Penn Fathom Lever Drag review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Penn
Material	Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Multicolor, Black
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	3 Pounds
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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Heavy duty lever drag fishing reel offers phenomenal durability and cranking power
Full metal body and side plates constructed from die cast aluminum for rigidity
Quick Shift 2 speed system easily shifts into high or low gear. Double dog ratchet anti reverse
Dura Drag system virtually eliminates snags and hesitation, even under extreme drag settings
Fluid cranking with 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, switchblade harness lugs, and double dog ratchet anti reverse.Line Capacity Rings

From the manufacturer

product description

product details

Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 27, 2017
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Penn
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076XMBFDJ

important information

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Questions about Penn Fathom Lever Drag

what does the n stand for in the serial number

Answer: The N stands for a narrow spool so you don't have as much side to side to level wind your line. The 25 and the 40 come in the narrow spool sizes.

Is the 60 model the fth60ld2? the 2 speed with the lever drag?

Answer: I have a 25 N and the "N" means narrow. The 60 LD 2 would be Lever Drag(LD) and the (2) would be two speed.

Answer: Yes size is 60, LD is leve drag, 2= 2 speed

Answer: Yes. 2 speed with lever drag

Answer: Yes, same size as the 40 but wider. Also has a crossbar over the top portion of the spool.

Answer: Yes it is and a very well made reel.

when ajusting the drag, is there a way to tell you how many pounds it is set on or do you have to estimate it.

Answer:

Answer: There is no way to index the pounds of drag on the reel. Move the increase/decrease knob while the level is in"freespool" and then push the lever forward. With a full spool of line on the reel you will soon learn how much drag pressure is set. Practice for a short time and you will understand. Where I fish we have to adjust the drag depending on the type of fish and the methods involved. It's a great reel for everything I do.

Answer: U can check it with a scale or i just set and test it by pulling on it. its suppose to set to just before breakage.

Answer: You have to estimate it or use a scale.

for 30n, 30 means # test?

Answer: Yes, it used to, but it is the old numbering system. These reels are much more powerful, capable of using #50,60 or even 80 braid with the desired topshot of mono, in a “30” size reel. 300 yds. of #30 is what it used to mean. Same size, different capability today.

Answer: The fathom 30 means 300yds of 30#mono, the fathom 25 means 300 yds of 25# mono, the fathom 40n means 300yds of 40 #mono and so on and so forth

Answer: No. The 30 or 30n is the size of the reel spool. For line test sizes/capacity go to Penn website.

Answer: The number is approx 315 yards of mono in that line wt...so a 25 has 305 yards of #25 mono.....a 40 has 315 yards of 40# mono.....braid which is thinner for its strength will hold more yards of a higher rating # than the mono equivelent

What is the gear ratio?

Answer: 5.51 high 2.89 low gear. Compare this to the TORQUE.. weight is roughly the same. The body style is the same. The torque is one piece cnc; The only difference... IMHO best bang for the buck.

Answer: Go to penn’s website to get your answer

Would the 25n be good for yellowtail/bluefin/yellowfin in so cal?

Answer: For fish up to 35-40 lbs, it' is great. For larger bluefin which have been showing in southern Cal, the 40n 2 speed is stronger.. I have both, great reels.

Answer: I've caught lots of 30-100# tuna on 1980's Penn Senator 4/0's. These reels absolutely blow them away in all categories. I would fish the 25n loaded with 60# braid and short 50# flouro topshot for Tuna up to 100# no prob.

Answer: Yes I use it for them. I caught yellowfin two days ago.

Answer: Probably the top value right now for a quality #30 or #40 outfit( especially with #50 Braid line) I have used mine a few times this year and so far can't find a problem.

Answer: How much line does it hold

What is the best boat rod to pair with the 40n model?

