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7 Best Penn Saltwater Spinning Reels for Novice to Professional Anglers

Penn is the name of one of the best fishing reel brands in the world. This is a popular American-made fishing reel brand located in Philadelphia, USA. Almost all models are user-friendly, and we will review some of the best Penn spinning reels in this article.

Penn Spinning Reels Reviewed

Penn Battle III DX for Saltwater Fishing Reels

The new Penn Battle III DX saltwater spinning reels are built tough to withstand whatever the saltwater angler puts these awesome fishing reels through.

If you want an ambidextrous spinning reel with an excellent and stylish outlook, you may choose the Penn Battle III spinning reel. It is a durable spinning reel from a famous brand that is made of stainless steel. Moreover, the handle and the bearing of the Penn spinning reel are also made of stainless steel, so they are highly durable.

The Penn spinning reels are appropriate for saltwater fishing with their fantastic waterproof exteriors. So, you can easily take the device to the ocean and enjoy a fantastic fishing experience. Check Full Review

Detailed Technical Specifications

FeatureSpecification
ModelPenn Battle III DX
TypeSaltwater Spinning Reel
Bearings6+1 stainless steel sealed ball bearings
Gear Ratio5.6:1 (varies by model size)
Drag SystemHT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag System
Max Drag12-30 lbs (varies by model size)
Reel Weight9.5-29.5 oz (varies by model size)
Line Capacity (Mono)Varies by model size
Line Capacity (Braid)Varies by model size
Retrieve Rate28-42 inches (varies by model size)
Reel MaterialFull Metal Body, sideplate, and rotor
Handle MaterialAluminum with EVA knob
Anti-ReverseInstant Anti-Reverse Bearing
Line Management SystemLine Capacity Rings, Superline Spool
Bail SystemHeavy-duty aluminum bail wire
Additional FeaturesCNC Gear Technology, Sealed Drag System

Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel

The Penn Spinfisher VI is the newest edition in a long line of Penn reels known for durability. The most recent Spinfisher boasts the same rigid full metal body and HT-100 Drag system that made the previous Spinfisher a top performer.

It is a fantastic and famous spinning reel. This ambidextrous reel is available in black gold color. However, the lightweight Penn Spinfisher is made of blended material, and its handle is made of carbon fiber. The multifilament fishing line of the Penn Spinfisher VI spinning reel is suitable for hunting large fish. It has a fully sealed spool. So, keeping the reel safe from saltwater inside is very easy. Check Full Review

Comprehensive Technical Specification

Here is a detailed technical specifications chart for the Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel:

ModelGear RatioBearingsWeight (oz)Line Capacity (Mono)Line Capacity (Braid)Max Drag (lbs)Retrieve Rate (in)
SSVI25006.2:16+110.7255/6, 175/8, 140/10240/10, 220/15, 160/201533
SSVI35006.2:16+112.1360/6, 285/8, 220/10310/10, 270/15, 220/201537
SSVI45006.2:16+112.5425/8, 320/10, 235/12390/15, 320/20, 250/302040
SSVI55005.6:16+118.5430/10, 330/12, 230/15500/20, 380/30, 335/402539
SSVI65005.6:16+122.3390/12, 345/15, 205/20485/30, 410/40, 335/503042
SSVI75004.7:16+126.5490/15, 330/20, 220/30530/40, 440/50, 400/653538
SSVI85004.7:16+127.3455/20, 310/30, 260/40730/40, 600/50, 555/654042
SSVI95004.2:16+137.1360/30, 300/40, 220/50845/50, 780/65, 710/804540
SSVI105004.2:16+138.6415/30, 350/40, 255/501015/50, 875/65, 750/805043

Penn Pursuit III: Nearshore Spinning Reel

The Pursuit III is another spinning reel perfect for inshore and freshwater anglers. The material of the spinning reel is stainless steel and graphite, and the handle’s material is stainless steel. The fishing reel includes a multifilament fishing line, famous for its working ability on conventional and baitcasting reels.

