Penn 309M Level Wind Reel

Penn 309M Level Wind Reel

by Penn
Price: $59.99
Model
TD Code
Mono
Capacity
Max DragGear RatioLine Retrieve
Per Crank
WeightPrice
309M
PEN-0050
350yds / 20lb152.8:120 in23 oz$59.99 USD
The Penn Level Wind 309M reel features a high capacity stainless steel spool, while the 209M, 10 and 9M feature lightweight, black anodized aluminum spools for easy casting. All models feature Penn's comfortable soft grip counterbalanced handles, except the 109M, which has a "double barrel" handle. Inside the Penn Level Wind reels you'll find precision machined stainless steel pinion gears with high strength bronze alloy main gears, for the ultimate in fish fighting power and durability. Penn's exclusive HT-100 multi-disc star drag system provides smooth, even stopping power to wear down tough fish and get them coming toward the boat or shore.
Penn's precision posotove level wind system ensures smooth, even winding of line onto the spool, every time.

The Guts to Wear'em Down.
Inside the Penn Level Wind reels you'll find precision machined stainless steel pinion gears with high strength bronze alloy main gears, for the ultimate in fish fighting power and durability. Penn's exclusive HT-100 multi-disc star drag system provides smooth, even stopping power to wear down tough fish and get them coming toward the boat or shore.

Five Different Models.
The Penn Level Wind 309M reel features a high capacity stainless steel spool, while the 209M, 10, 9M and 109M feature lightweight, black anodized aluminum spools for easy casting. All models feature Penn's comfortable soft grip counterbalanced handles, except the 109M, which has a "double barrel" handle.

Other Quality Features

  • Side plates reinforced with metal rings
  • Loud, durable, easy-to-service clicker
  • Stainless steel ball bearings, Mag Tuned casting control and direct drive feature on 10
  • Modified free spool action on 109M allows handle to turn when letting out line
  • Chrome plated brass exposed metal components for corrosion resistance
  • Graphite composite rod clamp on 309M and 209M.
4 Stars based on 20 reviews
By Will
Creekside California
Good for river guide boats
March 9, 2022
Use on river guide boats and they hold up. Great for any type of fish.
By Captain
Boston
an old design its time has passed...
September 24, 2021
this is one of the oldest Penn reels on the market. They have been making versions of the level wind since the 1940's. Quality is very poor. The older reels were made in the USA and held up very well. The newer reels are made overseas from inferior parts and fail over time.
If you want a Penn conversional reel pick a new design with improved parts and mechanisms.
This reel will and has failed many times in its current configuration.
By John H.
Bay City, MI
Penn 309
July 8, 2021
I'm a big Penn fan, I have a bunch of their reels. The price point on this one is extremely friendly, but, I just didn't care for it. The overall fit and finish were lacking, the pawl has a bunch of slop in it, and seems to be very poorly fit. The 309 holds a ton of line, and I really wanted to like it. I was disappointed in it, and it's the only Penn that I have ever returned. I'm partly to blame on it, I wanted it to do more than it was designed to be, and that's not the 309's fault.
By Gordon
Massachusetts
Beefy reel
May 21, 2021
Paired with Tsunami TTSU-601MH Tuff Tip Stand-Up Rod this is a beefy reel. It's not light, but seems like it will put up to some abuse with big fish on the line. Can't wait to try it out!
By Mark U.
Illinois
Fred Sanford
August 16, 2020
Purchased 1 , it had clicker issues; refunded it, thought I’d give it another try, THE SAME ISSUE! Very cheaply made, and inadequately constructed......... I’m sorry but I would never recommend this bait caster, I’ll stick with my Arbu Garcia’s. I can’t believe that this product even received more than 2 stars. Penn has some work to do. This thing is the Chrysler of fishing reels, looks good, a lot of bells and whistles, but poorly made and performance was horrible! Breaks after little use. Just junk!!!
Pros
  • Looks fierce and hard.
Cons
  • Poorly made, poor performance.
By Moosecat
Florida
Good Vvalue
January 19, 2020
Levelwind didn't work out of the box but overall quality is good.
Pros
  • Lightweight and has a fairly large line capacity for its size.
Cons
  • Levelwind was broken out of the box.
By Rick
New Jersey
Tackle Direct was great. The product had issues
January 15, 2020
The first one they shipped had missing screws.
Tackle direct immediately replaced it with a new one.
The new one had loose screws and after they were tightened the reel jammed.
I sent the second one back to Penn and I am waiting to see if it works.
A shame as I have used older 9M reels for many years.
By Michael
Mattoon, IL
Just keeps catching fish!
September 8, 2019
These Penn reels will catch fish for a lifetime. The smaller size is on my catfish rods while in the bank holders. They always seem to work.
Pros
  • Solid at a low price.
By Jessie
nj
It's not the taj mahal of reels, but it is a tank.
July 10, 2018
Same with all Penn reels it is perfect at it's price point if you are looking for a beater reel at a fair price and you want it to last you a lifetime. Especially good if your bringing the youngins fishing because she gets the job done, and if it winds up overboard it's not that big of a deal. Bought one of these last year for my little cousin who is 9 and he loves it.
Pros
  • Cheap, but effective. Reliable in almost any situation. Great backups if your main reel goes down. Perfect for the kids or inexperienced fishermen that come out with you.
Cons
  • none
By David
,Warwick RI
Does the job
February 2, 2018
I have had these reels for 2 years now and they work great for fluking, sea bass, and Tataug. Even brought in a nice 20 lbs striper on 15 lb. test.
By Les
Morton Pa
Penn 309
October 29, 2017
Overall I like penn reels. I have had 309 level winds before but this one the second time I use it two screws feel out check the rest and other where loose.
By Kevin
Greer, SC
Closest thing to indestructible
January 15, 2016
I've had my Penn 309 Level Wind for likely over 20 years and have used it since I was about 14 years old. In the span of that time it's never been serviced or disassembled at all and simply rinsed with fresh water after each use. I just respooled it with fresh line and I have no doubt it will continue to work as designed for many years to come.
Pros
  • -Level wind
  • -Large spool capacity
  • -Lasts just about forever
By Reed
Baltimore
Perfect for the money
December 24, 2015
Good value. Going to install in my boat this winter as a teaser reel underneath the hardtop.
Pros
  • Simple, inexpensive.
By Chris
Shirley, NY
Good, reliable party boat reel.
January 10, 2015
Wanted to wait before reviewing this reel. fished it over the last two seasons approx. 15 trips. The reel caught porgies up to 3#, bluefish up to 11#, fluke to 5# and blackfish up to 6#. Not one problem. Can't go wrong for $60.
Pros
  • Great value at $60. Very smooth drag. Fairly light
Cons
  • Don't use less than 25# mono or you will be picking it from between the spool and frame.
By Tony
Pasadena, MD
Work Horse
October 1, 2014
This reel will stand the stress of everyday trolling and bottom fishing. Great reel and reliable. Never had any issues with it. Easy to use drag system, smooth gears. Only comment to this is no ball bearings. However, due to that this reel can withstand some serious stress.
7 Questions & 8 Answers
Thomas
from Saint Louis asked:
August 27, 2019
Is it really made in USA like it says on the side?
2 Answers
no
Submitted by: Ryan Henry on August 31, 2019
They are not made in the usa, they are made in china 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on September 2, 2019

