Penn 209LC General Purpose Level Wind, 290yd/20lbs, 209LC review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Penn
Material	Stainless Steel
Hand Orientation	Left Hand
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	0.59 Kilograms
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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Used by professionals worldwide
Made using only the highest quality components
Tested for quality and durability
Machined and anodized aluminum spool
Machine cut brass main gear
Precision-machined stainless steel pinion gear
HT-100 drag washers provide smooth drag under heavy loads
Stainless steel reel stand

From the manufacturer

product description

The 9, 209, and 309 level wind reels are legendary for their versatile performance. Anglers worldwide have found their reliability and incredible toughness is at home anywhere - fresh or saltwater, casting or trolling. The popularity of these reels is unwavering, even though the design and look date back to the early 1940's with a simplistic, functional, and durable reel that is extremely capable.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.85 x 4.9 x 4.5 inches; 1.31 Pounds
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 209LC
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 30, 2004
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001RDKVW6
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
Domestic Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
International Shipping: This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S.

important information

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Questions about Penn 209LC General Purpose Level Wind, 290yd/20lbs, 209LC

Does this reel have the line out clicker?

Answer: Yes it does have a nice loud clicker

Answer: The answer to your question is YES.

Answer: Yes

any backlash issues with this reel?

Answer: These are trolling or mooching reels. If you turn off the clicker and are dropping your bait with any amount of weight, you can get a birds nest (backlash) if the reel is allowed to over spool. Usually the result of an unskilled operator or not paying attention to your baits decent. The very nice thing about Penn 309,209 and 109 (m) reels are the ability to easily disassemble and repair / service the reels.

Answer: Not after you get used to casting a conventional reel. This doesn't have the break systems you might be used to on a baitcaster meaning it takes a bit more skill to use, but once your thumb is "educated" in controlling the spool making long casts is no issue.

Answer: No ,I have not had backlash issues however, I don't cast in the ocean, I typical drop to bottom and then crank up to 200 feet and wait for hits if no bites on bottom. I fish Pacific Ocean, Southern California.

Answer: No, have never had any backlash problems with my reel,not even during a Tug of War between me and a 20 Kg Yellowfin ( I won )

Answer: No, but I use it for trolling not casting. Used for salmon in North West.

Answer: No

Does it come in left-hand retrieve/ How much does it weigh?

How many ball bearings

Answer: I believe it has two ball bearing, used the reel last month on the ocean(Oceanside,Calif.) feet deep is a plus especially when boat drifting off declining ledges in the ocean. very pleased with reel.

Answer: I believe this has 0 ball bearings.

is this reel the smaless in this type of reel

Answer: Yes it is the smallest of it's type yet very reliable.

Answer: There is one size smaller...can't tell you the number, it's at the lake. We troll for white bass and stripers on a large open water lake. I use the smaller one, my wife uses this one. Not convinced the counter is of any value. I like Penn's specifically for trolling. I've had mine for 15 years and still going strong.But there is one smaller, don't know if its still made, though.

Answer: Yes, I believe it is

how much does it weigh?

Can i use it for saltwater ? made in ? whats the reels size on 20/30/40 ??? ^^^^

Answer: You sure can use in salt water. After all its a Penn. Line weight depends on what you're fishing for. I have 15 lb test on mine and I've 40 lb stripers with no trouble. It also has an excellent drag feature which you can adjust on the fly.

Answer: all that information is in the discribition on the amazon site

I am looking for a good size for lead core line capicity of 100 or more yds can you recommend?

Answer: No. With backer, leadcore, and leader it's too small. Good reel for mono

Answer: I tried it on one and I would have to say no, the reals I bought from cabelas would be a better fit for that, forgot model number

what is the gear ratio of this reel?

Answer: it is not a high-speed real. I don't know the exact ratio but the person at the bait shop who added the line wanted to sell me a high speed reel. I've been completely satisfied with it

Answer: 3.2 to 1

Is this reel a direct drive (does the handle turn as you let line out)?

Answer: No good

What model number is this? Is it a 320 or 309?

Answer: 320

Answer: It's 209 model

Answer: It's a 209 model.

Can the line counter be removed if it is not needed?

Answer: I don't know. Why buy a line counter if you don't nÃ©ed it. If you need one some times just ignore the counter

What is the country of origin?

Answer: Any 209 after 2005 are made in China

The picture is a right hand reel but description says left. Which is it?

Answer: it is right hand

Can you used braid on this reel?

Answer: Works well with braided line, yes.

Answer: Yes it works great with braid line

What is the difference between 209 series vs warfare and squall series?

Answer: The best way to tell the difference is to take the specs. from all three reels and compare the difference. The 209 is pretty much a basic reel; the others are a better quality.

what dose level winds means ?

Answer: It just means that there is a devise on the front of the reel that the line feeds through. As you reel in, it moves back and forth across the spool allowing the line to be wound in uniformly or level on the spool.

