Penn #200 Surfmaster and an old Rod

[vespo]

This week I got my hands on my Dad's old fishing gear that's been gathering dust for something like 15-20 years since the last time I used it (jr high school).

In any case, the gems of the lot are dad's old rod and reel. The rod needs some work to get back in action, but aside from a few corroded spots (because I was dumb when I used it as a kid and put it away wet), the reel is ready to go.

It's an old Penn #200 Surfmaster - The corrosion on the chrome came off with a little steel wool, and the guts of the thing seem to work great. I gave the thing a little cleaning up, and was surprised to find that despite the abuse I laid on it when I was a kid, the internals were almost perferctly cleaned and worked nicely.

In any case, the important part is that I haven't really cast a conventional reel since I was a kid, so any tips or tricks you guys know would be appreciated.

The other part of the deal is fixing up Dad's old rod so I have a little heirloom to pass onto either my kids or my sister's depending on who wants to fish the most. I haven't even identified it yet, but it appears to be from the early to mid 60s, 6 foot rod with wooden grips that breaks down into two pieces between the foregrip and the reel seat. Unfortunately my checkered past means that I have to clean and/or replace the guides...

Anyway, maybe I'll post a photo or two and see if anyone recognizes it.

thanks

[ped579]

Hi vespo,

I don't remember if I said welcome I have been on vacation so Welcome Aboard.

Sounds like you have a diamond in the rough there.  I would first have the eyes re wrapped, and the rod re finished.

Once you have that done stare slow on the casting with a conventional reel.  BTW once you master it most people that still use them will out cast the spinning reels.

Put a good line on before you start so you start out clean and no negative variables.  I would check to see if there is a retrofit anti reverse is available for that reel.  You might be surprised.

Be ready for more info from others...

Happy Catching

Paul

[Flukedood]

Great advice paul...

[ped579]

 

[vespo]

The guides definately need some re-wrapping, at least one of the wraps has started to come undone. The biggest difference between it and a more modern rod seems to be the  fact that the thread itself appears to have been treated, but is not covered in any kind of clearcoat finish. In fact, other than the wraps, the rod blank is basically naked.

The wood grips seem to make the rod feel much heavier than a comparable more modern rod I have that's about the same length and action- more butt-heavy, which seems to actually feel pretty good despite being a little on the heavy side overall.

I remember being able to learn to cast short/medium range with this rig with little trouble the last time I used it, which was something like 20 years ago. I'm guessing longer range casts will take some time and finesse to get down - and I've been spoiled casting on spinning rigs, so I probably need to learn the feel for thumb braking again from scratch. I'll have to stick this reel on another rod that's in better condition so I can test cast it in the backyard a few times and see if I still have any of that type of skill left!

Sounds like you have a diamond in the rough there.  I would first have the eyes re wrapped, and the rod re finished.

Once you have that done stare slow on the casting with a conventional reel.  BTW once you master it most people that still use them will out cast the spinning reels.

Put a good line on before you start so you start out clean and no negative variables.  I would check to see if there is a retrofit anti reverse is available for that reel.  You might be surprised.

[ped579]

Hi vespo,
 
Years ago they used varnish to coat the threads before the clear coat came along.  It would be a good idea to strip everything and put new on. 

Will you be doing it your self or having it done at a shop?  There are a number of guys on here that do rod wrapping and can give you a lot of good tips.

As far as the conventional reel goes try the new lines that are slick and limp as compared to the older mono.

Good Luck

Happy Catching

Paul

[wingshooter]

Hi Vespo first off welcome to the site...

second you got some good advice on what to do with the rod, me i would clean it and leave it as is, and hang it, to me redoing it would be like wiping the memories away, you might look at a nick or scratch and remember that it got like that on a certain trip, but thats just me  i'm weird like that,,, either way good to see youre keeping pops items and not selling them like i see done often,  now post some pics 

[IrishAyes]

I agree with Wingshooter. 
Reconditioning it would diminish it's sentimental value.  Keep it as is, clean it, if necessary, and display it on a wall or hang across a ceiling.

[vespo]

I'd like to strike a balance and get it in usuable condition while keeping it as close to the original as possible. It hasn't exactly been cared for very well, and I haven't even gotten to clean it up aside from the reel yet- some parts definately could use some work- see below:


Rod and reel:


Wrap detail:


This part needs some kind of repair:


Just for kicks, the original box for the reel: