Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: roeman on August 11, 2008, 12:46:12 PM

Title: Level wind worm gears
Post by: roeman on August 11, 2008, 12:46:12 PM
Just took out the worm gear from a Penn 320.  Plan on leaving it off.  Anyone ever tried this before.  I see no reason why it should not work.  Tired of replacing these gears.  Anyone ever try on smaller level winds?
Cheers
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: ~IvAn~ on August 11, 2008, 01:25:53 PM
Doesn't the worm gear guide the line guide? ???
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: Griz on August 11, 2008, 02:26:00 PM
You are right the worm gear is a main part on his  reel. If you takethat part out of any reel it  will not work at all.  I'm thinking he must mean some thing else and not his worm gear.    Griz
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: DionJL on August 11, 2008, 03:08:20 PM
I don't think a worm gear has any effect on the function of the reel (Penn 320 that is) other than you will no longer have a functioning line guide. When you turn the handle the spool will still turn.

If the gear on the end of the worm gear is essential to the function of the reel, then just take the line guide and pawl out.

Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: Rantalot on August 11, 2008, 03:15:09 PM
yup  it just uide the line but the reel will still work.I just had mine replace out at Mikes reel repair and it cost me about 40$.
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: roeman on August 11, 2008, 04:15:46 PM
Works fine with no worm gear, like it better than when the line guide was on there.  Just have to pay attention when the line is going back on after a long run...
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: DionJL on August 11, 2008, 09:01:44 PM
You should be able to cast farther (not that it's really important fishing for sturgeon) with one less gear to turn, and without the line guide getting in the way.
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: troutbreath on August 11, 2008, 10:22:45 PM
Probably no differant than having a lot of line out a fully spooled fly line. Just use your finger to push the line to one side or the other on retrive.
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: fishyfish on August 12, 2008, 09:45:58 PM
I used to go through them like crazy too. Last one I had replaced I promised one of the guys at Fred's that I would frequently  put gun oil on the worm gear. Haven't had a problem since.  Spools out further and smoother as well  ;)
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: Baitcaster on August 14, 2008, 12:23:25 AM
Its REALY IMPORTATN THAT YOU OIL YOUR WORM GEAR EVEY TIME YOU GO FISHING!!!!!! I fish the ocean from shore and you offten have to make really long cast like around 80 yards or so and if you dont have the worm gear oiled up it reduces the lenght of your cast and it wears down the worm gear really fast.
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: TwoLabs on August 14, 2008, 11:13:43 AM
I use Penn reels for long distance casting and by removing the worm gear it adds a lot of distance to every cast.  Just need to remember to use your finger to level line when you reel in.  No other problems than that.
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: SHADEY on August 14, 2008, 11:20:43 AM
just watch for cross over on your line when you reel in . Or the next fish you hook may tighten up the line and you will lose your fish.
Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: Sam Salmon on August 14, 2008, 11:56:03 AM
Taking out the worm gear/line pawl is a good idea if you want a bit more distance.

If you want even more then clean out the grease in your bearings and put in something like TGS Rocket Fuel

(http://www.tgsrocketfuel.com/assets/images/rf.jpg)

Mike's Reel Repair sells Hot Sauce from Zebco it's said to be somewhat similar.

(http://www.bobsrodandreel.net/images/hot%20sauce.jpg)

Title: Re: Level wind worm gears
Post by: johnny on August 14, 2008, 12:15:35 PM
I heard Okuma makes a GREAT lubricant!















Comes with each piece of new equipment to ease the pain..


 :P