Penn Fathom Level Wind Reels
by Penn
$199.95 - $219.95
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| Model TD Code | Mono Cap. (yds/lb) | Braid Cap. (yds/lb) | Bearings | Max Drag | Gear Ratio | Line Retrieve | Weight | Price |
| FTH15LW PEN-0878 | 320/15 280/17 220/20 | 575/20 440/30 300/50 | 3+1 | 30 lbs. | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 19.2 oz | $199.95 USD | |||
| FTH20LW PEN-0879 | 320/17 260/20 230/25 | 675/20 500/30 350/50 | 3+1 | 30 lbs. | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 19.5 oz | $199.95 USD | |||
| FTH20LWLH PEN-1053 | 320/17 260/20 230/25 | 675/20 500/30 350/50 | 3+1 | 30lbs. | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 19.5oz | $199.95 USD | |||
| FTH25LW PEN-0880 | 330/20 290/25 220/30 | 650/30 450/50 380/65 | 3+1 | 30 lbs. | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 20.0 oz | $199.95 USD | |||
| FTH25LWLH PEN-1054 | 330/20 290/25 220/30 | 650/30 450/50 380/65 | 3+1 | 30lbs | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 20 oz | $199.95 USD | |||
| FTH40LW PEN-0881 | 390/30 330/40 240/50 | 825/50 675/65 575/80 | 3+1 | 30 lbs. | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 24.3 oz | $219.95 USD | |||
| FTH60LW PEN-0882 | 440/40 320/50 280/60 | 900/65 775/80 650/100 | 3+1 | 30 lbs. | 4.3:1 | 24 in | 25.1 oz | $219.95 USD | |||
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:
Features:
- Full metal body and sideplates
- Marine-grade bronze alloy main gear
- Precision-machined stainless steel pinion gear
- Patented Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers
- 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse bearing with silent back up ratchet
- Stainless steel TiN coated levelwind system
- Reversible Harness Lugs on 40 and 60 sizes
5 Stars based on 10 reviews
By James
Jacksonville, NC
Great Reel
September 26, 2018
Very smooth reel. Penn is always a good pick.
Pros
- Level wind
By The K.
NJ
Typical Penn workhorse Reel
January 20, 2018
Smooth with great power. works well for bottom fishing.
By Keith
Belford, NJ
Great Reel
December 10, 2015
This reel is light weight and compact and has plenty of power to handle big blackfish seabass and schoolie cod.
By Henry
North Carolina
Stout Hardware
November 7, 2015
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 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.
Pros
- metal construction, smooth drag, star drag is easily adjustable, level wind is easy to cast, versatile for surf, trolling or bottom fishing, hard to beat the line capacity and drag for the price.
Cons
- The cast control is trial and error, plan on it backlashing before you get it dialed in on the weight. This isn't really a con because every conventional reel creates inertia and needs you to apply the brakes, it's just an inherent issue with anything that has an arbor. So not a con for this product its a con for the design.
By cristian
Lake worth, FL
mullet run
April 22, 2015
If you use this reel slow trolling big hogleg in fort lauderdale you will for sur eland a big tarpon
By Cody
Dallas, georgia
Great reel!
April 16, 2014
Very stout and reliable reel.
By Jeffery A.
Newark, Delaware
Great deep sea fishing reel!
July 24, 2013
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!
Pros
- It's a heavy duty level wind that really is smooth.
Cons
- I ordered the reel and thought the reverse lugs would be out as indicated in the picture. I received the reel and they were in the stored position. Now I will have to get that changed and pay some one to fix it. Penn Reels needs to ship this reel as indicated in the picture with the lugs out. I contracted them about it, they would not help me at all. Not Very happy with Penn Reel Corporation's customer support.
By RebelsWingman
Macon, GA
Stingrays and Sharks Lookout!
June 27, 2013
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 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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Price
- Excellent Drag
- Amount of spooled line
- Smooth
- Powerfull
Cons
- Made in China
By Tarout
Saudi Arabia
Quality
August 29, 2012
"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."
By Mohamed H.
Sharjah, Sharjah
Light and Strong
August 16, 2012
When I used Penn fathom realized its light reel and strong metal construction.
I love the long handle for cranking power
I love the long handle for cranking power
Pros
- Handle cranking power
Cons
- Nothing
10 Questions &
10 Answers
William
from Newtown,CT asked:
May 27, 2019
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.
1 Answer
You can use the 30 size and be comfortable with that, plenty of line capacity with the same drag as the larger sizes
Submitted by:
Bernie De Graaf
on May 29, 2019
Vicente
from Okinawa Japan asked:
October 28, 2018
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 penn rod)?
1 Answer
The fathom 15 and the Penn Carnage II boat rod 7 foot medium
Submitted by:
Bernie
on October 31, 2018
Dave
from VA asked:
March 2, 2021
Using Penn Fathom 40LW, would 60# flouro be fine going through the guide on the levelwind.
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by:
Austin Kearney
on March 3, 2021
Chris
from New Jersey asked:
May 7, 2020
Looking for a good reel for offshore seabass and blackfish
1 Answer
Hello Chris,
The Fathom is a great reel for offshore tog and seabass. Check out the new models here:
https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-fathom-ii-level-wind-reels.html
TIght lines!
Submitted by:
B. Smith
on May 11, 2020
Julio
from California asked:
June 5, 2017
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.
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by:
Devon
on June 6, 2017
Kw
from Ocean county nj asked:
November 29, 2016
Can the larger fathom level wind be used with wire line like the shimano tekota is used??
1 Answer
I would recommend Using the Shimano Tekota or the Penn 113H2SP Special Senator Reel for using wire.
Submitted by:
Donald
on December 3, 2016
john
from long island, New york asked:
December 25, 2014
Which reel is better, Shimano thorium (20) or the penn fathom level wind reels?
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on December 26, 2014
john
from long island, New asked:
December 25, 2014
Penn fathom level wind reels or shimano torium (20) reel? which is better?
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on December 26, 2014
Luke
from Sevo NSW asked:
May 24, 2014
Which reel would be comparable in size to a Shimano Calcutta 400b
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on May 26, 2014
amin
from Ensenada, Baja asked:
September 28, 2013
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 line if i know that i can use to 65 lb braid?
Thanks for your attention.
1 Answer
Braided line has a thinner diameter than mono. i.e. 65lb Power Pro is equal in diameter to 16lb monofilament line.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on September 28, 2013
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