Level Wind or not?

Post by **bman** » December 7th, 2005, 7:38 pm

I'm a newbie bottom fishing- much more of a flats/freshwater guy.
But a buddy is taking me soon!

So here is a question-
Do you get reels with or without level wind guides?
All my flats/bass bait casters are level winds- So i have some comfort there.
So why do many bottom fishing reels not have a level wind ?

Bring on the wisdom....

Post by **Frank Bradfield** » December 7th, 2005, 7:49 pm

Bottom reels = no level winds, not saying you can't , most people have and still do use level winds but for the most part its an unnecessary part. Something else to tear up & keep maintained. Large diameter line doesen't jump around on the reel like small would if they didn't have level winds, large diameter line is easy to keep straight so the basic question is why use a level wind. They cost more & have more parts to tear up.

Post by **Chalk** » December 7th, 2005, 7:58 pm

I use the Penn Level winds for bottom fishing......If you get the big one on he could out run the reel and put a bind on the level wind and break.....Non level winds tend to have lower gears for winching them off the bottom....

Post by **tin can** » December 7th, 2005, 8:27 pm

Most of my bottom reels and trolling reels do not have level winds. The Penn level winds, such as the GTI series, have a steel pawl. They rust easily, and freeze up in the carrier, destroying the worm gear. I have intentionally stayed away from them. However, I acquired a Shimano Tekota last year. This is the first level wind I've owned that has been trouble free.

I have also phased out all of my Penn reels for Shimanos. Just my opinion, but there's no comparison in quality and service.

Post by **T Smith** » December 7th, 2005, 8:32 pm

what everyone else said.

I think the old school Penns and other brands were never level winds because it's one more thing to break, and back then everything was built simple to work and last. I remember growing up fishing with dad and my uncles out of destin my thumb was hardley long enough to reach the line to guide it in the reels, old Penn 4/0 and 6/0's.

With that being said I like the Penn GTI's. I think one area that it's an advantage to have levelwinds is if you take guests fishing often, it's easier on a beginner. Thats the main reason if I ever stock up on bottom fishing gear they will be levelwinds, for the wife, friends, kids etc. I now have a Penn GTI and Pfleuger contender level winds mostly for cobia and sharks or the ocasion when I do get offshore.

Probably can't go wrong either way just a preference do you wanna be a traditionalist or be lazy and take advantage of the modern bells and wistles(that might break or rust).

Tin Can, that's disapointing to hear that your GTI rusted up, and I'm guesing you rinsed and oiled them regularly. Of course from the frequency of your fishing reports my reels have probably only seen 1/100th of the salt that yours have.

Post by **tin can** » December 7th, 2005, 8:59 pm

T Smith wrote:
Tin Can, that's disapointing to hear that your GTI rusted up, and I'm guesing you rinsed and oiled them regularly. Of course from the frequency of your fishing reports my reels have probably only seen 1/100th of the salt that yours have.

My offshore reels haven't seen very much action this year.

I repaired my GTI, and have repaired 4 others, all with the pawl rusted in the carrier. Bill Colson, Bill's rod and reel repair, in the back of Kevin's, says it's a common problem. He says there is not a stainless pawl available for these reels.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » December 8th, 2005, 6:54 am

Been using Penn level winds for bottom fishing, and have not had any problems.

Post by **Old Dog** » December 20th, 2005, 4:27 pm

I've also transitioned from PENNS to Shimano spinning reels. (Stradics, the 1000s, and 2500s). I'll never go back. (inshore fishing)
d

Post by **1-850-Bay-Fish** » December 24th, 2005, 9:49 am

I was lucky enough to attend a training class on level wind reels taught by Ron Barwick shop manager for half hitch tackle . The biggest thing you may want to consider is your drag system. Hands down the lever drag high efficiency gear system by shimmano is the best. Also the most expensive. For some aw-some demos see Ron or call him, You will be amazed at the difference. With the new gear system you could bring up 8 lbs of weight in two turns that were fairly easy with the old gear system I had to use two hands and could not pull it up with the handle alone I had to fully grip the reel and turn. The new system has angle cut gears and are tops.