Penn 550 SSG Line Lay Issue???

[PeteA]

I'm a newbie here and to surfcasting. Dabble a bit years ago ever summer while vacationing in CC. Recently moved to LI and pulled out all the old gear. 

I have a 18+ year old Penn 550SSG and a 9' Tica Dolphin Rod. The reel is in like new condition but I'm having a line spooling issue. Ive had the reel out a few times and notice that the reel was spooling line heavy to the top \-/ of the spool. This issue caused so many birds nests spilling over the top pf the spool that I had to cut back so much mono that I had to pack it in after an hour on my first outing. I was also throwing tins in the 2 oz range so nothing really light. I spoke to a great tech at Penn and he suggested having a shim put in at a authorized Penn Service Center which I did. I had the reel load with 30lb braid and went back out with high hopes. It got a little better... more sporadic uneven spooling. But eventually I was in the same position losing a considerable amount of braid. At one point the braid spilled over the top of the reel a seized up the reel. The reel is on it's way to Penn for a look see. Any thoughts as to if this sounds like a reel issue or pilot error. Fixable or should I bite the bullet for a new reel. I was hoping to make due till I got my line wet a little and got a little more time in the surf under my belt. Any thoughts and advise welcomed... 

[Nomad92]

May need another shim or two. Shouldn’t need to send it to penn for that. It’s doable at home. And you’re probably paying for the service at this point considering the age of the reel? The setup sounds fine for what you’re trying to get out of it. Good luck 

[ThatGuyEric]

I still use 2 Penn 550ssgs from time to time; great reel. Easy to take apart, clean, and parts are readily available.  

 

Penn reels in general DO NOT like to be spooled close to the lip, and the line lay on the SSG is not the greatest. But, once you get the amount of line dialed in and you are not focused on "perfect" line lay; the reel will perform just fine.

 

What I find helpful is to spool the reel with the drag tight; I have found this helps the initial line lay. Also, after you cast, look down at the reel to ensure there are not loose loops and as a personal preference I manually flip the bail at the end of the cast and pull a little line before I start to retrieve. If all else fails, get a Penn SSVI 4500.....but don't spool it too high!

[Haycreekrambler]

I used those reels for years in the late 90's. It needs another shim or 2. Also, don't over spool it ie: not real close to the lip. Flipping the bail over by hand is another must. This is something I still do to this day with modern braid friendly reels. Not very braid friendly but, their definitely a workhorse. Parts are easily found, there super easy to service and most importantly it's made in the USA.

[PeteA]

My rod is rated for 1/2-3 oz lures. If you guy are throwing lighter lures do you run the line between your fingers to keep it tight on the reel? 

[redfin]

The 550ssg was a very decent reel. I would recommend 20lb fireline original. I spent alot of time on the beach with the 550ssg. Filled with grease that plastic body is very watertight. Line lay issues with reels like this begin at the spool arbor. It’s rounded and it needs to be laid tight and flat. Any coning at the core is only amplified when the spool fills up. I would also urge you to use fireline original in 14 or 20lb or 12 -15lb mono. Good luck. 

[PeteA]

1 min ago, redfin said:

The 550ssg was a very decent reel. I would recommend 20lb fireline original. I spent alot of time on the beach with the 550ssg. Filled with grease that plastic body is very watertight. Line lay issues with reels like this begin at the spool arbor. It’s rounded and it needs to be laid tight and flat. Any coning at the core is only amplified when the spool fills up. I would also urge you to use fireline original in 14 or 20lb or 12 -15lb mono. Good luck. 

Hey Redfin... Thx much. The tech from Penn also recommended FireLine said that the 550 doesn't always do well with braid. I originally had some 15lb mono on the reel. Stepped up to 20. And then got talked into braid by a buddy. I have a feeling it a combination of factors... pilot error being one. More t/c once I hear back from Penn. The reel should get there tomorrow. 

[redfin]

Let us know how you make out.