Penn Fathom II Review

OVERALL RATING
8.4
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Top Line

A premium boat reel from Penn, featuring their proven HT-100 drag system and full metal construction

A favourite with boat anglers but equally adept as a beachcaster reel with excellent line capacity and heavy-duty components

Great for experienced anglers requiring professional-grade durability and performance

Features & Specifications With Explanation

Feature What This Means
Full Metal Body and Side Plates Complete metal construction ensures maximum durability and keeps gears perfectly aligned during heavy fishing
HT-100 Carbon Fibre Drag Washers Penn’s specialised drag system using carbon fibre washers that maintain smoothness even under extreme pressure
30lb Max Drag Can apply up to 30 pounds of pressure when fighting fish – plenty of stopping power for large species
4+1 Shielded Stainless Steel Bearing System Four ball bearings plus one roller bearing, all shielded against saltwater for smooth, corrosion-resistant operation
Reinforced Levelwind Strengthened line distribution system prevents insert pop-out and ensures even line lay during retrieval
Fast Gear Access Side Plate Quick-release side plate allows easy maintenance access without risking loose parts
Line Capacity Rings Visual indicators showing how much line remains on the spool during fishing
5.5:1 Retrieve Ratio A versatile gear ratio offering good speed while maintaining plenty of cranking power
Mono Capacity Holds 475 yards of 15lb monofilament – excellent capacity for deep water fishing
Braid Capacity Accommodates 645 yards of 30lb braid, providing exceptional capacity for deep dropping
Weight: 740g (20.9oz) Solid weight reflecting its robust construction, while remaining manageable for extended fishing sessions

Manufacturers Description

“The PENN Fathom II Level Wind’s heavy duty construction and powerful gears make it a true workhorse and favorite of charter boat Captains. It is designed to handle extreme abuse day-in and day-out. Whether you are bottom-fishing or casting live bait, the Fathom II will stand up to the hardest fishing conditions.

A Full Metal Body keeps precise gear alignment while the Fast Gear Access Sideplate allows for easy maintenance. The Fathom II also houses our powerful HT-100 drag system to stop any fish that bites. Available in standard, line counter and left hand models”

How It Scores

OVERALL RATING
8.4
8.5
BUILD QUALITY
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What Does This Mean?

When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.

8.0
CAST & RETRIEVE
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What Does This Mean?

This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.

Distance isn't a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.

8.5
DRAG / CLUTCH
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What Does This Mean?

When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use.

There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that is being applied.

8.5
VALUE FOR MONEY
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What Does This Mean?

Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.

Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.

Having value for money as a criterion allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Reviews & Experiences

The Penn Fathom II Level Wind represents a significant evolution in Penn’s prestigious line of boat reels, building upon the success of its predecessor with thoughtful improvements to durability and functionality. As charter boat skippers’ preferred choice, we were particularly keen to evaluate its performance in demanding conditions.

The build quality is immediately apparent, with the full metal body and side plates providing exceptional rigidity and strength. The stainless steel main and pinion gears, combined with the forged and machined aluminium spool, create a remarkably solid foundation.

The improved levelwind system proves particularly robust, effectively eliminating the insert pop-out issues that can plague lesser reels. During testing, the HT-100 carbon fibre drag system delivered consistently smooth pressure, even when pushed to its 30lb maximum.

In real-world performance, the 5.5:1 gear ratio strikes an excellent balance between power and speed, perfect for both bottom fishing and live bait presentations. The Fast Gear Access side plate proves invaluable for maintenance, while the line capacity rings offer useful at-a-glance information during deep drops.

We found the 4+1 bearing system provided smooth operation even under heavy loads, though some anglers might prefer more bearings at this price point.

In summary, the Penn Fathom II Level Wind stands as a formidable choice for serious boat anglers, offering exceptional build quality and refined features that excel in demanding fishing scenarios.

Its robust drag system and durable construction make it particularly suited to deep-water fishing and targeting larger species. While the weight might be notable, the reel’s smooth operation and reliability make it a worthy investment for anglers prioritising durability and performance.

The combination of thoughtful engineering and practical features justifies its position as a favourite among boat anglers as a top multiplier.

What Anglers Like (Pros)

Outstanding build quality with full metal construction
Exceptionally smooth and powerful HT-100 drag system
Quick-access maintenance design
Versatile gear ratio suitable for multiple fishing styles

What Anglers Dislike (Cons)

Weight may be considerable for some anglers
Premium pricing compared to similar capacity reels

How It Compares

Here is how the Penn Fathom II compares against other products in its category. This table shows the overall rating based on the average of the key attributes that go into making a top fishing reel.

There are four key attributes that form the basis of our reviews on fishing reels. These include the following:

Build Quality: – When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.

Cast & Retrieve: – This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and smooth the retrieve is. Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

Drag System: – When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use. There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.

Value for Money: – Again, this is self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Here is how the Penn Fathom II performed against is peers in each of these important attributes:

NameBuild QualityCast & RetrieveDrag / ClutchValue For Money
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel8.07.57.59
Okuma Surf 8k8.08.58.59
Penn Spinfisher VII9.08.58.58.5
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel8.58.58.58.5
Shimano Bullseye 91209.59.09.08
Penn Fathom II8.58.08.58.5
Shimano Tyrnos9.09.09.08
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel8.58.08.08.5

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