Hooker Electric’s Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Hooker Electric product line. The FAQ page includes interaction about electric reels, bandit reels, deep-water camera housing for the GoPro, and the Hooker Electric bait pump. Additionally, we have included suggestions and recommendations for electrical hookup on your fishing boat. If there are any questions that you do not see answered in this section, please submit it to us via the contact page so that we can continue to expand our FAQ section for future customers. Thank you for choosing Hooker Electric!
FAQ’s About Hooker Reels
It is capable of drawing 30AMPS continuously but usually it draws no more than 22AMPS on normal operation.
You can still reel-in the fish manually as the Hooker Electric retains all the mechanical components of the handle.
- Lock the handle into low gear.
- Fight fish as desired.
From the reel to the plug it needs to be 10-gauge at 12-feet long. Should a longer cable be needed then it requires at least 8-gauge wire up to 15 extra feet, and 6-gauge wire up to 30 extra feet.
WIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
***Use a minimum of 8 gauge tinned wire (6 is recommended), between the battery and female plug***
- We recommend using a 30 amp resettable breaker between the female plug and the battery with proper terminal connections.
- Install the breaker closest to the battery as possible on the positive side.
- Very Important: Red wire is positive, the black wire is negative. DO NOT wire backwards, this will damage the reel.
- We recommend using a separate deep cycle battery, to ensure you don’t deplete your battery while fishing.
PLUG RECOMMENDATIONS
Hubble 30A 28VDC, male end- HBL328DCP, female end- HBL328DCR
No. You don’t have to use the plug provided with the Hooker Electric reels, however, you will void ALL warranty when using a plug other than the one included.
- We recommend using a swivel rod holder, thru bolted with a backing plate.
- A tether is a good idea, to prevent loss of the reel.
- This can be provided by your dealer.
- If you spool it, use a 12vdc battery.
- Backing on the spool is not required.
- DO NOT BACK YOUR REEL WITH MONOFILAMENT where this can damage the spool.
NOTE: If a level wind is present, it is recommended the first 500 feet should be done by hand. It may then be transferred to the level wind. This will make sure it lines up correctly. If at any time the line doesn’t line up correctly; loosen the drag and rotate the spool manually until it matches the line winding in the same direction as the line wrap on the spool. You can check this on your first drop, making sure the line winder stays in sync.
- Place the handle in the neutral position. (this can be determined if the handle can spin in both directions freely)
- Place the variable speed control knob in the full counterclockwise position. (OFF)
- Plug the reel into the 12volt power source.
- Listen for a series of beeps, then a 3 second pause, followed by a second beep. The reel is now ready for use.
- There are 2 options for the speed control:
Option #1 – the variable speed control knob mounted on the side of the reel can control the reel from 0-500fpm. Depending on the position of the knob.
Option #2- The wireless remote control has 2 speeds: A button- Half speed. B button – full speed. (Note: The wireless remote is only available with standard and detachable motors, they are not available for auto stop and kite reels.)
Recommendations
- The full speed option should be used to retrieve bait with no fish, setting the hook, or to keep up with a fast rising fish.
- Half speed or less is recommended, while fighting a fish. The speed can be determined by the individual fighting their fish.
Treat the reel as any other high-end fishing equipment:
- Minimize exposure to extreme salt spray. (Even though the reel is completely sealed.)
- Rinse down the reel after every use with soap and water then dry thoroughly.
- No other special care is needed.
- We recommend storing the reel in a dry place.
- There are no parts inside the attachment that can be serviced except by Hooker Electric-PENN Reel Repair.
- If you have any problems or concerns with performance or operation with the reel, please review our warranty page or contact us at:
Hooker Electric Reel Service
PENN Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co.
3028 West Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132
(800) 892-5444
Hooker Electric-PENN Reels carry a 1-Year Warranty on parts and a 1-Year Warranty on labor from the date of purchase. Within this set time period, Hooker Electric-PENN Reel Repair will, at its discretion will repair or replace any component on the attachment which has failed in normal usage of the reel. These repairs and/or replacements will take place at no charge for parts and labor. The customer will be responsible for the cost of the shipping. This warranty does not cover any type of failure due to accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or repairs done prior to attachment.