Answer:

Answer: I paired an Okuma Cedros jigging rod with my FTH30LD2. I load 65lb braid with a top shot of 40lb mono. We catch bull reds, blacktip sharks, bug drum, red snapper, large stingrays, and other salt water fish on these rigs. This Okuma Cedros jigging rod would probably work well for you. https://www.amazon.com/Okuma-CJ-C-661M-6-5-Foot-Casting-65-Pound/dp/B001V7ETVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470783466&sr=8-1&keywords=okuma+cedros+jigging+rod

Answer: "Best" rod would depend on your preference and what you are fishing for. I'm west coast, fishing is done stand up style. I use mine for tuna in the 40+ pound range. My rod is an Okuma Makaira 701XH 30-80 lb. class, 7 foot. I like the shorter rod on this for leverage on larger fish, in case you get into 70+ lb. Since it is used as a live bait (mackerel/sardine) rod, casting distance is not a priority as with a 8-9 foot rod.

Answer: It depends what you're fishing for. Mine is paired to a calstar bt 6480, for yo-yo iron or live bait fishing. West coast baja style. Your mileage may vary.

Answer: Shimano trevala of appropriate weight for what fish your catching.

The picture and description indicates that the penn 40n is a 2 speed lever reel, is this what i will receive if i purchase the reel?

Answer: Yes! This is a 2 speed lever reel. Awesome! Effective!! Sure landing!!! Tight lines:)

Answer: Yes, it's a two speed

Hi will this penn fathom 25n fit on the ugly stick gx2

Answer: The ugly stick gx2 is a rod for a spinning reel. Not a conventional reel or a casting conventional reel

Answer: I believe so. It is a 20 series reel so still small. For actual casting is still on the big side.

How can you attach a harness clip to this reel?

Answer: No way too. Thai is a smaller reel. But it just reeled up a 350+lb salmon shark.

Answer: You can’t on the 30 series only the 60

Answer: Don't know why u need one

Can I use this reel for trolling and bottom fishing? IE wahoo, mahi and grouper and snapper?

Answer: I have never used this for trolling. The 2 speed reel will help you haul up those big fish from the bottom.

Answer: With the amount of drag available on this reel it should be capable of most any bigger fish scenario

Answer: Absolutely, I’ve used for both

Answer: Yes it should work well.

do you have left and right hand options?

Answer: The FTH25NLD2 and FTH30LD2 will offer "left hand drive" versions after September 2017.

Which Rod are you guys pairing this up with? I'll be fishing off charter boat for rockfish, tuna, etc.

Answer: I use the penn medium heavy rod with the cross hatch foam grip cost 200. Carnage 2 i think it is. Nice action very parabolic

Answer: Star custom or star VPR rods are my personal favorite. They will be yours also if you use one.

Do u have this available in left hand

Answer: I don't but they do

Is it right handed

Answer: yes

how much lead core (18lb) will it hold?

Answer: that's up to you

This’s used for beach or boat ?

Answer: I’ve used the Fathom 40N mostly on deep sea boats but I have used it for beach fishing.. worked great on both..

Answer: This reel is for Ocean fishing from a boat. Great for Tuna and big bottom fish. The is a heavy duty reel for bigger fish.

Answer: I’m using off a kayak, I haven’t tried casting from shore.

Answer: Unless you fish for giant fish from the beach, this reel is better suited for deep sea. such as tuna or other larger species

Answer: Boat

Answer: Both

it says lever drag but showing 40n which is single speed drag. I want the 40nld2 but it doesn't say that anywhere?

Answer: I have a 25N 2 speed and have only had to use low gear once(200 pound thresher shark). The narrow versions hold plenty of the new braided line.

Yoy guys have left hand?

Answer: 30 and under have lefty's. 40 and 60 no

Is this real good for trolling

Answer: It can be done depending on what you are targeting. Spanish mackerel or bonito sure. Anything bigger than that, no.

Answer: sure why not.

What size penn neoprene reel cover fits the 40nld? small?

Answer: Hi! I'm not 100% sure, but I guess small would be a snug but right fit. I would further suggest put this search title in Amazon website "Penn Neoprene Reel Cover" and look at the answers to the FAQ. The exact answer may be there. Your choice of reel was perfect:) Happy fishing!

