Honestly this is my 12 year old sons favorite reel otherwise id through it away. He made me promise id try to figure out how to fix it, I'm just trying to keep my word. I know the following information. No matter if i put spacers or remove them. No matter what line i spool this reel with, I have tried 10lb mono, 20lb braid. I currently have 80lb braid on it to better see the line pattern when it spools. No matter if the line is tight or just snug it does the same thing. The reel turns smoothly. I know its a cheap Zebco reel.

Reading through the text, I thought I knew where this was going... boy was I wrong. Really wrong...

The rotor bushing is worn out, giving reverse-cone line lay.

In the 90s, I had a Penn 4400SS that looked just like that after a dozen kingfish.

Hmmm

21 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

I had a Penn 4400SS that looked just like that after a dozen kingfish.

Thats a big reel for kings lol, like 13oz.

Ive got the 4200-6500 with the exception of the 5500 in the mid to late 90s models. They werent the best when it came to line lay. They weren't the best stacking braid, but even with all the fish and abuse I subjected to. Although i retired them, they still work well.

Let him go with you or shop online for a new reel, that thing is done.