I bought a Penn 310 tolling reel for saltwater salmon fishing about a year ago and my level wind doesn't work now. I pulled the side off and noticed that a plastic gear is chipped. I'm going to try and get it repaired but I am wondering what the preference of this board is for salmon reels....?

If I'm not mooching and using my Winona,I like a good ol' Penn 109. I like the fact I can use the reel without using the drag,I prefer to use my thumb as the drag. In the rivers I like my Abu 5500C-3.

You probably already know that John's sporting goods in Everett is an authorized Penn repair shop. I think he charges like $15 plus parts. I've got a couple old Penns I need to take to him for some work.

Shimano Bantam 50 is a good choice


So is the Shimano TR trolling reel

I find the Bantam 50 to be tough to beat.

For the Penns I would go with something smaller like the 109, 9m, or 209. The Penns are rugged and will last a lifetime. I have a 209 my dad bought probably in the early 70s that's as good as new, except that the worm and pawl were replaced at some point. My only problem with the Penns is that they are on the heavy-side for mooching. For that I use a Quantum Trophy, a low-profile anodized bait caster, but I think they’re out of production. You could also use some of the larger baitcasting reels in the salt, just rinse them real well after use.

I do a lot of saltwater trolling and I really love my Shimano Charter Specials for chinook fishing. For coho, I like the TR series too.

The lever drag on the Charter Special is excellent. It's very easy to adjust the drag while fighting fish and can be quickly free spooled for the thumb style drag. It's solidly built and an excellent choice. Usually around $135.00

The TR is durable and lightweight. Makes a good mooching reel too.

Either one is a good choice. Check out the spec's here Shimano Graphite Reels

Nice pics JacobF.

I also use the TR 100GT I have been using these reels since they came out. I have caught many salmon with them mooching or trolling and a couple of halibut on accident. I have turned the TR 100gt model into direct drive reels and that really makes it easier to land a fish because you do not have to rely on the drag your thumb is the drag or throw the lever and use the drag system what ever you feel like. They also hold up very well in salt water fishing if you wash them with soap and water. Good luck and rip some lips.