Answer: It means that when reeling in the line it automatically keeps the line level on the spool so it doesn't get tangled up. And you don't have to manually keep the line even on the spool.

Answer: The level wind is the guide in front that goes from side to side to let the line out and retrieve it makes sure the fishing line is evenly distributed on the reel.

How does this reel differ from a Penn 320 gt2lc? It looks very similar. I ran a search on ebay for a Penn 320 gt2lc and got your ad.

Answer: well besides the cost being almost double, the gear ratio is 4:3:1 on the 320 and 3:2:1 on the 209.line retrieve is 25" on the 320 while 19" on the 209 and the max drag on the 320 is 12 and 10 on the 209. hope this helps.

Answer: I have never used the reel you mentioned. When I bought my reel, I was aware of the quality of Penn reels and wanted a line counter to be more accurate to get to the depths needed to be where the fish have been located on the sonar. I matched it with an Ugly Stick medium heavy at 6'8". I have had more bites and caught more fish with this combination than ever before. The "feel" of the Ugly Stick and the ability to get to the right depth for my use was incredible. The reel fit my needs for salmon fishing, mainly off charter boats at Westport, Washington. Roger

Can you use lead core line

Answer: I cannot answer that, but I do know that you can use mono or braid, so lead core shouls spool OK.

Answer: It is not adviseable. Gets tangled way too easy.

Answer: Sorry, I do nopt have the answer, I have been using monafiliment 30LB test line.JIm N.

Answer: Yes but with backer it needs to fit in the reel. Probably five color will work with backer

Answer: Yes but only about 5 colors plus backing

does this reel come in left hand retrieve

Answer: Unfortunately, we only have the reel in right hand retrieve.

Answer: No it does not, sorry...

What's the maximum drag on this reel?

Answer: As with all reels,maximum drag should NEVER be more than 2/3 rds of the breaking strain of the line used.

will this work for a dipsy diver or is the drag not enough?

Answer: I don't see any reason why it won't work fine with a dipsy diver; it has plenty of drag.

Does this reel have a line distance counter?

Answer: Yes it has a line counter. I fish the Pacific ocean, the counter is helpful when bottom fishing using depth finder to hit hollows where fish located on screen. Also, use to top water fish controlling distance off bait from boat.

Answer: The one I have doesn't but they may have models that do. It works really good and has been a real work horse this past year both in fresh and salt water.

Answer: Yes, it does.

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes it does

Is this a good reel for trolling for tuna, king mack, and dolphin?

Answer: extremely good for trolling 20 to 30 lbs mono or braid ( 10 to 15 Kg ) when you say Dolphin I hope you mean Dolphin Fish real name Mahi Mahi.

Answer: I use it for spring salmon (king or Chinook). Might be a bit lite for anything over 40-50 lbs. Very dependable reel for my uses.

Answer: I don' really know. We fish Lake Michigan for lake trout, brown trout and king salmon. Works good on 10 to 15 lb fish for us. Good reel for the price. I don't know if your fishing salt water

Answer: I use the rod for ocean bottom fishing, it is not heavy duty with limited line and weight only to 30lbs. the meter goes to 600 feet. Would not recommend for larger fish over eight pounds. Good luck.

Answer: I'm sure that it would be suitable for that purpose, but, I use this for reef/wreck fishing. It's dependable and the drag system is very good. You wouldn't need a line counter for trolling, but it works quite well. As with all line counters that rely on reel revolutions to measure the line, it won't be precise with all diameter lines and as the line deploys off the reel, the counter will over-estimate the amount of line played out at deeper depths.

Answer: No not even close it would not hold up to one fish

Product reviews of Penn 209LC General Purpose Level Wind, 290yd/20lbs, 209LC

Ripple : Screws fell out!

Make sure all the screws are tight before using!!!! The line guide quit working on the first reel I bought on my first trip out with it. Sent it back to Amazon and they gave me a replacement. 3 screws fell out of the next reel the first time I took it out. Going to send that one back and hopefully I can get a refund. I've decided to spend a little more and get something that works. If you are going to buy this reel I would take a flat head screw driver and make sure all the screws you can access are tight.

Fishing Texas : Reel is nice, counter is so-so.

Line counter is cheesy but it works, reel is great.

Amazon Customer : Total Disappointment.

This is a total disappointment. The first one I received had similar problems from another review in that, at first it would not retrieve until the drag was tightened but, then it would bind/lock up terribly on both the retrieve as well as free spool. I returned it for replacement with no issues at all from Amazon. The second one I received, the line counter only works intermittently and the crank again binds on retrieve although not as bad as the original. I know PENN has (or did have) a great name and is made in America, I also know that this is not a top of the line high dollar purchase, however, the item should at least work. I will not even attempt to order another PENN. If you are looking for a reasonably priced line counter trolling real, do not waist your time or money on this one.

