I picked up a Penn 109 last summer on the cheap and really like it but after a couple of uses I started having serious casting problems. It seems like the guide "snaps" and as you can imagine my line rat nests. I replaced the worm screw and it seems better but now it seems to have more resistance than it should. I've double checked everything and can't seem to find what it is hanging it up but I can't seem to cast it more than 15'. I know this can't be right. Any help would be appreciated.

-Daniel

Have you tried loosening the spool tension knob on the left side plate? If I remember correctly the 109 also has a worm gear tension knob on the left side as well. I would check these first.

Yes I have. Nothing I do seems to have any real affect on it.

And thanks for the reply. Judging by your signature you may be able to answer another question. What is the difference between the burgundy and black penn reels? I'm guessing age but are there any physical differences? I ask cause I would like to buy another 109 but want to keep things the same for repairs.

Did ya put new grease and oil in it?




Short answer, yes they are the same. The parts are interchangeable.