is less expensive than braid? Braid doesn't stretch. Good stuff I am learning.

 

[dingbat]

Just a question. Is green spot also called squidding line? Or was that braided nylon line?

On the original topic, is dacron is less expensive than braid? Braid doesn't stretch. Good stuff I am learning.

​

"Squidding" line - braided Nylon
Dacron- braided Polyester
Braid - braided Polyethylene

500 yards #80 Power Pro - $69
500 yards #80 Green Spot - $45

No stretch can be good or bad, depending on the situation.
Works well when jigging.......
Not so good well when trolling w/o a mono shock leader

Braid is notorious for "mystery" breaks.
For some reason #30 is the worst