10 Best Penn Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

The PENN Battle IV Size 8000 Spinning Fishing Reel is designed for serious saltwater anglers targeting big game fish. This reel features a full metal body and sideplate, ensuring durability and strength. The CNC Gear Technology provides precise gear alignment, crucial for handling the force of powerful fish. The gear ratio of 5.3:1 offers a good balance between speed and power, with a recovery rate of 44 inches per crank, making it efficient for retrieving line quickly.

The HT-100 drag system can handle up to 30 pounds of drag, using carbon fiber washers for smooth and consistent performance, essential for battling large fish without damaging the reel. The reel also includes a Hydro Armor system to protect critical areas from water intrusion, enhancing its longevity in saltwater environments. The line capacity is impressive, accommodating both mono and braided lines, making it versatile for various fishing techniques.

The 6-ball bearing system, including an anti-reverse feature, ensures smooth operation and reliability during intense fishing sessions. However, at 0.1 kilograms, the reel may be a bit light for some users who prefer a heftier feel. Additionally, while the heavy-duty construction is excellent for durability, it might be overkill for casual anglers targeting smaller fish. This reel is ideal for experienced anglers looking for a robust and reliable option for saltwater fishing.

The PENN Spinfisher VII 5500 Long Cast Spinning Reel is a robust and versatile choice for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the IPX5 sealing, which protects the internal components from saltwater intrusion, ensuring long-lasting durability. The reel is designed with precision CNC gear technology, offering smooth and reliable performance with a gear ratio of 4.8:1. This allows for an efficient line retrieve rate of 36.2 inches per crank, making it suitable for a variety of fishing techniques.

The HT-100 front drag system, utilizing carbon fiber washers, provides a strong maximum drag of 20 pounds, making it capable of handling larger fish with ease. Additionally, the Leveline Oscillation System aids in long-distance casting and reduces wind knots, enhancing the fishing experience. The reel features a total of six bearings, including five stainless steel ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing, contributing to its smooth operation.

The aluminum and stainless steel construction further add to its durability, while the ambidextrous handle orientation makes it suitable for both right and left-handed users. However, the reel's weight of 0.5 kilograms may be a bit heavy for some anglers, especially during extended fishing sessions. Despite this, the PENN Spinfisher VII 5500 offers excellent line capacity and a strong build, making it a reliable option for both amateur and experienced anglers targeting species like bass. With a high customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, this reel is well-regarded for its performance and durability.

The PENN Spinfisher VII 8500 is a robust saltwater spinning reel designed for anglers looking for durability and smooth performance. With its IPX5 sealed aluminum spool, this reel resists saltwater corrosion very well, which means it can handle tough ocean conditions without damage to its internal parts. It uses a gear ratio of 4.7:1, offering a moderate speed of line retrieval—good for a wide range of fishing situations but not the fastest option if quick line pickup is needed.

Its HT-100 front drag system, featuring carbon fiber washers, provides a strong maximum drag of 40 pounds, making it ready to battle larger fish without wearing you out. The reel includes 6 stainless steel ball bearings that help it operate smoothly and reduce resistance during use. The spool design supports a large line capacity, particularly for braided lines, which is ideal for saltwater fishing where longer casts or fighting bigger fish is common.

The reel’s body is made from fiberglass with stainless steel handles, balancing strength and weight at about 1.8 pounds, which is manageable for long fishing sessions. Being ambidextrous in handle orientation makes it flexible for both right- and left-handed users. While the 4.7 gear ratio may feel a bit slow for anglers who prefer faster retrieves, and the drag max is high, those targeting extremely large species might need even stronger setups. This reel suits saltwater anglers who want a reliable, corrosion-resistant reel with solid drag and a smooth feel, especially for fishing bass or similar species.