How do I know if I have an original 209 reel? This one is made in USA. What are they worth? Are they just another 209 or should I just hand it down to my kids?
So many 209s were made that here really isn't any collectable value unless you have a green, blue or other scarce color. If your reel is in good shape, fish it!
Been fishin"' 25# test on this reel for so long I don't know what it is capable of. Planning a trip to Florida in the early summer and want to take it along to do some drift fishing or jigging. My old catfish rod will probably have to go but if it will handle 50# line I need to know how to rig it and what the drag buttons down at. What rod best matches this old companion.
Since millions were produced, there is no collector value to 209's, but plenty of fishing value. As AK mentions, this reel is a light-duty workhorse, but should not be pressed to do what it was not deigned to do. For a Florida trip, it may do some basic straight up and down pier or inshore duty, for various small reef species, small mackerel and such. Definitely not a jigging reel. If looking for a more modern version you can still apply for big catfish at home, consider the Penn Fathom FTH15LW, which will do a number on most any inshore species in Florida, short of big goliath grouper and very large tarpon.
