penn peer no.309 fishing reel?

I dont know, but if you can get a hold of a expert named Artie he might be able to help you. If your reel and rod can handle 100-200lb I believe you should be okay.

I see Penn 309 as a level wind Penn 500. They have similar dimensions, uses exact same main gear and uses exact same drag. Even spool capacities are the same. Older metal spool 309′s and 500′s will hold 350 yards of 30lb mono and newer aluminum spool 309′s and 500′s will hold about 275 yards of 30lb mono.

I have never used a 309 before but I think it should handle dodos (dorados) and tuna just fine as long as they are not too big. I kind of suspect 309′s will not hold up as well as 500′s under heavy pressure. Also, level winds are not as easy to cast when thick mono lines were used. Personally, I wouldn’t use the reel on tuna over 50 pounds.

You usually don’t spool a reel this size with straight braid line. You should use 50lb to 80lb test dacron backing and braid top shot instead. The reel will hold too much braid line which you can’t use and it just isn’t very economical.

Penn Reels are the go to reel and are tried and trued by many fishermen and women. The 309 is no different and is considered a work horse of a reel. Although it’s uses today consists of holding a kite line, an umbrella bar filled with teasers or a down rigger lead ball, it’s capable of of pulling in big fish. It’s great for trolling, bottom fishing, balloon fishing, kite fishing for Sailfish and so on. The downside of this reel is the slow retrieve and it’s design. It’s a pretty big reel and makes for uncomfortable handling with small hands. The slow retrieve makes bottom fishing feel like an eternity when reeling in a fish but on the plus, it keeps you from making a mistake by reeling in too fast. With this reel I wouldn’t target fish over 100 pounds because it just becomes too much work. As for the line, stick to Monofilament with this reel and go from 25 30 test. You could go braid but I don’t see why you’d put line that costs more than the reel itself. 309′s can be picked up on ebay for less than 30 bucks…I bought one for just 20 once (including shipping in mint condition.) All in all it’s a good reel to have in the arsenal as a utility reel but….

~good luck catchin.’