Conventional Reels Question
 

I have a really n00b question about my Penn Squall 25 (SQL25N). So, I went to Basspro to buy one and they were out but ended up selling me the display model for $10 cheaper. I went to use it last weekend and I was just trying to practice throwing a 2oz weight in the surf and could not adjust the spool tension control on the side to hold this 2oz weight up. I had the knob all the way cranked down but the weight would still fall like nothing was holding it up. My question is, is this normal or is something wrong with the reel? On my cardiff 300 if I tighten that knob all the way down it holds the weight up. I have the insurance on it so it Isn't a problem returning it, I just want to know if I should...

Adjusting the spool tension or the magnet setting?

If the spool tension is cranked down and it will not hold a 2 oz.....maybe sumtin rong.

The spool tension knob. Sorry I wasn't sure what to call it. I'm thinking there is something wrong...

ok well im going to folloow up your question with one back to you.. Is thet drag tightened down at all or is it all the way backed off. Usually on the display models they back the drags all the way off.. if the drag is backed off all the way its ging to act like its in freespool and will never hold up the 2oz weight.

it depends on the reel and how intense the spool tension knob can be.

holding up a 2oz.. it SHOULD be able to do that... but some of my reels can't. the important thing is thumb control. if you ever enter the leverdrag world.. you'll want to master the thumb control rather than be dependent on the tension knob. (adjusting the tension knob on a leverdrag so that it "slowly drops" a 2oz lure on freespool means the "strike" position will be WAYYY TOO TIGHT!!! therefore freespool is literally freespool with zero tension on it)

if you dont like the idea of mastering your thumb pressure, a simple check-n-fix to your problem is to cut a piece of metal sheet (some people use credit cards, but its not advised because those get compressed). and stick it inside of the spool tension knob. this will add a bit more resistance to the spool. thicker metal sheet = more resistance when you button it down.

The drag was tightened down yes. I'm betting someone messed it up when it was on display.

While the reel is in free spool the drag plays no part in line coming off the reel.

Star drag reel that is

I havent shopped reels in a while so I looked this up. It is a conventional reel not a baitcaster... I have never adjusted a conventional reels spool for cast control, just use the thumb. Baitcaster is a different story. I am I in the minorrity?

completely with you on this one. i depend on my thumb for the furthest and most accurate casts now. i even try to do this with my larger baitcast reels (shimano calcutta, tica caiman, daiwa luna, etc). the purpose of the spool tension knob is to prevent backlashes due to the spool still spinning rapidly even though the bait/lure has already hit the water. a downfall is the tension knob also reduces your casting distance by quite a bit (cast controls also reduce cast distance).

Nothing wrong with your reel. The spool tension knob is not an "ebrake". Use the spool tension knob to adjust the sideplay of the spool and don't rely on it as a cast control device. Besides, on the Squall 25N the spool rides on bearings and spins independently from the shaft anyway. Tightening down too tight may bind or damage parts.

To prevent the 2oz sinker from dropping simply apply pressure onto the line with your thumb when you go into freespool. Hold the spool in place until you are ready to release on the cast. When you cast let your thumb glide above the line... applying slight pressure as needed to prevent overruns and backlashes.

Depending on where you are I'd glady check your reel for you for any tampering it may have experienced during it's demo model life.

Well sounds like most people are in agreement that there is nothing wrong with the reel then. I just need to get better at casting it and holding my thumb with some pressure on the spool.

So my next question is...is there a better conventional reel for beginners? I've heard some good things about the daiwa sealine and seagate...?

The smaller size Squall 12 and 15 have magnetic cast control. The Daiwas have the centrifugal brakes. Both types help control overruns but still wont make casting fool proof.

Best bet is to practice, practice, practice. Distance isn't as important as line control. Try slower lob type casts and master controlling the line. Then add more umph as you progress. Wind the line on tight. Wet line helps prevent thumb burn. Good luck.

The spool tension knob should be set so the spool can barely shimmy left/right. For cast control, when you let the weight fall, the spool should stop when the weight hits the ground and not keep spinning. It shouldn't be set to keep the weight in the air. When the bait hits the water, stop the spool with your thumb. Also keep your thumb lightly on the spool when casting and apply more force if you feel the line starting to raise (a birdsnest beginning to form),

Watch out for that thumb burn!

I agree with the Skrilla, start with the lob style and get used to the release point. Move the rod in a big arc, when you are learning it is best to turn your body sideway so the rod casting motion is parallel to your shoulders rather than perpendicular. MarkT's point about hovering the thumb is an excellent tip. I would also offer up that if the line is wet you are less likely to get thumb burn. I will usually drop out some line and reel it back on nice and tight before the first cast of the day. When I was learning I burnt grooves into my thumb in the first cast of a trip and it kind of ruined my day.

Is it spooled with braid? If so do you have any mono backing on it or electrical tape? If the weight drops but the spool doesnt turn then that's probably your problem.

No braid, just mono. I did have that problem on my cardiff though, haha.

This is what I have learned from a problem I had with one of my reels.

The knob is just for spool play.

I couldn't ever get my reel to reel up a 2oz weight and took the reel apart and had learned that the drags were smashes and burned. Took the drags out and sanded them and let them sit for a bit. Put them back in and the reel works like a champ.

That's just what happened to me, worth a try.


I only want to do one thing in life. Whatever I want at that moment.

Try putting hlaf oz weight even if it falls down see if it slows down the fall. If it doesnt I think there is something wrong with the tensioner....this knob is to control how fast line comes off when reel is in freespool...like someone mentioned if you tighten down enough it will break. When you first learn how to cast this is a must to slow down the rotation of the spool. Less rotations less chance of bird nest. When you get better you can back off on the tensioner....more rotation the farther you are gonna cast.