Technical Specification Chart

ModelBearingsGear RatioLine Retrieve (inches)Max Drag (lbs)Mono Line Capacity (yds/lbs)Braid Line Capacity (yds/lbs)Weight (oz)
PURIII250055.2:12210255/6, 175/8, 140/10240/10, 220/15, 160/209.8
PURIII300054.6:127.415200/8, 165/10, 120/12250/15, 180/20, 130/3011.9
PURIII400054.6:131.515270/8, 220/10, 165/12360/15, 260/20, 185/3012.1
PURIII500054.6:135.820225/12, 200/15, 135/20420/20, 300/30, 240/4019.0
PURIII600054.6:141.220335/15, 230/20, 210/25490/30, 390/40, 335/5021.4
PURIII800054.3:144.925340/20, 310/25, 230/30475/50, 390/65, 345/8029.1

Key Features:

  • Durable and corrosion-resistant construction: Designed for saltwater conditions with a lightweight graphite body, sideplate, and rotor.
  • Smooth performance: Features a 4+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth and reliable operation.
  • HT-100™ carbon fiber drag system: Delivers powerful and smooth drag performance, ideal for handling big fish and long battles.
  • Instant anti-reverse: Eliminates rotor backplay for quick and solid hook sets.
  • Line capacity rings: Allows anglers to monitor the remaining line on the spool easily.
  • Machined and anodized aluminum spool: Offers strength and durability without adding extra weight.

PENN Fierce III Inshore Spinning Reel

This spinning reel has a full metal body and side plate, which are very durable. Its aluminum body with a red and black color scheme is very gorgeous. However, the Penn Fierce III spinning reel handle is made of aluminum and stainless steel. It is a lightweight fishing reel that is also available at a pocket-friendly price. The left and right handle positions of the Penn Fierce III are suitable for all users. It has an HT-100 drag system, which is appropriate for carrying a big fish easily. However, you don’t need to wear down when the big fish is hung with the fishing rod.

Detailed Technical Specification Chart

FeatureSpecification
ModelPENN Fierce III Inshore Spinning Reel
Sizes Available1000, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000
Bearings4+1 stainless steel ball bearings
Gear RatioVaries by size (4.2:1 to 6.2:1)
Retrieve RateVaries by size (22″ – 44″ per turn)
Max DragVaries by size (7 lbs – 25 lbs)
Drag MaterialHT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers
Brake SystemN/A
Braid Capacity (yards/lbs)Varies by size (160/6 – 475/50)
Mono Capacity (yards/lbs)Varies by size (275/2 – 340/20)
Anti-ReverseInstant anti-reverse
Reel MaterialFull metal body and sideplate
Spool MaterialSuperline spool with line capacity rings
Handle MaterialAluminum handle with soft-touch knob
WeightVaries by size (7.8 oz – 28.4 oz)
Water TypeSaltwater, Inshore
Warranty1-year limited warranty from PENN

Penn Clash II Saltwater Spinning Reel

The Penn Clash II spinning reel has CNC gear technology. It is machined from premium metals. However, the gear technology has a smooth gear train. The Penn Class II spinning reel includes a monofilament fishing line that provides sufficient strength for catching fish from far away. The Penn Clash II is so durable because it has a full metal body and also has side plates. This fishing reel is made of aluminum, but the handle and the bearing are made of stainless steel.

Comprehensive Technical Specification Chart

SpecificationPenn Clash II Saltwater Spinning Reel
Model RangeCLAII2000, CLAII2500, CLAII3000, CLAII4000, CLAII5000, CLAII6000, CLAII8000
Bearings8+1 stainless steel ball bearings
Gear Ratio6.2:1 (CLAII2000-CLAII5000), 5.6:1 (CLAII6000-CLAII8000)
HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag SystemYes, providing smooth and consistent drag pressure
Body MaterialFull Metal Body for added durability
CNC Gear™ TechnologyYes, precision-machined gears for smoothness and strength
Leveline Oscillation SystemYes, ensuring even line lay and improved casting distance
Hydrophobic Line RollerYes, repelling water and reducing line friction
Instant Anti-ReverseYes, eliminating handle back play
Braid-Ready SpoolYes, requiring no backing when using braided lines
Reel Handle PositionInterchangeable (Left/Right)
Weight (oz)Varies depending on model (7.4 – 29.5 oz)
Line Capacity (yd/lb)Varies depending on model, suitable for mono and braid lines
Max Drag (lb)Varies depending on model (10 – 40 lbs)

Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel for Professional Anglers

Now, we are going to discuss a spinning reel whose full body is made of stainless steel, including its handle and bearing. The combination of black and gold made the Penn Slammer III beautiful. The price of the Penn Slammer III is quite higher than the other models. But the sustainability and user-friendly features of the Slammer III made it worth the money. Compare with other models