NOTE: The Hooker Electric-PENN Reel attachment should be inspected and maintained on a yearly basis for corrosion on wiring and plugs. At this time it is recommended to check the boat wiring for corrosion as well.
- Variable speed control with no torque loss (0-500 fpm)
- Dual speed wireless remote (Up to 100 feet range)
- Powered by 12vdc 2-HP brushless motor
- Retains original components including anti-reverse, bearings, drag system plus fully functional handle.
- Compact sleek design (11 lbs including reel- 80WA)
- Level wind and digital line counter available as an option only for Autostop Reels
- Custom embroidered neoprene cover available (Not included with reel)
Detachable Units
Yes. The unit is easily detached by two spring loaded marine-grade push pins.
Yes, you can fight the fish in manual mode (recommend with the detachable). Simply push the two quick-release pins and pop the drive off. Click the handle into HIGH hear and hand-crank the fish manually.
You are left with the ability to use HIGH gear on the detachable. The low gear is completely removed.
Autostop / Bluetooth Units
Yes. On Hooker Electric reels equipped with the Autostop feature, you can still use the manual handle in low gear to hand crank.
The Hooker Electric reels equipped with the Autostop feature does NOT come with a traditional RF remote, however, the Bluetooth capability takes over the duties of the remote control with the use of our “Reel Time” app available at Apple’s App Store.
No. The Bluetooth capability is included on Hooker Electric reels equipped with the Autostop feature and the “Reel Time” app is only available for iOS devices (i.e. iPhone and iPad). The “ReelTime” app is available at the Apple App Store.
On Hooker Electric reels equipped with the Autostop feature you are left with low gear only.
Level-Wind
The level wind is merely an assist mechanism to distribute the line evenly across the spool.
The level wind guides the line back and forth on the spool evenly. The level wind can be ordered on the Auto Stop models. Penn 50, 80, and 130. Also the Shimano 50, 80, and 130.
The Level-Wind cannot be added to an existing motorized reel. The reel must be purchased with the Level-Wind initially.
Kite Reels
The Hooker Electric Kite Reel is able to retrieve line at 1,000 feet per minute @ 40 lbs of drag. The kite reels also include variable speed control. Note: The kite reels are capable of breaking spars under high wind conditions, it is highly suggested that you properly adjust the drag before use.
No. Hooker Electric Kite Reels do not come with an RF remote control. These kite reel units are designed to be simple and compact as possible.
No, however, it can be done by adding a voltage converter box. The voltage converter box is $192.
No. Shallow drop fishing is only suggested at a maximum of 500’ deep starting with 50 wide reel models and up. If the kite reels are subjected to such conditions, you run the risk of irreversible and severe damage to the unit.
Dual Motor Units
The Hooker Electric reels equipped with dual motors can draw up to 60 amps under full load.
The drag or clutch on the Hooker Electric reels equipped with dual motors is 110 lbs.
FAQ’s About Bait Pumps
Yes, the Hooker Electric high flow pump comes with a variable flow knob, which allows you to adjust the flow to you and your baits liking.
Yes, the pump can be used as a wash down, but keep in mind it’s a centrifugal pump, not a pressurized pump.
The solenoid is NOT necessary for every install using our pumps, it depends on how the system is wired. The solenoid, however, does take the amperage draw off the rocker switch.
Yes, the Hooker Electric pump does need to be installed below the water line. This will lessen any issues with air locking up your system along with supplying the pump with adequate water intake.
Yes. When installing a Hooker Electric bait pump, it is required that ALL electrical connections are heat shrink and made water-tight.
Although a sea chest is not required or necessary when installing a Hooker Electric bait pump, it can be mounted with a sea chest and it must be mounted outside of it. However, if you have a step hull boat, then yes, the sea chest is required.
