Penn is a legendary name in fishing tackle. Still headquartered in Philadelphia, Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company has made some of the highest-performance reels and rods for nearly 100 years now.
This is especially true for saltwater anglers from all walks of life, chasing all different sorts of species. Models like the Squidder and Senator are timeless, and in the modern era, newer reels like the Warfare and Defiance continue to up the ante, as do spinning reels like the Fierce, Pursuit, Spinfisher, and Battle.
That being said, one of the best Penn reels in production right now is the Penn Fathom II. It is more than a cool name, and is one of the toughest, strongest, most uncompromising conventional reels in the saltwater world, bar none.
Here’s what you should know about it.
Multiple Models and Sizes Are Available
First, the Penn Fathom II is not a one-size fits all reel. There are numerous models and sizes available, which offer a wide range of spool capacities and maximum drag settings. Whether your target is a smaller inshore species that requires a bit more finesse or a bruiser of a pelagic that requires serious drag power to bring it to the rail, the Penn Fathom II has you covered.
Exceptional Strength
The Penn Fathom II boasts a one-piece, aluminum frame and sideplate that are machined for precision fit and tolerances. Simple construction from durable, low-maintenance materials typifies the Fathom II.
In addition, the Fathom II sports stainless steel main and pinion gears as well as 5 stainless steel ball bearings that deliver unprecedented strength and smooth-cranking power. The spool itself is also made from a forged and machined billet of aluminum for exceptional strength and longevity.
This is the type of reel that will not yield even when the pressure is on, and when properly cared for will last for decades.
Corrosion Resistant Construction
Notice the prevalence of the qualifiers “aluminum” and “stainless steel” in the immediately preceding section. That is to underscore Penn’s use of corrosion resistant alloys in the construction of this reel (and its others). These materials are highly resistant to chemical deterioration and corrosion overall, and are optimal for use in unforgiving environments, such as the saltwater elements in which this reel will no doubt likely find itself.
The Power of Penn’s Dura-Drag System
The Penn Fathom II is also equipped with Penn’s proprietary “Dura Drag” system that is strong, reliable, smooth, and consistent, even under harsh conditions and in the midst of battles with monstrous fish.
The Dura Drag leverages the use of special, advanced materials that help ensure consistency and long service life, even in the face of hard use, friction, and high heat.
The Dura Drag system uses a special phenolic bonding agent in the drag system that helps resist physical deterioration of the drag system materials, even when they are highly pressured, and when powerful runs generate a lot of heat. This is one of the biggest killers of drag systems, and the Penn Dura Drag is well equipped to outperform and outlast.
On top of that, this special bonding agent also helps produce a specialized water barrier that helps prevent moisture intrusion into the drag system, which is another thing that will not only rob it of efficiency, but shorten its service life by allowing saltwater ingress to destroy the internals of a reel.
On top of these attributes, the special treatments used in the manufacture of the Dura Drag system improve the drag performance, increasing the power of the drag system, and also give it a silky-smooth feel, even from drag startup, which for many drag systems is the stickiest part.
The Dura Drag is smooth and consistent, from the first hint of the run all the way through it.
No Accidental Drag Shifts
Have you ever been fighting a fish on a big conventional reel with a big lever drag system, carelessly moved your hand in the area of the reel and accidentally cranked down (or back) on the drag?
It’s happened to all of us, and even though it’s a simple mistake, it can cost you a fish. The Penn Fathom II has a safeguard against that. It comes equipped with a pull-to-turn preset knob that requires a deliberate action to set the drag system, and eliminates accidental changes, which is critical in the heat of a battle with a big fish.
Is the Penn Fathom II Saltwater-Grade?
Not only is the Penn Fathom II saltwater-ready, like most Penn fishing tackle, it is specifically equipped for saltwater use.
Moreover, it can be used as a jigging reel as well as in the capacity of a standard conventional reel for chunking and other disciplines.
Should I Spool My Penn Fathom II with Braid?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this, and if you want to spool your Penn Fathom II with mono that’s your prerogative. However, there are numerous advantages to braided fishing line (tipped with a mono or fluoro leader) that cause many anglers to prefer it.
One is that braid is abrasion resistant and, all else being equal, a lot longer lasting than mono. You’ll be lucky to get one season from a full spool of mono but with proper care you can get several from braid.
Another aspect is that braid is a zero-stretch option. This offers much, much greater sensitivity, not to mention more reliable hooksets, especially when you have a lot of line paid off the spool.
So should you use braid? That’s once again up to you, but as you can see there are many significant advantages associated with the use of braided line.
Here for a New Slow Pitch Jigging Reel?
Here for a new slow pitch jigging reel? The Penn Fathom II is a great option, but it is only one of the many great reels we sell here. We carry Penn, Shimano, Daiwa and Accurate reels, among others. Check out our full collection and get in touch with us if you have questions or would like recommendations.