Issue with Penn 330 GTIs

[Frank G]

I know my hearing is not as good as it used to be. But this is ridiculous. We were trying to adjust the electronics when the wife pointed out that one of the downrigger lines was straight out behind the boat. By the time I got there there was only about 100 feet of line left on the reel. The issue is that even when you are holding the rod you can verily hear the clicker on 4 of the 5 Penn 330s I have. In contrast the clicker on the old 309s would wake the dead. Am I over looking some easy adjustment on these reels or do I need to take them to an expert. By the way the fish was in the high 30's.

[littlepoo22]

you should hear drag with no problems how old is the reel

[nb1214]

How loose is your drag?

[Seahunter]

The difference between the sound of the 309 and 330 drag is the carbon fiber housing. The Bakelite side covers would ring. The carbon fiber covers muffle the sound.

Having said that, you still should be able to hear te drags on the 330. They have awakened me up from a nap more than once.

[fixit]

The new penn 309 and 330s are in my opinion JUNK... I have both the old and the new of each model, Huge difference....

[Hunter]

A non-working clicker on a 330 is typically a very simple fix. Open one of them up. You want to check 4 things.. make sure the clicker tongue is still in place, make sure the clicker tongue hasn't worn down, make sure the clicker spring hasn't come loose and make sure the clicker gear on the spool isn't worn down (not likely on all 4 but maybe). It is a very simple process to check these items. Remove the 5 screws on the handle side (those going through the outer chrome trim ring). Wiggle the handle side plate away from the frame using the handle as a grab point. Pull the spool on out. This will expose the inner non-handle side plate where you will find the clicker tongue assembly. Next move the clicker button on the outside and be sure the clicker tongue is moving in and out of the clicker spring hold position and nothing seems to be loose. There are two different versions of this clicker assembly but both are fairly simple to assess. The clicker tongue should have a pronounced pointed end; if it is worn down then you have found your problem. Take a look at the gear on the spool shaft to see if there is any excessive wear which is not normal. The point of the clicker tongue, when engaged, will come in contact with the gear on the spool and this is what makes the noise we hear when "drag" is being taken. It is important that the "clicker" be off when reeling and letting out line; it's main purpose is to serve as a 'fish on alarm'. It will wear so you want to minimize this wear if possible. Replacing the clicker tongue is inexpensive, but the gear on the spool typically means a new spool and that gets expensive.

I just happened to have a bunch of 330s that I am servicing so it was easy to get the following pictures.

Here is a picture of the clicker assembly for an older 330 with the METAL clicker tongue to the right of center with a round metal clicker spring :

Here is a picture of the clicker assembly for a newer 330 with the GRAPHITE clicker tongue and push pin type clicker springs at the top:

Here is a picture of the gear on the spool which is the same for both vintages of 330. The smaller gear runs the level wind and the larger gear is for the clicker:


If you have some marine grease, swipe a little dab on the moving parts of the clicker assembly once done to help reduce some of the wear and corrosion.

In response to those that are unhappy with the Penn 330 all I can say is a little TLC and these are some of the finest reels on the market for the money. If they are ridden hard and put away wet then you can expect problems from any level wind made or ever made.

Good luck....Don

[27 sailfish]

Take channel locks and carefully adjust drag clockwise until it will not go any farther.

Then take a hammer and knock star drag another half turn.

[David]

Frank penn sells them cheap new replace and I think you will hear it. BTW it would probably help if Hendrix was not so loud...

[Espo]

What Skip said, don't worry about the drag, get the fish to the boat. Nice going. (what did you say?)

glad you got out Frank. Im heading out fri am

[Frank G]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. (Even Skips)