Best Penn Reel For Surf Fishing 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Fishing from the shore, or surf fishing, can be a fun and rewarding way to spend a day out on the water. Whether you’re targeting trout, bass, or steelhead, using the right gear is key to success. Penn reels are some of the most popular choices for surf fishing, and for good reason. They’re tough and reliable, and they can handle big fish without a problem

Best Penn Reel For Surf Fishing Reviews

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best Penn reels for surf fishing. These reels are tough enough to handle big waves and strong currents, while still providing smooth performance when casting your line. So if you’re looking for a new reel for your next surf fishing trip, be sure to check out our top-rated picks below!

1# PENN Battle III Spinning Reel

PENN Battle III Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.2:1, 4.7:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1, 7.0:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1

Introducing the PENN Battle III Spinning Reel – perfect for anglers who demand the very best! This reel is built to last, with a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball-bearing system and HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers. The full metal body and side plate ensure maximum durability, while the CNC Gear Technology provides smooth, reliable performance. And when it comes to fishing in tough conditions, the Superline Spool with line capacity rings ensures you always have plenty of line on hand. So don’t wait any longer – get yourself a PENN Battle III Spinning Reel today!

Pros
  • 5+1 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System

  • HT100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers

  • CNC Gear Technology Provides smooth, reliable performance

  • Superline Spool with line capacity rings ensures you always have plenty of line on hand

Cons
  • Not found

2# Penn Fierce III Spinning Reel

Penn Fierce III Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 4+1

With its full metal body and side plates, the Penn Fierce III is one bad-ass spinning reel. It’s built tough to handle whatever you might hook into, with a heavy-duty aluminium bail wire and braid-ready spool that can handle big fish without any trouble. And thanks to its 4+1 stainless steel bearing system and powerful HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, the Fierce III gives you the upper hand against even the hardiest game fish. So grab your Fierce III spinning reel today, and reel in some serious fun!

Pros
  • Tough build

  • Good for large fish

  • 4+1 stainless steel bearing system

  • HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers

Cons
  • No spinning brake

  • The spool sometimes unscrews from the frame

3# PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel

PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1

PENN’s Spinfisher VI spinning reel is built to last! This reel is suited for saltwater angling of all kinds, from inshore to offshore. It features a full metal body and side plates, CNC Gear technology, IPX5 sealed body and spool design, sealed drag system, HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, oversized bail wire, line capacity rings, and superline spool. So whether you’re fishing in the surf or out in deep waters, this reel has you covered!

Pros
  • Durable Body

  • Air Rotor System

  • Smooth Drag Performance

Cons
  • The spool size may be too large for some

4# PENN Conflict II Spinning Reel

PENN Conflict II Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1

The PENN Conflict II spinning reel is a great reel for both salt- and freshwater. It features a Rigid Resin RR30 body and rotor, HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, 7+1 sealed stainless steel bearings, and a thick aluminium bail wire. The line capacity rings on the braid-ready superline spool make it easy to reference how many lines you have left, while the aluminium handle with the EVA knob provides a comfortable grip.

Pros
  • It is great for both salt and freshwater

  • Rigid Resin RR30 body and rotor, HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, 7+1 sealed stainless steel bearings

  • Line capacity rings on the braid ready superline spool makes it easy to reference how many lines you have left

Cons
  • The gear ratio could be better

5# PENN Clash II Spinning Reel

PENN Clash II Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 7.0:1
Ball Bearings: 8+1

Ready to take on any fish that crosses its path, the PENN Clash II Spinning Reel features a quality 8+1 system with stainless steel bearings, as well as high-performance HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag Washers. The Leveline® Slow Oscillation System ensures even line lay on every retrieve, while the Clutch Armor System and CNC Gear technology provide added durability.

Pros
  • Quality 8+1 system with stainless steel bearings

  • High-performance HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag Washers

  • Leveline® Slow Oscillation System ensures even line lay

  • Clutch Armor System and CNC Gear technology provide added durability

  • Works great for big game fish

Cons
  • It does not have a left-handed version

6# PENN Spinfisher VI Live Liner Spinning Reel

PENN Spinfisher VI Live Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1

Looking for a versatile spinning reel that can handle anything from live bait to finicky game fish? Then check out the PENN Spinfisher VI Live Liner. This reel features a sealed drag system with HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, 4-position Live Liner drag system, full metal body and side plates, CNC Gear technology, and IPX5 Sealed body and spool design. Plus, the superline spool is ready for a braided line. So whether you’re fishing for bass, walleye, or striper, the PENN Spinfisher VI Live Liner has the power and performance you need to bring in the big ones.

