Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels

Penn Fathom II Star Drag Reels

by Penn
$239.95 - $289.95
Earn 240 - 290 Reward Points   Learn More...
Model:
Qty:

Price Match Guarantee
Model
TD Code
Mono Capacity
(yds./lbs.)
Braid Capacity
(yds./lbs.)
BearingsMax Drag
(lb)
Gear RatioLine RetrieveWeight
(oz)
RetrievePrice
FTHII8XNSD
PEN-1880
395/6
265/8
245/10
260/20
195/30
135/50
730lb6.1:130in16.20ozRight$239.95 USD
FTHII12SD
PEN-1752
430/10
295/12
250/15
560/15
455/20
345/30
730lb6.1:130in16.90ozRight$239.95 USD
FTHII15SD
PEN-1753
355/12
305/15
200/20
550/20
415/30
290/50
730lb6.1:130in17.10ozRight$239.95 USD
FTHII15SDCS
PEN-1754
--730lb6.1:130in17.10ozRight$289.95 USD
FTHII25NSD
PEN-1755
345/20
315/25
255/30
710/30
495/50
410/65
730lb6.1:142in19.40ozRight$259.95 USD
FTHII25NSDP
PEN-1756
345/20
315/25
255/30
710/30
495/50
410/65
730lb4.8:132in19.80ozRight$259.95 USD
FTHII30SD
PEN-1757
440/25
355/30
275/40
685/50
570/65
495/80
730lb6.1:142in20.10ozRight$259.95 USD
FTHII30SDP
PEN-1758
440/25
355/30
275/40
685/50
570/65
495/80
730lb4.8:132in20.40ozRight$259.95 USD
FTHII40SD
PEN-1759
420/30
325/40
240/50
810/50
675/65
580/80
730lb6.1:142in20.30ozRight$259.95 USD
FTHII40SDP
PEN-1760
420/30
325/40
240/50
810/50
675/65
580/80
730lb4.8:132in20.70ozRight$259.95 USD
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/sideplates
  • Machine cut marine grade bronze main gear with hardened stainless steel pinion
  • Live spindle with free floating spool
  • 6 shielded stainless steel ball bearing system
  • Instant anti-reverse bearing
  • Fast gear access sideplate
5 Stars based on 13 reviews
By Justin B.
Biloxi, MS
Awesome Reel. Great for Red Snapper
July 11, 2022
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.
By TRAVIS
Galax, VA
Great reel
June 20, 2022
The fathom 2 size 15SD is one fantastic reel, it's the perfect size for about anything you want to catch from the shore other really big sharks, fresh water too. Reel casts great and a pleasure to use, in my opinion you would have to spend a lot more to get a better reel.
By Kevin
Virginia Beach, VA
Fathom 2 Casting Special
May 20, 2022
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 ain’t gonna backlash.

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

NOTE* I’ve owned this reel for 2 years and have fished it hard I would not hesitate to purchase another one
Pros
  • Drag, line capacity, casting capabilities
By Vinny
New York
Great reel
January 5, 2022
Great reel with a low gear ratio. Performed flawlessly.
By skyler
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Great multiplier reel!
November 4, 2021
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.
Pros
  • Smooth, great brake system, holds plenty of line
Cons
  • None
By Matthew
Chesterfield, VA
Great Price
August 13, 2021
Great reel for drum fishing off the beach.
By DanKeanu
San Diego CA
Top Notch
July 27, 2021
Really smooth reel. Very satisfied with this purchase. Thanks TD
By Ryan
Marmora, NJ
Fathom 2 15SDCS
March 19, 2021
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 again.
By BIGGS
BROOKLYN, NY
PENN UNDERATED
January 18, 2021
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 SEIGLER SM.
Pros
  • VERY SMOOTH AND EASY TO LEARN .
Cons
  • SOME MAY FEELTHE MAG KNOB TO BE IN THE WAY ITS NOT A PROBLEM FOR ME.
By Eddie
Brooklyn, NY
Penn Fathom 15SDCS
November 6, 2020
Very fast reel got a few backlash. Overall great reel and love it. I caught 2 strip bass already with this reel.
By Lamar
Conyers ga
Exceptional reel
August 14, 2020
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.
Pros
  • Solid and well built. This is both class and quality. There was a definite learning curve for me but between the mags and the spool tensioning I quickly got to 100yds consistency with no over runs. I can chunk medium Saltys hooked in the head 100yds with a 2oz sinker and hatteras cast. I do use a really nice 12? rod. I found one that?s not overly bulky yet strong and flexible. Oh and I love this clicker. It?s loud and very metallic.
Cons
  • I have no cons on the reel. The cons are my own. Experimenting with different lines, rigs and techniques. As I said I went directly from spinning reels to this conventional. I took some time choosing this specific reel over others. I have I think wasted money matching a rod to this reel. On the fourth try I was able to find what I wanted. I have a 10 footer it works well on and I have a 12 footer it works really well on. I fish with it nearly every weekend and I practice my casting during the week. I use baits with it not lures. I think this is not meant for lures. But I?m just not a lure fisherman. I?m a bank fisherman in lakes and rivers.
By Jason
San Diego
Love this reel
July 1, 2020
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.
Pros
  • Everything
Cons
  • Rarely in stock
By Victoria L.
Clearwater, Fl
Fathom
June 9, 2020
Very smooth casting, no backlash. Great clicker sound.
Pros
  • Smooth casting
Cons
  • None
16 Questions & 16 Answers
Andrew
from Suffolk, VA asked:
November 11, 2019
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.  
1 Answer
As of right now we have no information that these will be in stock anytime soon.
Submitted by: Alyssa Madosky on November 12, 2019

