Magging an MXJ

[LadyE]

I had posted a question about magging an Avet MXJ awhile ago as to whether anyone had tried it before and I got a response to a link as follows:

Get Bent Sportfishing - Magging an AVET MXJ

It really worked and worked well. As I stated in my original post I could only cast my MXJ about 90ft with 25lb Izor with 2oz of lead. After I put a magnet in it I could cast it about 160-170ft. I'm not sure, because it is so far off my lawn, which is 120ft, that I got caught in the sage brush which is beyond my lawn.

Installing the magnet took all of ten minutes, five of which was because I was taking the reel apart for the first time.

The washer is zinc plated and I'm sure the magnet isn't stainless steel, so some maintenance will be required by coating with grease, but oh what a difference in casting ability.

I started out with two magnets and ended up using one. Everyones' thumb will be different; but for what I bought the reel for which was casting swim baits to albacore, this modifacation was unbelievable. A totally different reel.

If you want to try it just make sure to order the washers, not the cups like I did; the freight charge is about $8.00; the parts are about $3.00. I had to do it twice but it was worth it and it is really an easy install.

The part number for the washer is: 99K3261 which is for the 1/4" magnet; I ordered three and used one. It is a 3/8" washer.

The part number for the magnet is: 99K3101 for the 1/4" magnet: I ordered three and used one.

Check these out on Leigh Valleys website to make sure the 1/4" magnets fit the 3/8" washers and the part #'s are correct.

It's still not like casting a Newell, but with a tank like the MXJ it will get you alot closer to the tuperware reels in distance.

Hope this helps with casting;

Lady E

[faust858]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that it worked. Bought a few magnets before for ease in learning, but only used them in some penns. Will have to try to add then to a few of my avets.

[MadCowMoo]

I magged one of my single speed SX`s for surf fishing and another SX that my soninlaw uses to float fish live shrimp for redfish . i can cast the hell out of mine , chunk that sucker and then just hit the spool with the thumb as the weight hits the water . Did it with 2 1/8 inch rareearth magnets from radioshack and .10 of an inch thick cut piece off a washer epoxyed inside the sideplate . Putting the magnets just off the spool , less than a millimeter, very close .

[Jigisup]

Question for Tom @ "get bent "

Tom I can't tell you how great your instructions are, looks very easy and I was more than a bit nervous about magging my mxj.
For me the issue is not distance, but backlash. I have read that magging reduces or eliminates backlash. True or not?
I'm new to this type of reel and after 3 casts and 45 minutes of untangleing I started to get the hang. For purpose of practice I put the reel in the minium setting on bait, not free spool(didn't seem to be too much difference)casting a 1 ounce sinker on my star 7' 25# rod. With out much muscle i guess i was casting maybe 80' or so into my pond.
I appreciate your input, thank you!

Stu

[Jigisup]

Can't imagine what I did wrong. I followed tom's instructions to the letter using the same mags and washers. My installation looks identical to the one he has in the picture on his web site. I used 2 mags and did not notice any difference in distance or reduced backlash. The most annoying problem seemed to be my casts were pulling to to the left like I was hooking my golf drives. Can't see how the mags would do this, maybe just a bad day for me. Any input would be appreciated.

[yessokk]

Jigisup,
What was the weight of the lure you were trying to cast?? This is important. You need at least 2oz for the magging to be effective. The more weight the better the magging results. It has no effect on light lures like plastics or sardines.

Walt

[Jigisup]

I think you are right Walt and I appreciate your input. Had a bit of trouble positioning 2 mags on the washers and I thought they maybe too far back, kinda under a little lip. I pulled them out a bit where they are a bit more to the center, just 1/4 inch or so. I went out to the pier and I was flinging a cuda tube apx 1.5 ounce with a 1 ounce egg weight above the leader swivel. Very few backlashes, still need to "educate " my thumb as this was the second time ever using a conventional reel. I did think my casting distance should have been a bit further, but overall I was quite pleased.