Pros
  • The sealed drag system ensures a smooth and consistent drag

  • The 4-position Live Liner drag system gives you greater control when fighting fish

  • The full metal body and side plates provide durability and strength

  • CNC Gear technology ensures precision gear alignment for longer life and smoother operation

  • IPX5 Sealed body and spool design protects the reel from saltwater corrosion

Cons
  • The drag system can be difficult to set up

  • It is heavier than plastic models

7# Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel

Penn Slammer III Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

Meet the Penn Slammer III spinning reel- an old favourite that’s been completely reinvented and beefed up for heavy-duty saltwater applications. This reel is unrelenting in terms of strength and reliability, with a Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor that are sealed to IPX6 specifications. It also comes with a fully sealed Slammer Drag System capable of delivering smooth, consistent drag power from 30-60 lbs. You’ll appreciate the CNC Gear technology with full brass gearing when you need extreme cranking power. Plus, line capacity markings on both spool walls make it easy to keep track of your catches.

Pros
  • Powerful and reliable

  • Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor

  • IPX6 sealed

  • Slammer Drag System

  • CNC Gear technology

  • Brass gearing

Cons
  • Not suitable for light tackle fishing

  • Prone to corrosion

8# PENN Squall Baitcast Reel

PENN Squall Baitcast Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, 7.6:1, 8.0:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1

The PENN Squall Baitcast Reel is a tough, reliable bait caster perfect for saltwater fishing. Its full metal body, hard brass main gear, and bearing-supported bronze pinion make it durable and long-lasting. The magnetic casting brake ensures smooth, accurate casting, while the quality 5+1 stainless steel bearing system provides smooth operation. The powerful HT-100 drag provides unbeatable fish-fighting performance.

Pros
  • Smooth performance

  • Durable construction

  • Good value for your money

Cons
  • The construction may be a bit too durable for some anglers

9# PENN Fathom Baitcast Reel

PENN Fathom Baitcasting Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Right, Left
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 7.3:1, 7.6:1, 8.0:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

The PENN Fathom Baitcast Reel has all the features you need to make your next fishing trip a success. The line-capacity rings tell you how much line is left, so you never have to guess. The TiN-coated level wind system lays the line straight and even, while the synchronized drag and level-wind system ensure smooth, consistent performance. Plus, the full-metal body and crank side plate protect internal components from damage.

Pros
  • Line capacity rings

  • TiN-coated level wind system

  • Full metal body and crank side plate

Cons
  • The bail is a little too small

10# PENN Fathom Lever Drag Two-Speed Reel

PENN Fathom Lever Drag Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 6.1:1/2.8:1, 5.5:1/2.7:1, 5.0:1/2.5:1

Whether you’re targeting big game fish or simply enjoying a day out on the water, the PENN Fathom Lever Drag Two-Speed Reel is a great choice. With its full metal body and side plates, this reel is built to last. The quick-shift two-speed system lets you change gears quickly and easily, while the forged and machined aluminium spool provides smooth performance.

The stainless steel main and pinion gear, along with the dura-drag washers, provide durable power and smoothness when you need it most. And with five shielded stainless steel ball bearings and double-dog ratchet anti-reverse, this reel delivers dependable performance mile after mile.

Pros
  • It is designed for heavy-duty saltwater fishing

  • This reel is built to last with rugged construction and corrosion-resistant finish

  • It has a powerful drag system that can handle big fish

  • The dual-speed transmission allows you to adjust your speed for different fishing conditions

Cons
  • Some people may find it difficult to change gears quickly and easily

11# Penn Fathom II Star Drag Conventional Reel

Penn Fathom II Conventional Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 6.1:1

The Penn Fathom II Star Drag Conventional Reel is a versatile and tough reel that is built to last. With its full metal body and side plates, this reel can handle the most challenging fishing conditions. The easy-access gear-side plate makes it easy to change gears on the fly, while the braid-ready free-floating spool ensures smooth and consistent casting. The line capacity rings let you know how much line you have left, while the machine-cut marine-grade bronze main gear and stainless steel pinion provide smooth and reliable operation.

Pros
  • It is easy to operate and durable

  • Machine-cut marine grade bronze main gear and stainless steel pinion provide a smooth reel

  • Perfect for fishing with a braided line or mono

Cons
  • It has a limited warranty

FAQ

What reel should I use for surf fishing?
When choosing a Penn reel for surf fishing, it is important to consider the size and weight of the reel, as well as the strength of the rod. Lighter rods require a smaller and lighter reel, while heavier rods can handle a bigger and heavier reel.  The Penn Battle II spinning reel is a good option for surf fishing, as it is light and easy to use, yet still strong enough to handle larger fish. The Penn Slammer III spin cast reel is also a good option, as it is built for heavier fish and features an extra-large spool that can hold more lines.
Are Penn reels good for saltwater?
Penn reels are good for saltwater fishing because they are sturdy and can handle the harsh conditions of the ocean. They also have a high-quality drag system that allows you to fight big fish without fear of losing them.
What size rod reel do I need for surf fishing?
When it comes to surf fishing, you need a reel that can handle big fish and powerful waves. Most anglers recommend a reel with a capacity of 8-10 ounces or more. So if you’re looking for the best Penn reel for surf fishing, be sure to choose one that can handle some serious weight.

Conclusion

Surf fishing can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends. If you’re looking for the best Penn reel for surf fishing, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the top-rated Penn reels for surf fishing and shared some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start catching some waves!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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