Alex : junk right out of the box

In the market for a low price conventional reel for bottom fishing saltwater. I have more expensive stuff but since this will fill a backup role I went cheap and figured Penn wouldn't steer me wrong. I bought this reel based on good reviews. Perhaps I got a fluke bad one it was pretty rough. Drag didn't have any middle territory, loose to tight in a 1/4 turn. Eccentric lever would not remove it from gear. No free spool/drop mode. Packed it back up for return. Going to try a Kastking Rover.

NavyRooster : Once in a Lifetime Disappointment for a Sailor

I bought this reel about a month ago. I am currently deployed in the Navy and have the opportunity to fish off the back of the ship. I bought for use as a trolling reel and put on about the max line it could hold. The first time I put a little over half the line in the water the reel wouldn't even spin the spool. I checked the drag made sure everything was tight. Ended up flipping the spool release multiple times and finally started to reel in. Over the course of about 4 times trying to get this thing to work I've decided to send it back. The most disheartening part about it, is that this probably is the last time that I will be able to fish like this, two, that everyone told me to go with a Penn cause they are the best, and three, to be so frustrated that at this point I don't even want to go back out there. Personally I wish that Penn would see this review and be like, you know what sailor in the Navy serving our country in harms way, let us hook you up. Unfortunately like most things in this world its about money. I will just send this reel back, attempt to search around all while not being able to fish, in probably some of the best Mahi and tuna waters in the world. Maybe I should have just spent the 300 bucks that I don't have on one of their reels that actually work.

Christopher : If you fish hard get a more durable reel.

I bought 4 for my first order. One came with damage to the line counter. Due to the long turn around time for replacement I went ahead and returned the one and ordered a replacement same day. Replacement came damaged as well but this time looked like it had been run over by a freight train.
I own about 20 classic penn reels that I use often and love. This reel seemed a bit to breakable to me. Too fragile.
Just my thoughts. I’ve now read a lot of reviews who all say this reel isn’t good for reliability.

Sabina : drag is horrible, lost a lot of fish due to inability ...

drag is horrible, lost a lot of fish due to inability to lock the reel or loss of drag, do not buy this pice of garbage, worthless

don pilkington jr : Five Stars

A+++

troy l hindman : like the drag system

Line got behind spool first time out ...had to take it apart and fix it. Working ok now just gotta be careful not to backlash it or line may get behind spool. Was letting customers set the downrigger out and they weren't familiar with the process as long as you are care and don't backlash works good...also was fairly easy to take apart and fix.

Amazon Customer : Total Disappointment.

ILA D. : VERY GOOD QUALITY!

VERY GOOD QUALITY !

Mike : Two Stars

Was too large my needs.

David C : Great value

Great value. Quality.

Eckert : Great reel

When I got this reel thought it was too big and wanted to return it. Ended up keeping it and using it and love it. It is really smooth and includes the line counter. Doesn't get tangled and works really well.

...rwn : Penn level wind reel

I purchased it to salmon fish off Westport Wa. Have used it twice. It has met all expectations. Limited both times I went out. The counter, which is the main reason I purchased it worked properly. The captain of the charter boat commented favorably about the reel. Roger

Amazon Customer : The reel simply did not work even after all my efforts.

I have been a fresh water fisherman for over 30 years and I am very experienced. I this late in the year decided to make the switch to salt water full time. I have always worked on my own reels and repaired them with regualr paint so I know what I am doing and how to use most all equipment. I tell you that because even though i am somewhat of a novice with salt water fishing I do know quality and or usability. I was not expecting $250 reel but I was expecting the reel to work at bare min. I went out on my boat the first time and took the brand new reel out of the box and loadded it with new line. I released the line down to the bottom and then after that nothing worked and when it did it only worked for 1 maybe 2 turns and then stopped. I tried everything to get it working but with no luck. I am so disappointed i just wanted to get a product that worked half decent and that is not what i got. I threw away the boxes assuming that it was going to work mainly becuase almost 99% of what i buy here i have been very pleased with. I would not reccomend this product.

Brad : just wha I expected from Penn

Nice stipper reels. Now if I CAN JUST LEARN HOW TO CATCH MORE FISH ON A REGULAR BASIS. WILLPURCHASE MORE

Mike : Two Stars

Was too large my needs.

Amazon Customer : One Star

It was broken when it arrived

Amazon Customer : felt like i had to force it back the first time

Opened it did an op check. Bail release was very hard to move, felt like i had to force it back the first time. Move now though. Crank turns but reel does not. Something is wrong.....

jamesnicholl : Excellant Penn reel with feet depth counter

Reel is exactly as advertised. Excellent Peen reel quality. I ordered especially for the feet depth counter for bottom ocean fishing.

Mario Rivera : Great Buy!

Very happy with the size and appearance of this reel. Hopefully, it will pay off with some great catches in the Spring.

Mar

Eckert : Great reel

Amazon Customer : One Star

It was broken when it arrived

Robert J. Will : Did the job

I bought six of these reels and for the most part they did the job. Did have a lot of trouble with one so the jury is still out on that. They are not the quality of the old penn 210's

Dan MILLER : Three Stars

the counter stopped working

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