Penn Fathom Level Wind Reels Review
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Penn Fathom Level Wind Reels
Featuring a full metal body for superior durability the Fathom is the top of the line level wind reel in the PENN family. It features a smooth Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers for smooth drag under heavy loads. Features: Full metal body and sideplatesMarine-grade bronze alloy main gearPrecisi...on-machined stainless steel pinion gearPatented Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers3 shielded stainless steel ball bearingsInstant anti-reverse bearing with silent back up ratchetStainless steel TiN coated levelwind systemReversible Harness Lugs on 40 and 60 sizes
Read moreFishing Critic Score
Popularity: 12943
MSRP:
$199.95
$199.95
Used Price:
$139.97
$139.97
Sale Price:
$179.96
$179.96
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Penn Fathom Level Wind Reels Reviews
Typical Penn workhorse Reel
The K.
6 years ago
Smooth with great power. works well for bottom fishing.
Great Reel
Keith
8 years ago
This reel is light weight and compact and has plenty of power to handle big blackfish seabass and schoolie cod.
Stout Hardware
Henry
9 years ago
Bought a FTH60LW for surf casting, the level wind is super smooth and doesn't seem to slow the line down too much compared to a 4/0 US Senator I have. Definatley have to put the thumb brakes on when it hits the water the cast control helps slightly but limits casting distance and if you don't apply the pollex brakes your walking back up the beach pulling out a backlash. The star… read more drag has a clicker for minute adjustments and is within finger reach to adjust while reeling. With the clicker and free spool on and 6 ounces of lead there is enough to hold bait in place with a little wind and rip. If the rip picks up you can turn the cast control knob up to help line from unspooling. This is a solid metal reel that looks like it is made of plastic but is super durable and should withstand years of abuse. Keep in mind it isn't sealed and salt and sand get every where so plan on cleaning this before you have a few beers and forget. When you do hook up the drag is smooth and minimally jerky. Overall for $220 it's a durable quality product that can be used on the beach or boat.
Mullet run
Cristian
9 years ago
If you use this reel slow trolling big hogleg in fort lauderdale you will for sur eland a big tarpon
Great reel!
Cody
10 years ago
Very stout and reliable reel.
Great deep sea fishing reel!
Jeffery A.
11 years ago
This reel did an outstanding when I went out fishing on a deep drop tile fishing trip. Fishing in 200 to 800 feet of water and 24 to 40 oz. of lead sinker, I really gave this reel a workout!
Stingrays and Sharks Lookout!
RebelsWingman
11 years ago
I fish the 60 size reel on a 6'6" Shimano Jigging rod with 100# braided line. The rod is rated up to 200# test line, and I'm into fishing for the fight. This combo gives me a work out with 70-100 lb. Stingrays or Sharks. The reel is very smooth and light, the drag is great at 30 lbs. + which is where I leave it. The combo feels like I could slow down a freight train if I had…
read more
the energy to stand up to it. Overall, I'll have to say that this reel is at my upper limits of what I'm willing to try land without some outside help. 
Quality
Tarout
12 years ago
"I own both the 60lw and 40lw models. Both reels have been excellent. I use both for deep-sea fishing and they are great reels, they easy to fight these fish to the boat. Excellent reels with great cranking power and drag. Also very light considering an all metal construction."
Light and Strong
Mohamed H.
12 years ago
When I used Penn fathom realized its light reel and strong metal construction.
I love the long handle for cranking power
Penn Fathom Level Wind Reels Questions and Answers
Asked by
Vicente
6 years ago
I always used spinning reels and my know knowledge with these kinda reels is zero to none. Looking for a reel that i can use from boat as well as on the pier to catch 10-30 grouper. What size of reel should i get and what rod should i pair(preferablya pen
Bernie
6 years ago
The fathom 15 and the Penn Carnage II boat rod 7 foot medium
Asked by
Dave
3 years ago
Using Penn Fathom 40LW, would 60# flouro be fine going through the guide on the levelwind.<br>
Austin Kearney
3 years ago
60# may be a bit too heavy for this reel as it is only rated for up to 50# mono, which shares the same diameter as fluoro.
Asked by
Chris
4 years ago
Looking for a good reel for offshore seabass and blackfish<p><br></p>
B. Smith
4 years ago
Hello Chris, <p><br /></p><p>The Fathom is a great reel for offshore tog and seabass. Check out the new models here:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-fathom-ii-level-wind-reels.html">https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-fathom-ii
Asked by
Julio
7 years ago
Can i use the 25 level wind reel to bottom fish for rock fish with a 8 oz sinker and what rod can I pair it up with. Thanks.
Devon
7 years ago
You could even go as small as the Fathom 20 for your application. A medium heavy Penn Carnage II conventional rod would pair well with either size. Id also suggest looking into the Shimano Tallus and St. Croix Mojo Salt.
Asked by
Kw
7 years ago
Can the larger fathom level wind be used with wire line like the shimano tekota is used??
Donald
7 years ago
I would recommend Using the Shimano Tekota or the Penn 113H2SP Special Senator Reel for using wire.
Asked by
john
9 years ago
Which reel is better, Shimano thorium (20) or the penn fathom level wind reels?
Customer Service
9 years ago
They are different animals. The Penn has more drag and line capacity and is larger in size. The Shimano is not a level wind and is smaller with less drag and line capacity. What are you fishing for and how? They are both good reels.
Asked by
john
9 years ago
Penn fathom level wind reels or shimano torium (20) reel? which is better?
Customer Service
9 years ago
They are different animals. The Penn has more drag and line capacity and is larger in size. The Shimano is not a level wind and is smaller with less drag and line capacity. What are you fishing for and how? They are both good reels.
Asked by
Luke
10 years ago
Which reel would be comparable in size to a Shimano Calcutta 400b
Customer Service
10 years ago
The Fathom 15 would be the best comparison. It has a much greater line capacity and almost double the drag all in a similar size.
Asked by
amin
11 years ago
Hi! I would like to know why the reels have different capacity between mono and braided line, if they have the same ability to drag. I understand there is difference in size with the spool,in the case of pen-1054 what happens if i use 40 or 50 lb mono lin
Customer Service
11 years ago
Braided line has a thinner diameter than mono. i.e. 65lb Power Pro is equal in diameter to 16lb monofilament line.
Asked by
William
5 years ago
I just have quick question. I just purchased the penn Rampage 7ft heavy action rod. Should i pair it with the penn fathom 40 or 60 ? I fish long Island sound for big blues bass and whatever else lol.
Bernie De Graaf
5 years ago
You can use the 30 size and be comfortable with that, plenty of line capacity with the same drag as the larger sizes