Penn FTHII30SDP Fathom II Star Drag Reel

Penn FTHII30SDP Fathom II Star Drag Reel

by Penn
Price: $259.95
Model
TD Code
Mono Capacity
(yds./lbs.)
Braid Capacity
(yds./lbs.)
BearingsMax Drag
(lb)
Gear RatioLine RetrieveWeight
(oz)
RetrievePrice
FTHII30SDP
PEN-1758
440/25
355/30
275/40
685/50
570/65
495/80
730lb4.8:132in20.40ozRight$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
2 Questions & 2 Answers
Angel Reynaga
from Texas asked:
November 20, 2019
What's the difference between the fathom 30SD and the FATHOM 30SDP
1 Answer
The only difference in these two reels is the gear ratio 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on November 21, 2019

Andrew
from Fort Lauderdale and Jamaica W.I. asked:
March 21, 2020

I plan getting a Penn Fathom 2 30SDP or 40SDP for Mutton Snapper and Grouper fishing with cut and dead bait. I need a mid-priced and durable conventional boat rod with Heavy power and Fast Action to pull them out of the rocks quickly. 

I plan to use 65-80 lb. braid line and a longish top shot of 80 lb. mono. for abrasion protection. I typically cast 20-30 yd. from the boat. What rod can you recommend?

1 Answer

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