When planning the installation of the water pump, make sure it is installed below the water line. Although the pump is water-tight, it is recommended that the pump is mounted so that it doesn’t sit under water permanently.
If the bait pump is not working, please try these steps:
- Step 1 – Check Breaker. The first step is to make sure that the breaker used for the pump has not been “popped” or triggered. Reset the breaker. A 30 amp breaker is recommended.
- Step 2 – Reset the bait pump. Once it is established that the pump is getting adequate power, turn the knob all the way to the OFF position for 20 seconds. (This is the initial procedure before operating the pump each time.) Then you may turn the knob to the desired speed to control the flow of water to your wells and/or other systems.
- Step 3 – Check for obstructions. Listen for any undesirable noises coming from the pump unit. In this case, it is possible that debris may be present in the water line and debris may have been suctioned by the thru-hull. To safely clear the pump, turn the live well switch OFF or turn the battery switch to the OFF position. Then proceed to disconnect the water line leading to the pump’s inlet. Clear any debris from the line and reconnect. Before trying to operate the pump, open the valves leading to the bait wells so that any trapped air is purged from the lines.
- Step 4 – Check for adequate power. When operating the pump, if possible, listen for normal operation noise coming from the pump. If it doesn’t make any noise, it is possible that the unit is not getting adequate power or any power at all. In this case, please make sure the battery(ies) are properly charged.
FAQ’s About Bandit Reels
Yes, the Hooker Electric Bandit Reel is used for retrieval only. You would open the lever drag to deploy the spool (with line or mono on the spool).
The drag is very strong and durable, up to 200 pounds of drag.
Yes, spare spools are available for purchase for the Hooker Electric Bandit Reel at $699.00 each.
The max depth to fish with the Bandit Reel depends on the diameter of the line on the spool. You can find the options for the Bandit Reel below:
| LINE CAPACITY | MAX | SUGGESTED |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 mm line 3.2 mm line 3.0 mm line 2.0 mm (0.078) line 1.8 mm (0.070) line 1.4 mm (0.055) line | Total 3,000 ft Total 3,761 ft Total 4,125 ft Total 9,680 ft Total 12,065 ft Total 19,980 ft | Working 2,400 ft Working 3,000 ft Working 3,296 ft Working 7,744 ft Working 9,649 ft Working 15,981 ft |
Yes. The Hooker Electric Bandit Reel requires a standard bandit reel rod holder. We also make a custom mounting bracket specifically engineered for the Hooker Electric Bandit Reel.
FAQ’s About GoPro Camera Housing
The light included with the Hooker Electric Deep Sea Camera Housing for the GoPro can reach approximately 6-8 feet from the housing. Other factors such as current, sea conditions, and depth, can contribute to the efficiency of the light.
The 3 AA battery pack (lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH batteries work) on the Hooker Electric Camera Housing lasts approximately 1 hour from the time it is assembled and encased for deployment. The batteries themselves last much longer than the GoPro cycle.
The Hooker Electric Camera Housing fits all versions of the traditional GoPro camera with the exception of the GoPro Session model. Note: For GoPro camera models which include the attached spare battery, do not include it in the assembly as it is too bulky and will crack the lens of your GoPro when the housing is hand-tightened to make a proper seal. Hooker Electric is not responsible for any loss or damage of GoPro cameras under any circumstance.
Yes. In fact, we have caught some interesting footage when trolling with the Hooker Electric Camera Housing for the GoPro. The camera’s view port is in-line with the bait line so you get to see how fish assess the bait and their striking methods.
No. The Hooker Electric Camera Housing does not float. It was engineered and built to withstand the incredible pressures in the deep ocean. For this reason, we built it using highly sturdy materials and tolerances. Note: Be careful and mindful where you handle the camera housing. If you drop it in the ocean, it will sink and Hooker Electric is not responsible for any loss of the camera housing, its contents or any rig attached to it.
Yes. The source light provided for the Hooker Electric Camera Housing for the GoPro is available in red, white and blue. Find camera housing source lights.