The heading and pic say fathom 30 which is model fth30ld2. however, in product details it says fth15ld2 which is a much smaller reel. which is it?

Answer: Should be the 30 thats what i received. I do love that 15 great yellowtail killer

Answer: The 15 is the smallest the 30 is the bigger one

Answer: When I ordered it, it was the 30. No promises if you order it though.

Answer: 15 is smaller

what are the dementions of the reel, (the width and diameter)

Answer: The outside diameter is 2 7/8 inches and the total width including the handle knob is 4 3/4 inches.

Answer: Sorry I can't help you. I'm in Michigan and reel is in Florida. It is rather small for it's power.

80 braid how many yards

Answer: 300 yds 100 lb test

I'll get this product in black

Answer: Sure go ahead. It’s the only color.

Huw much braided line fits on 40n model?

Answer: Depends on the diameter of the braided line. You can fit 300yrds 80lb on the reel easy.

Answer: Depends what size braid you use. I got 450yds of 80lb Berkley pro spec with room for a mono topshot on mine. 65lb braid I'm sure you can get over 500yds.

Answer: This question needs to be more specific. Braided line comes in different sizes. This kind of info can be found on the Penn web site.

Answer: I got 400 yrds of 80 lbs. power pro on mine. to fish 50/60 lbs flouro

Answer: About 500 yard of 80lb

Answer: 655 yards of 65 spectra

Can I get this in a left hand?

Answer: Yes

Can these reels be equipped with 100-200 pound mono? I’m looking for a conventional reel that can pull Goliath groupers from a pier.

Answer: No, can put 80# Spectre & top shot 80 # fluorocarbon, you have to go to a bigger reel!

Answer: No. I do use 80 brad

Is the Fathom 30 2 speed as strong as the Fathom 40n 2 speed?

Answer: I like the Fathom 30 for 25-30 LB line. I use the 40N for 50 and 60#. Both reels are strong, the reason the 40N is for larger # line is because of it’s line capacity.

Photo is showing model 30ld2 but the serial number model indicates it the 15ld2? which one is this for?

Answer: none of the photos show a size 15. main photo is of 30. why?!

Answer: 15ld2

What is the rate of retrieve

Answer: It's a 2 speed so it's 5.0 and 2.5. Quick and easy to change speeds when needed.

I’m curious I just bought the fathom 30 but it’s to small was wanting to know I could return it for the fathom 60 and just pay the difference is that

Answer: I returned my 60L AND GOT A 50 NO BAR ACROSS TOP OF REEL

can this reel be used for 125lb bluefin tuna. off ca. coast .thank you

Answer: The max drag of models 40 e 60 is 40LB. I think that the Penn Fathom shouldn't have any problems with 125LB bluefin tuna

Answer: The reel is more than capable, when paired with the proper line and rod, of landing fish in that range.

Answer: I believe so, I have mine loaded with 65lb hollow and 50 lb topshot, took a 130 bigeye a couple weeks ago and did fine. We didnt turn into it as we hooked a yellowfin too.. worked great.

Answer: Yes it can handle 125 lb bft. The drag is great and can handle 80-100 lb braided line

Answer: Yes sir

Are there any differences (other than line capacity) between the 40 and the 60 models?

Answer: The 49 is a 2 speed and the 60 has a larger line capacity.

Will this reel be sufficient in 300 to 400 feet of water in the gulf ? Grouper , snapper ?

Answer: The fantom 25 and 40 are great reels strong drag for larger fish. I love the 2 speed, lever drag, and how functional it is.

Answer: I’d go with the 40n or even 60 mode if you’re fishing that deep and that big of fish imo.

where can I buy a penn fth15ld2 2 speed reel

Answer: Here

is the 40N same as fth40NLD2 or right hand 40lb drag and a two speed ?

