Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels Review

Name: Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels
Brand: Penn
SKU: fc046ddf
Rating: 98.30 (12 reviews)

Featured Deal

Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels

Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels are the second generation Fathom reels from Penn. They are built with rigid metal frames and sideplates. The Penn live spindle design allows for long effortless casting.Full metal body/sideplatesMachine cut marine grade bronze main gear with hardened stainless steel pi...nionLive spindle with free floating spool6 shielded stainless steel ball bearing systemInstant anti-reverse bearingFast gear access sideplate

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12 Reviews

Popularity: 2311

MSRP:
$239.95

Used Price:
$167.97

Sale Price:
$215.96

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Specifications
Brand	Penn
Category	Reels

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Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels Reviews

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Review Title

Comment

Awesome Reel. Great for Red Snapper

Justin B.

2 years ago

This reel has performed flawlessly. It is strong and has great drag. The only downside is that i have gotten spoiled on two speed reels, and this one is just a single speed.

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Fathom 2 Casting Special

Kevin

2 years ago

Great reel for east coast surf and pier fishing, got mine on a custom 13 6-10oz rod for cobia and red drum fishing, casts smooth and fast, but with the magnets it can be dialed back to the point that as long as you cast fluidly, it aint gonna backlash.

This is the reel I recommend to beginners wanting to get into surf casting or pier fishing for big red drum, along… read more with a penn battalion 6-12oz 12ft surf rod.

NOTE* Ive owned this reel for 2 years and have fished it hard I would not hesitate to purchase another one

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Great reel

Vinny

2 years ago

Great reel with a low gear ratio. Performed flawlessly.

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Great multiplier reel!

Skyler

3 years ago

So far my best reel for fishing with 8 n bait here in Cape Breton. I have it paired with the 12' carnage 6-12 oz. The reel has a great magnetic break system for fool proof casts.

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Great Price

Matthew

3 years ago

Great reel for drum fishing off the beach.

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Top Notch

DanKeanu

3 years ago

Really smooth reel. Very satisfied with this purchase. Thanks TD

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Fathom 2 15SDCS

Ryan

3 years ago

Overall very pleased with this reel. Paired with an 11' carnage surf rod. Drag is smooth and bearings remain quiet after 30+ days on the beach. The mag works well and is easier to adjust than the old style squall mag. Very smooth reel, fast spool and casts like a champ. My only complaint is the mag knob digs into your wrist slightly when reeling. Overall very happy and would buy… read more again.

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PENN UNDERATED

BIGGS

3 years ago

THE PENN CASTING SPECIAL IS A VERY GOOD REEL. AS WITH ALL CONVENTION CASTING REELS IT HAS A LEARNING CURVE. I HAVE SEVERAL MAGGED REELS AND THIS ONE STRAIGHT OUT THE BOX IS ONE OF THE BEST. IT .GIVES YOU GREAT DISTANCE AND IS VERY STRONG . I USE 65 LB POWER PRO WITH A 60 LB LEADER A LIL OVERKILL BUT I LOSE LESS SINKERS AND RIGS THAT WAY .. MUCH BETTER THAN AVET MAGIC CAST AND… read more SEIGLER SM.

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Penn Fathom 15SDCS

Eddie

4 years ago

Very fast reel got a few backlash. Overall great reel and love it. I caught 2 strip bass already with this reel.

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Exceptional reel

Lamar

4 years ago

Everything about this reel is high quality. I live this reel and hope to purchase another very soon. I went from spinning to this hoping to greatly improved my casting distance. This was a bit like jumping off into the deep end for long distance casting and fishing.

… read more data-lightbox="pdPrReviewImage-52759-img1">

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Love this reel

Jason

4 years ago

The fathom II casting special has been my go to reel for local Yellowtail, calico bass, surface iron, and just about everything else. This reel just gets smoother after some use. 5 trips used and still living it. Was able to get 400 yards of 50# maxcuatro and 55 yards top shot of 30# izorline.

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Fathom

Victoria L.

4 years ago

Very smooth casting, no backlash. Great clicker sound.

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Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels Questions and Answers

Asked by Andrew 5 years ago

When will the 15CS model be available again? Penn's website shows out of stock, as well as pretty much every place else I've checked.

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Alyssa Madosky 5 years ago

As of right now we have no information that these will be in stock anytime soon.

Asked by Jeff 5 years ago

What is the difference between the 15sd and the 15 sdcs?

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Bernie De Graaf 5 years ago

The 15sdcs is designed to be more of a casting model.

Asked by Eddy 5 years ago

No left handed models?

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Ethan 5 years ago

Not yet, hopefully in the future.

Asked by Tim S 5 years ago

Any gonna be available on left hand?

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Bernie De Graaf 5 years ago

As of right now there aren't currently any plans on a left handed model in the making

Asked by Doug 5 years ago

Are we still looking at a September arrival for this reel?

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Bernie De Graaf 5 years ago

The date is still set for September.

