Opinions on Penn 9M - The Hull Truth

Little Scout · 02-06-2010, 03:55 PM

I was in a store today to look at the Shimano Charter Special. Long story short, I'd like to pick up two conventional outfits to troll for spanish, blues and the infrequent king or bonito. With 3 kids, I like the level winds and have pretty much decided on Charter Specials.

But, the store didn't carry the Charter Special so the sales person pitched a Penn 320 or 330. No, too heavy and bulky for little hands. So then he pulled out a Penn 9M. I know, completely different reel, but, I thought for my needs it may be perfect. Its small, very light, and simple.

The negatives I see are line capacity and star drag. So outside of those, how durable is this low end reel, and could I make due with it for smaller kings and bonito? I am assuming this is a "you get what you pay for" scenario, and I don't want to get into needing multiple outfits. I carry around too much spinning equipment already and conventional reels will be a completely new thing for me.

total mayhem · 02-06-2010, 06:42 PM

great for the kids as i have several. my 10 year old uses 1 for fluke and they arent too expensive. bought a couple off ebay cheap so its not a huge loss if they go over the side by accident

robbiedon · 02-06-2010, 08:12 PM

I would think the Penn 9's would be perfect for what you describe. If line capacity is an issue spool them with braid. They would hold a ton of 30lb braid.I would look for some older used ones on Ebay. They are probably better than the new ones. You wouldn't have a lot of money tied up in them if you didn't like them.

rheist · 02-07-2010, 10:47 AM

I have one that is over 30 years old and had the drag repaired once. All I do is wash the salt off with soapy water. I do not know if the newer ones are of the same quality tho...

Little Scout · 02-07-2010, 01:57 PM

Thank you all for the responses. I've been struggling with what to get that the kids will be able to enjoy, and this might be the way to go.

Appreciate the help.

donald bryan · 02-07-2010, 08:15 PM

Nothing wrong with the star drag, take the level wind bars off, spool the reels with 15lb mono, real good outfits for Spanish, flounder, and trout.
After a few small kings, You might want to replace the drag washers.

Little Scout · 02-08-2010, 04:08 PM

Thanks Donald, but why take the level wind bars off? I assume you mean remove the bars so the level wind is no longer functioning against the line, therefore if something larger hits, you don't have risk of the level wind failing. But, in my case I want the level wind for my kids. Is the 9M level wind more prone to failure than say a Shimano Triton or Charter Special.

triumphrick · 02-08-2010, 04:55 PM

No..they are good reels for the money. I can't see them hanging in there too long with kingfish on... I have several that I have opened up and cleaned and was going to take them to one of the marine flea markets I sell gear at. If interested I can get a price together and shoot you some pictures. How many would you need??

Edit..just checked..I have one of the 9's and three 209's..a little bigger but still pretty light.

Little Scout · 02-08-2010, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the offer, but I am looking for two 9's. The 209 isn't that much larger to me and you, but to my 7 year old daughter it might make a difference.
I am interested in seeing the 9, if its worth your while for one reel. But, I am heading out of town in the morning and won't be back on this site until Friday. So if you are headed to the flea market, I completely understand.

Whiteowl · 02-09-2010, 07:49 AM

scout, I think you are on the right track with the small level wind penns. Any of them will be great for your purpose. I would go with the 209 reels. I know they are slightly larger but it won't make that much difference. There is negligible difference in the weight. Both of my children started trolling with the 209's on five foot rods. I think the rods are more important than the reels. I bought some inexpensive rods with wood butts and cut the butts off to where the reel would just clear the rod holder. That way the reel isn't at their chin when trying to reel in a fish. I cut a slot in the end of the butt with a file so the rod would lock into the rod holder. It is great that you are thinking about matching the tackle to your kids. I see a lot of people taking kids fishing but not many take the time to match the tackle to the kids.

Little Scout · 02-11-2010, 06:16 PM

Whiteowl,
Thanks for the advice about cutting down the rod butts. That makes a lot of sense, and the problem you described is exactly my worry.
Thanks

HoosOn · 02-12-2010, 08:46 PM

If wou are definatly looking for the levelwind function them take a look at the TR Shimano star drag reels.... here's the link for the reels at cabelas..... http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...box.jsp.form23 I know its a big link but take a look, no idea how reliable they are or what the quality is like but just figured i'd throw it in there for sake of arguement. Take'r easy everyone

Little Scout · 02-13-2010, 08:16 AM

Thank you all, now its time for me to make a choice as to which of all these reels makes sense for me.