Answer: On Penn's website, the 2 speed lever drag model is a 40N, so is the lever drag without the two speed. with about a $50 price difference. If you want a two speed, make sure it designates two speed, and levers on 2 speed are gold, levers on single speed are red.

Answer: 40N is only a single speed

Does the 60 come in left hand reel

Answer: The 60 will be offered in "left hand drive" in the SINGLE SPEED version only after September 2017.

Answer: I ordered a Fathom FTH60LD2 which is suppose to be right hand,it came from Bass Pro online as a left and I have to send it back.guess it was boxed wrong?what is strang is there is no part# FTH60LD2LH,but here to tell you that is what came.gonna call Penn on Monday morning to see what gives?:(

Is the 40n good for jigging stripper bass ?

Answer: Probably overkill. Mine handles stingray and leopard sharks so unless you are going after 30 pound plus striped bass you could drop a size down. Just my opinion.

When do you use high and low gears?

Answer: In general you will always use high gear but when yo are fighting a large fish you can go to low gear to have more cranking power

Where those made

Answer: China

what is the difference between the 25N and the 30

Answer: The 25n has a narrower spool and holds less line. Otherwise the two reels are identical. For more specs see the penn fishing reel web site...

Answer: The width of the reel. N is for narrow. I prefer narrow reels especially for braid line because line capacity is less of an issue.

Good for mono

Answer: Yes! I'm actually old school so I prefer mono over braid. I landed a 125 lb striped marlin on a mono. Tight lines:)

Answer: Yes but I use 80lb braid for quantity and run lighter drag because it doesn't stretch like mono.

Answer: Any line will do

So which one is this one 25 or 30?

Answer: 30

What is the best rod paired with this reel? Any rod Model # suggestions from Penn?

Answer: Phoenix Abyss

can i use this reel on the beach and pier?

Answer: A lever drag dropping off a pier is OK, casting from the beach would require some skill. I have the 40N 2 speed for tuna. Go for a smaller model like a 15 or 25n.

Answer: Overkill for that use . use star drag reel Penn squall .

Answer: You could, but I feel this reel is much better suited for an offshore, bottom fishing rig. I've fought some big goliaths with it (ultimately getting broken off in the rocks or pulling the hook), and I've caught some big grouper and amber jack on it. The low gear has a ton of power for pulling grouper away from the rocks.

Answer: Sure why not ,i have used this reel everywhere it is lightweight and it can cast far.

Answer: You could for giant fish I live in southern California and I use it for 30 plus yellowtail to 50 plus pound tuna

Answer: As for the rod i would use any 8ft. Medium heavy , or a heavy

Best rod for penn fathom2 30lh?

Answer: I have used it on a United composites tilefish jr and a Daiwa proteus

Is the 60 a 2 speed lever drag?

Answer: I own a 25 N and it is a 2 speed reel. Believe the 60 is the same

Answer: Yes I ordered this exact reel. Fathom 60LD2. LD indicates lever drag and the 2 indicates 2 speed.

Answer: Yes

can i use this reel for tuna 30to 60lbs thank you

Answer: I have my reel rigged with 65 pound test braid and a 50 pound mono"top-shot". I fought and landed a thresher shark that weighed approx 175 pounds. Tuna will beat you up but the reel can handle it.

What is the reel side plate diameter of the 25n?

Answer: I would suggest referring to the Penn web site for specs.

Product reviews of Penn Fathom Lever Drag

richard sparks : Great Reel

This is my favorite reel - never expected it to do what it does !!!!!!!!

Richard : Compares awesome to my avet mxl raptor

Very smooth reel. Spooled 80lbs braid onto it. Been on 2 ocean bottom fishing trips. Fishing 500ft down 28oz of lead reeling up 25lbs++ fish. Compares awesome to my avet mxl raptor. Don't pass it up the price is awesome for the reel and options you get.

Amazon Customer : A must have!