Asked by Kenn 2 years ago

Would this fit onto the reel seat of a Tsunami 66 MH Trophy Slow Pitch Rod?

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Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hi Kenn, The Penn Fathom 66 MH Trophy slow pitch rod will fit into the Fathom II reel seat. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with!

Asked by Salt Curious 2 years ago

Is the 8XN suitable for bottom fishing in the NE (blackfish, haddock, cod, etc...) with it's smaller line capacity?

Post an Answer

Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hi Salt, The Penn Fathom II 8XN will be excellent for blackfish but can lack capacity for cod and pollock. We recommend going with at least the 12 size for an all around reel. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with

Asked by Kenn 2 years ago

Im thinking of getting this reel to put on my Tsunami Trophy Series Slow Pitch Jigging Casting Rod 66. But I know the Penn Fathom 15XNLD2 is too big for the reel seat. Would this reel fit on my rod?

Post an Answer

Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hi Kenn, The Penn Fathom II star drag in the size 8 and 12 will fit the Trophy Series Slow Pitch Rod in the 6'6 model better than the 15. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with!

Asked by Salt Curious 2 years ago

What does the xn stand for in the 8 size? Would this reel be better for blackfish and cod, or the maxel 20hg?

Post an Answer

Bernie - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hello, The "XN" stands for extra narrow and the fthii8xnsd is a smaller reel then the maxel 20hg. The fthii15sd is more comparable in size and capability then the maxel 20hg

Asked by JIM 2 years ago

I recently bought the Penn Fathom II Star Drag reel 30SD.... What would be a good surf rod match fishing the Carolina coasts? Thanks for any feedback....<h1> </h1>

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Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hi Jim, We recommend the Penn Battalion surf rod in 11ft or 12 ft ( <a href="https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-battalion-ii-surf-rods.html">https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-battalion-ii-surf-rods.html</a> ), the Tica TC2 in 11ft and 12

Asked by Tony 2 years ago

Does the 40sd have a mag

Post an Answer

Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hi Tony, According to Penn, The Magnetic casting brake is available on Penn Fathom 12 and Fathom 15 sizes only. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.

Asked by Chuck 2 years ago

What would be a good rod for the 8 size for trolling for striped bass from a kayak?

Post an Answer

Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

Hi Chuck, Based on your fishing application I would recommend the Tony Maja Custom Mojo Rod. This is 6'6" and would match your Penn Fathom II 8 size nicely for trolling for Stripers and bluefish from a kayak. <a>https://www.tackledirect.com/t

Asked by Bryan Ponce 3 years ago

Would you pair this with a Seeker Black Steel Graphite 6480 for live bait?

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Austin Kearney 3 years ago

Yes, the 25 should pair up nicely with that rod.

Asked by Eric 4 years ago

Are there any other differences between the 40 SD and 40 SDP besides the gear ratio difference? Which is better suited for distance casting?

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Bass O 4 years ago

Hello, thanks for being interested in our products. The 40SD would be better suited for distance casting, while the 40SDP is better suited for slow gigging.

Asked by Eric 4 years ago

Which models feature a bait clicker on them?

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Alex T 4 years ago

I believe all these models come with the bait clicker feature

Asked by Grant Heaslip 4 years ago

Hi, Which of the models have the grey spool? Some pictures have it, are they just the PG models?

Post an Answer

Alex T 4 years ago

All of the models with the Lower gear ratio(4.8:1) are the ones with the gray spool you are mentioning.

Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels Review

Featured Deal

Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels

Fishing Critic Score

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Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels Reviews

How would you like to rate Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels?

Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels Questions and Answers

Ask a Question

When will the 15CS model be available again? Penn's website shows out of stock, as well as pretty much every place else I've checked.

What is the difference between the 15sd and the 15 sdcs?

No left handed models?

Any gonna be available on left hand?

Are we still looking at a September arrival for this reel?

Would this fit onto the reel seat of a Tsunami 66 MH Trophy Slow Pitch Rod?

Is the 8XN suitable for bottom fishing in the NE (blackfish, haddock, cod, etc...) with it's smaller line capacity?

Im thinking of getting this reel to put on my Tsunami Trophy Series Slow Pitch Jigging Casting Rod 66. But I know the Penn Fathom 15XNLD2 is too big for the reel seat. Would this reel fit on my rod?

What does the xn stand for in the 8 size? Would this reel be better for blackfish and cod, or the maxel 20hg?

I recently bought the Penn Fathom II Star Drag reel 30SD.... What would be a good surf rod match fishing the Carolina coasts? Thanks for any feedback....<h1><br /></h1>

Does the 40sd have a mag

What would be a good rod for the 8 size for trolling for striped bass from a kayak?

Would you pair this with a Seeker Black Steel Graphite 6480 for live bait?

Are there any other differences between the 40 SD and 40 SDP besides the gear ratio difference? Which is better suited for distance casting?

Which models feature a bait clicker on them?

Hi,<p><br></p><p>Which of the models have the grey spool? Some pictures have it, are they just the PG models?</p><p><br></p>