Fishing reels are essential tools for anglers, and they can make or break a fishing trip. Over time, these devices have been improved upon to provide more reliable performance and better durability. Here are interesting articles about fishing reel history from The Fishing Museum and Old Reel Collectors Association.   

If you are an avid fisherman looking for the latest in reel technology, it is important to keep up with the newest revisions that manufacturers offer.  The types of reel revisions include:

• Do it yourself parts upgrades and tuning such as handles, bearings or gearing for improved performance.
• Angler installed manufacturer parts revisions to fix specific issues.
• Generational redesigns that require a new reel purchase.

Types of Fishing Reel Updates

Manufacturer Design Changes

At times, reel manufacturers revise a reel to fix specific parts or design issues.  For example, the first version of the Penn Slammer III had a line roller bushing assembly that was notorious for failure.  Penn redesigned the reel to use a ball bearing roller to replace the bushing.  They offered upgraded parts to owners so they can refit the reel with the latest technology.  I bought the parts and installed them in less than 30 minutes.  The new roller has worked flawlessly since that time and it is one of my most used reels.

Carbon Fiber Drags

One of the most recent developments in reel technology is carbon fiber drag systems. Carbon fiber is incredibly lightweight yet extremely strong – perfect for use as a drag system on fishing reels.  Older reels can be upgraded with carbon fiber drag systems for improved performance.  You can check with the manufacturer and vendors listed below parts availability.

Handle Upgrades

Fishing reel handle upgrades can transform and enhance the feel, look and performance of a reel.    These include updating from handle bushings to ball bearings and standard handles to power handles.   Handle and knob upgrades come in a variety of colors and styles.

Spool Upgrades

Many modern reel designs feature larger spool arbors which increase line capacity as well as retrieve speed.  Reels also can have issues with consistent line spooling which limits casting distance and line capacity.  This can be resolved with shim washers and you can read more about this in our article – Fix your spinning reel for Under $1.

How to Know If Your Reel is Up to Date?

If you have any issues with a reel, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly for information about updates they have made as a first step.  Reel repair companies such as Mystic Parts Blog (focus on Penn Reels), keep track of manufacturer changes and have useful information. 

Finding Reel Tuning Kits

Here are some  vendors have great upgrade kits and parts to improve performance and enhance your fishing reels.  You can also check on Ebay for parts upgrades.

• Hi Fish Gear – Reel mods and upgrades including handles, bearings, spools and drag kits.
• Dads Old Tackle – Reel upgrade kits for Shimano, Abu Garcia, Lew’s, Quantum, and Daiwa
• Mikes Reel Repair– Reel tuning kits including a ceramic hybrid bearing, carbon fiber drags and custom handles.
• Mystic Reel Repair – Penn reel upgrade and conversion kits.
• Alan Tani – Great site for reel repair and upgrade information.

SUMMARY

Upgrades improve performance and fix designs.  Cars get upgrades, computers get upgrades and fishing reels also get upgrades.  You can install fishing reel upgrades to enhance performance, look and feel and increase fishing success on the water.  Try them!

Tight lines …  Captain P.