Great solid feeling reel. Has plenty of pulling power for those game fish and rock fish. Fun for sharks and bat rays. This reel is very very versatile.

victor soltero : Best reel

One best deals in the market for that price point

Tracy : Recommend

Recommend

pnut : Awesome reel

I’m fishing 20 lb line on the 15 size reel with spectra backing and it’s awesome. 2-speed might be overkill for that line class, but for the price and quality... why not!?!? I also have 25, 30, and 40 size reels and they are all great! Killed a lot of yellowfin and bluefin tunas with these. All the engineering of the Penn Torque reels at half the price.

Michelle Graham : Can't say enough!

This is my Third Penn FATHOM Level drag 2 speed. I love these reels. The 2 speed is fantastic when your offshore with some big fish. I also find when we take people who are inexperienced fishing, they seem to use this reel easily and the 2 speeds help them fight the fish at their level.

connie gallegos : So smooth to turn the reel

My husband loves it.

Robert : Nice Left Handed Reel

To get a left-handed reel, I usually buy Avets. For less than 1/2 the price the Penn Fathom 30 (FTH30LD2LH) is a great value. You can adjust the drag similar to other lever drag reels. Max drag rating, Strike=23 lbs, Full=28 lbs, Sunset=33 lbs. It's a 2-speed reel where you change gears by either pushing or twisting gear set button. Gear ratios are 5.5:1/2.5:1. Bearings for spool are very smooth; good for fly-lining. Similar in size to an Avet MXL Raptor, the main difference is the Avet body is stronger since Avets are machined from an aluminum block. Overall the Penn Fathom is a very nice reel at a lower cost. Wish they made the left-handed Penn Fathom reels in other larger models.

Lyzo : Works well

Love the two gears and made in the USA

tn : Wish there was a line guide.

Overall, very happy with it, the retrieval speed was excellent. reel a little heavy, but manageable. Nice if there was a line guide to provide even line put back. Broke it in with a nice 25lb yellowtail.

graziano : Good

So far so good, seems to be a winner

Amazon Customer : Awesome reel

Penn has always been my favorite go to reels.
This operates smoothly and can handle more weight. Nice lever drag too.

miguel labastida : Recommended for easy retrieving fish big yellowtail no problem

I used on 2 fishing trip and it works great

chandler s martin : Two gears most important with big bottom fish

First fish big red grouper 20lbs hard fight till I switched this reel to low gear smooth as silk I could turn the reel handle at ease in low gear brought that fish right off the bottom with no effort amazing.

Heathrow : Can't beat them.

Cans beet them. They are a great reel for any fish. I use the 15 for salmon and it's perfect. And I have the 25 for yellow tail.

richard sparks : Great Reel

This is my favorite reel - never expected it to do what it does !!!!!!!!

matt78 : the only reel that you will need in California.

paired this reel with pen carnage 2. Perfect fit. Caught a very nice yellowtail on this rod in Cedros .they use these reels as rentals down in San Diego. So you know they're perfect and can take a beating. Built this rod for Bluefins.

Randy Kane : Missing part, high gear inoperative.

My reel was stuck in low gear. No amount of moving the push button collar would engage the higher gear. I returned the first reel and ordered a replacement. The second reel was missing a screw on the side plate. At least the gears worked on the 2nd reel. I've emailed Penn for a screw, but no word on day 2. Luckily I have a couple weeks before a San Diego charter. Plan ahead if you are taking a trip, Penn reels may need 3ctra time to repair or replace.

ZQubed : Great value reel for big game!

Reel is great, smooth, has pulled up fish easily. My only negative is that the harness lugs are a little narrow and my existing trolling straps do not fit.

