ProGear Yellowtail Reel

[jboos1]

I found one pretty cheap and was wondering if they were good reels? Thing looked and felt solid but the throw arm did seem really short on it.

[BigSkyGuy]

The Pro Gear "Yellowtail Special?"

The origin of these reels are modified Penn Senator 113 4/0 reels, with narrower custom frames and 4/1 gears. The Pro Gear version is essentially the same old Penn design, with an aluminum frame, 4/1 gears and a narrower frame like the "Yellowtail Special" modified Penns. They were designed for SoCal yellowtail fishing with yo-yo iron jigs: drop a 6-7 ounce jig to the bottom and reel up fast.

They are an improvement over the Penns but still it is an old design. Reliable, easy to service. I love the handles. But here are newer alternatives with better drags, etc. Care should be taken to properly lube and clean them to prevent corrosion.

I replaced mine with an Avet JX 6/3 two speed. But I'm in Mexico for a long stay and the Avet needs work I can't get done yet so I used the Yellowtail Special frequently this season with good results.

If the price is right, they are a good value.

[La Luz]

Pro Gear made great reels, check bloody decks for comments on pro gear reels, I think Alan Tani did a rebuild on one, love mine.

La Luz

[Prop Blast]

Just be aware, Pro Gear is out of business and parts could be hard to find.

PB

[alantani]

it's basically a narrowed 4/0 senator. you need to replace the drag washers. otherwise, it's a great reel!