Jeff
from San Ramon ca asked:
October 13, 2019
What is the difference between the 15sd and the 15 sdcs?
1 Answer
The 15sdcs is designed to be more of a casting model. 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on October 14, 2019

Eddy
from Newport Beach, ca asked:
July 8, 2019
No left handed models?
1 Answer
Not yet, hopefully in the future. 
Submitted by: Ethan on July 8, 2019

Tim S
from Bakersfield, California asked:
July 5, 2019
Any gonna be available on left hand?
1 Answer
As of right now there aren't currently any plans on a left handed model in the making 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on August 28, 2019

Doug
from Sw Florida asked:
June 25, 2019
Are we still looking at a September arrival for this reel?
1 Answer
The date is still set for September. 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on June 26, 2019

Kenn
from Guam asked:
August 7, 2022
Would this fit onto the reel seat of a Tsunami 66 MH Trophy Slow Pitch Rod?
1 Answer
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!
Submitted by: Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 8, 2022

Salt Curious
from NJ asked:
August 5, 2022
Is the 8XN suitable for bottom fishing in the NE (blackfish, haddock, cod, etc...) with it's smaller line capacity?
1 Answer
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!
Submitted by: Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 8, 2022

Kenn
from Kenn asked:
August 5, 2022
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?
1 Answer
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!
Submitted by: Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 8, 2022

Salt Curious
from NJ asked:
August 2, 2022
What does the xn stand for in the 8 size? Would this reel be better for blackfish and cod, or the maxel 20hg?
1 Answer
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


Submitted by: Bernie - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 2, 2022

JIM
from New York asked:
June 2, 2022
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....


1 Answer
Hi Jim, We recommend the Penn Battalion surf rod in 11ft or 12 ft ( https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-battalion-ii-surf-rods.html ), the Tica TC2 in 11ft and 12ft ( https://www.tackledirect.com/tica-tc2-surf-casting-rods.html ) or the St Croix Avid Surf on the higher end in 11ft or 12ft ( https://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-avid-series-surf-rods.html ). Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with! Tight lines!
Submitted by: Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service on June 3, 2022

Tony
from TX asked:
April 20, 2022
Does the 40sd have a mag
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by: Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service on April 22, 2022

Chuck
from Cape Cod asked:
February 16, 2022
What would be a good rod for the 8 size for trolling for striped bass from a kayak?
1 Answer
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. https://www.tackledirect.com/tony-maja-custom-mojo-rod.html Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.
Submitted by: Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service on February 17, 2022

Bryan Ponce
from San Diego, California asked:
January 19, 2021
Would you pair this with a Seeker Black Steel Graphite 6480 for live bait? 
1 Answer
Yes, the 25 should pair up nicely with that rod.
Submitted by: Austin Kearney on January 19, 2021

Eric
from Indianapolis, IN, USA asked:
November 11, 2020
Are there any other differences between the 40 SD and 40 SDP besides the gear ratio difference? Which is better suited for distance casting?
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by: Bass O on November 11, 2020

Eric
from Indianapolis, IN, USA asked:
November 11, 2020
Which models feature a bait clicker on them? 
1 Answer
I believe all these models come with the bait clicker feature
Submitted by: Alex T on November 11, 2020

Grant Heaslip
from Waikato asked:
November 3, 2020
Hi,


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


1 Answer
All of the models with the Lower gear ratio(4.8:1) are the ones with the gray spool you are mentioning.
Submitted by: Alex T on November 4, 2020

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