Mike
from S.Otselic NY asked:
July 30, 2018
Does this reel come with a reel ladder?
1 Answer
This reel does come with the reel clamp
Submitted by: Bernie on July 30, 2018

Dalton
from Cincinnati, Ohio asked:
October 23, 2021
Are these reels okay for saltwater?
1 Answer
Hi Dalton, The Penn 309M Level Wind Reel are designed for Saltwater use. What are you fishing for? What is your fishing application? I.e. jigging, live bait fishing, trolling, bottomfishing... If you provide us with some more information we can help guide you further. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.
Submitted by: Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service on October 25, 2021

JOSEPH OPIELSKI SR
from 10 Redbrook Lane Levittown Pa 19055 asked:
April 5, 2019
do you have this reel in red high speed need price 


1 Answer
3.4:1 is the highest speed we offer. 
Submitted by: Rebecca Redington on April 8, 2019

Steve
from west bloomfield Michigan asked:
March 23, 2015
Im looking for a couple of light weight but durable rod reel combos... What rod would you recommend for this reel ? mostly used for inshore bay fishing... Also, can you load the fishing line before shipping?
1 Answer
Steve, Take a look at these Tsunami Airwave Inshore Casting rods, A 7 ft TSU-0088 or TSU-0044 Or the 6'6" TSU-0100. Also we can spool your reels prior to shipping.
Submitted by: Frank on March 24, 2015

Bernie
from Akron, Ohio asked:
June 26, 2014
What is the line capacity for the 309 reel?
1 Answer
The reel is rated to hold 320 yards of 20# mono.
Submitted by: Customer Service on June 26, 2014

TRUONG PHAM
from florida asked:
December 18, 2012
IS THERE ANY 309M LEVEL WIND LEFT HAND ?
1 Answer
This reel is offered in right hand only, check out the Penn fathom Level Wind reel for some left handed options.
Submitted by: Customer Service on December 18, 2012

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