*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: you can't were out something that self lubricates.
I want to clean up the helm area and put in a pair of quality teaser reels. I have been searching the net for two hrs and the only pancake reels I can find are from reel colors, but damn I hate to pay $800 each for a pair of single teasers. Does anyone have any knowledge of another brand?
Location: Quebec, Canada and Pirates Cove, OBX, NC
Posts: 17,813
Anyone know of a good bridge teaser reel?
I know that you have a great looking boat and that you want good looking gear
I am not sure if this meets your requirements but Big John makes these >Cannon< . . . maybe they could be hidden out of the way and operated with a remote switch . . . these are 12 volt reels and strong . . . used for planner boards . . . I have used them at 3.5 mph and they easily pulled in my 20 inch long dual-board planner boards
I have seen a couple of others but not as well built Just a suggestion . . . maybe search "planner + reels + electric + downriggers"
I'm not interested in electric teasers. I use a pair of 114 penns now but have to climb up on the cushions to reel up. I need a pair of pancake teasers, pref alum, not plastic that I can mount behind the helm station
I'd recommend you pick up a pair of used 114-H's for teaser reeels. Load them up with something like 100 pound and don't be bashful about putting on lots of backing of anything you have handy. The teasers are never going to be all that far out so by putting on a lot of heavy line first you get a faster retrieve. That can be the real problem with them, being able to clear lines in a hurry when you need to. Its one of the reasons I carry but rarely put out teasers. By the way, I run them off the riggers half way between the short line and the hull.
By the way, at the moment I've got a pair of Penn 49's . They are almost the same diameter as the 114 or 114H but narrower. If I run across a couple of them used in less than great condition real cheap I'll move up to either 30 or 50 Internationals - particularly if I can find a pair of the old style with the chromed cross bars. Those things sell for not to much money on E-Bay and make the perfect Teaser reels. Not so expensive you have to take them off the boat all the time, large enough to work, fast enough to clear lines in a hurry, very dependable.
I now am using a set of 114 penns. I have 4 of these for teasers. Every year I have to take two off and have them reworked and place the other two on. The problem is not the reel but the position of them. I have to climb up on the helm bench cushions to retrieve or let them out and as everyone knows in a heavy sea or during the heat of battle it is not easy. With a pair of pancake teasers I can place them close to the helm and clear the lines much quicker. Guess I am just venting. $950 for a powder coated teaser is more than I want to spend. Everybody has choices I guess.
I have checked them out, but if placed in the center of the helm area there will not be enough head clearance for folks without ducking. I talked with birdsall marine about their teasers which can come with right and left handed models and have decided this may be my best option. Thanks for everyone's opinion.
Auguste, The only two teasers that I could find were the powdered coated from reel colors and the ones from birdsall. I chose the birdsall due to the price difference and the look, also the fact that they have right and left handed models. Think about it, if they are about a foot apart and you have to crank them in at the same time, The natural tendency is to crank the opposite way with each hand in order to keep your balance.
you could mount one 114 overhead, rig with two different 400# lines, the run through a glass ring in opposite directions to the outriggers...you just can't reel them independantly...
Yellow Fin, Was also going to mention Birdstall Marine (To Late). Page 21 in there catolog they show them mounted on a T-Top for $625. Quality is super on there other products. Good Luck Mitch
I have the perfect bridge teaser: made of stainless, knob drag in the center of the spool, big, easy to grab handle and the sides of the reel have holes in them. Sounds like a pancake teaser you say? Yup, only at about a tenth of the cost. Problem is I can't remember who makes the darn thing.
As soon as I saw it I knew it was perfect for a teaser reel. I am going back to OI this week weather permitting and will get you the details and a picture. I swear it is a dead ringer for one of the high dollar ones save the powder coat and price. The drag is strong enough so I am able to use it when pulling two big teasers and the clicker is plenty loud to get your attention when something starts sniffing around out there and gives it a little tug.
PS: I left you a message a while back @ the office.
Thanks for all the replys. Just got back from Los Suenos Costa Rica tonight. Four days of fishing with a good group of 8 guys. Will post photos when I get them. Even did an overnighter 80 miles off the coast. Caught squid all night. Go figure. Weather was great, 80-90 degrees but the fishing was poor. Will talk about it later. Tom, will call you when I get back into the routine..Jerry
Anyone know of a good bridge teaser reel? 