Technical Specification Chart

SpecificationSlammer III 3500Slammer III 4500Slammer III 5500Slammer III 6500Slammer III 7500Slammer III 8500Slammer III 9500
Gear Ratio6.2:16.2:15.6:15.6:14.7:14.7:14.2:1
Line Retrieve (in)37403942384240
Max Drag (lb)30304040505060
Ball Bearings7+17+17+17+17+17+17+1
Weight (oz)13.914.722.424.326.530.833.5
Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb)360/6, 285/8, 220/10425/8, 320/10, 235/12430/12, 330/15, 230/20340/15, 310/20, 230/30330/20, 255/30, 210/40440/20, 300/30, 250/40350/30, 300/40, 240/50
Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb)415/15, 310/20, 255/30420/20, 300/30, 240/40500/20, 380/30, 335/40485/30, 410/40, 355/50530/40, 420/50, 340/65730/40, 600/50, 555/65630/50, 540/65, 490/80
Retrieve Rate (inches/turn)24.225.529.530.532.534.536.5

Penn CFTII7000LC Conflict II Long Cast Reel

The lightweight Penn CFTII7000LC has a gorgeous outlook with its black exterior. It has an ambidextrous handle, suitable for both left and right-handed users. The entire CFTII7000LC Conflict II spinning reel, including its handle, is made of stainless steel. It also includes CNC gear technology. The multifilament fishing line of the Penn CFTII7000LC is suitable for catching fish of extensive weight.

Detailed Technical Specification Table

SpecificationValue
ModelPenn CFTII7000LC Conflict II Long Cast
TypeSaltwater Spinning Reel
Line Capacity (Mono)310 yds/15 lb, 250 yds/20 lb, 180 yds/30 lb
Line Capacity (Braid)465 yds/30 lb, 390 yds/40 lb, 330 yds/50 lb
Gear Ratio4.8:1
Retrieve Rate41 inches per turn
Ball Bearings8+1 stainless steel ball bearings
Drag SystemHT-100 carbon fiber drag system
Max Drag30 lbs
Weight27.2 oz
Reel MaterialRigid Resin RR30 body and rotor
Spool MaterialAluminum
Line Management SystemSuperline Spool with Line Capacity Rings
Instant Anti-ReverseYes
HandleCNC machined aluminum handle
Handle SideReversible for right or left-hand use
Warranty1-year limited warranty

Buying Guide for a Penn Spinning Reel

Choosing a good spinning reel is a crucial and critical task. But it is not impossible at all.

When you want to use a Penn spinning reel, you have to check its model first. Some models of Penn spinning reels are very costly, but others are available in a pocket-friendly price range. However, you can also check the material of the fishing reel and fishing line.

Suppose you want a stainless steel fishing reel, including its handle, gear, and body. So, you can choose Penn Slammer III. But the Penn Clash II and Fierce III are aluminum-made and not bad at all. Significantly, they are suitable for users who want to use a lightweight spinning reel because aluminum is lightweight.

How do I clean a Penn spinning reel?

First, you have to disassemble all parts of the Penn spinning reel. You can use a flathead screwdriver to do this task properly. Now, keep the fishing reel’s detached parts on the table. You must collect a rust remover, Penn rod, and reel cleaner. Apply the rust remover to the rusted parts of the spinning reel. Finally, you can apply the rod and reel cleaner with a kitchen scrubby and then reassemble all the reel parts.

How do I fix anti-reverse on a Penn spinning reel?

Sometimes, the anti-reverse of the fishing reel stops working. To solve the issue, carefully remove the handle of the fishing reel first. Now disassemble the fishing reel entirely. You can see that there is a nut in the middle of the fishing reel. You must take a screwdriver and remove the nut slowly. Now, install a new one and check the anti-reverse again. You can also apply a sufficient amount of lubricant to the reel.

How do I oil or grease a Penn spinning reel?

If you want to keep your Penn spinning reel smooth and free from damage, apply sufficient oil to the reel. First, you must collect oil from a reputed brand and a kitchen scrubby. Now, put the oil on the scrubby and rub the spinning reel with it. You can also pour the oil with a dropper to simplify your task.

The corrosion-resistant Penn spinning reels are amazing for both saltwater and adventurous fishing. But the user must take care of the reel and keep it clean regularly.

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