How to Modify a Penn 113H 4/0 Reel

The Penn 113H 4/0 Reel is a member of the "Senator" series of medium casting reels. The reel is no longer in production, and has been replaced with the 113HN. Accessory parts, such as improved drag washers, clamp reel-seats and larger handle cranks are available through most fishing tackle outlets. Modifications that include a deeper spool or improved gear ratio may require a costly special order. Basic modifications to the 113H for big game and deep-water fishing applications are not complicated. Most can be done using the Penn muti-purpose reel tool included with earlier Senator series reels.

Things You'll Need

  • Penn Senator reel tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the side plate and handle assembly on the right side of the reel; use the screwdriver tip of the Penn reel-tool. Remove the spool from the reel and set it aside. Locate the chrome bolts inside the reel chassis. These bolts hold the reel seat to the base of the reel.

    • 2

      Remove the bolts from the reel chassis and remove the reel seat from the base of the reel; use the box wrench on the Penn tool. Install a clamp-style reel seat on the reel using the provided bolts and nuts. Tighten the nuts with the Penn tool.

    • 3

      Loosen the small retainer screw next to the star nut on the handle crank. Remove the star nut with the reel tool and lift the handle crank off the side plate. Install a longer handle crank on the side plate. Use the original star nut and retainer screw to secure the handle to the side plate.

    • 4

      Turn over the right side-plate. Locate the screws that hold the brass eccentric jack in place over the drag washers. Remove the original drag washers and brass spacers. Install a set of drag washers with titanium or brass spacers. Reattach the eccentric jack on the right side-plate.

    • 5

      Install the spool in the reel chassis. Reattach the right side-plate. Spool the reel with monofilament line in the 40 lb. test range. Expect the longer handle crank to add leverage when retrieving line. New drag washers will boost the fighting capability of the 113H 4/0 reel. The clamp reel-seat provides more stability when fighting strong fish.