Robert : Nice Left Handed Reel

Jay Cube : Excellent Budget 2 Speed Lever Drag

You can't beat this reel for this price point. In fact, it competes against more expensive reels quite well in terms of quality and performance. The only downside is, this reel is made overseas. From some, that is not ideal. However the quality is still excellent.

russell b. : decieved

Unit came broken and missing a part that attaches 2 speed button to the reel is missing
Due to the covid virus I was not able to try the reel out took it out for the first time yesterday and realized this was a broken defective reel VERY DISAPPOINTED

Scuba Steve : Great reel for big game fish

Bought this to go fishing for big blue fin tuna . I have not had the luck to get hooked on one but my friend got the same reel and fought a 80lbs bile fin tuna with ease

David Marta : Great reel

Finally had a chance to use it. Really like it over my previous casting reel that was really old. Paired with a cedros rod and used it for jigging out in Bahia de Los Angeles. Was not disappointed!

Ja50n G : Quality !

I wanted quality and found it with this reel. Very happy with the performance, feel, and look. I recommend purchasing.

richard sparks : Great Reel

This is my favorite reel - never expected it to do what it does !!!!!!!!

Randy : Penn Fathom reels are great

Love the Penn Fathom reels. I also have the 25, 30 and 40. I'm set for whatever game fish I'm going for.

Tina : Very good

Works very good for dropping your line strait down off a boat or bridge, extremely hard to cast but it’s not made for casting so that’s ok. Lever drag adjustment is great! Much better than the star design. Caught several sharks and other large fish with this reel.

Scuba Steve : Great reel for big game fish

Bought this to go fishing for big blue fin tuna . I have not had the luck to get hooked on one but my friend got the same reel and fought a 80lbs bile fin tuna with ease

russell b. : decieved

INAVYVET : Great Reel

Only used it once so far, It's my trolling setup. Takes a little fiddling with the drag, but Looking forward to chartering later on this summer with it

ELLEN MORRISON : Caught a nice yellow fin

Great reel

russell b. : decieved

Shawn conley : Best real on the market for fishing on a budget for behemoths!

Reel handled this 185# blue fin like a champ. It was on the deck in under 15 minutes. Low gear is awesome. It's easy to change in and out when this thing ran towards the boat. Metal body was able to handle the 30# drag. I could barely hold it after five minutes. I resulted to using the rail. I dropped back into gear and horsed it up. 40n and the 60 are virtually the same reel just one has more capacity. Noo need to use more the 80lb braid on the 40 and 100-130 on the 60. 500yds for 80# on the 40n and 700 yds of 100# braid. Both have max drag of 38#.

Amazon Customer : A must have!

Great solid feeling reel. Has plenty of pulling power for those game fish and rock fish. Fun for sharks and bat rays. This reel is very very versatile.

Tina : Very good

unregistered : Good Economical Reel

This is an excellent entry level 2 speed lever drag reel. You get a lot of bang for your buck, but don't think for a second that this is "as good" as one of those $500+ anodized reels. I have several of these Fathoms and keep 60# or less line on them. Good backup/loaner reels. Much better than Senators, but more complicated for inexperienced newbies.

Greg Bailey : Excellent Value

Great reel, sturdy and will get the job done!

Dave : great reel

Very strong reel. I use it with a 6 foot rod.

chandler s martin : Two gears most important with big bottom fish

Sasquatch74 : FANTASTIC

FANTASTIC!! Loved my first one I purchased 4yrs ago and still as good as the first time I used it….. so I bought SEVEN(7) more to outfit my entire boat’s capacity!! Well worth the money, BEST BANG FOR BUCK in my opinion!!????????????????????????????????????????????

Ja50n G : Quality !

I wanted quality and found it with this reel. Very happy with the performance, feel, and look. I recommend purchasing.

E L : Love this purchase

Wow, best reel purchase for the money in 40 years. Smooth wind and effortless speed change.
Hard to believe that this small, light weight reel performs so well.

Jerry & Dawn : Excellent quality

Solid reel at a great price.

miguel labastida : Recommended for easy retrieving fish big yellowtail no problem

I used on 2 fishing trip and it works great

HHufford : Makes fishing fun

Makes reeling in big fish easy. I pulled up a big shark and thought it was a Grouper!

Patrick Gregg : This Fathom Reel is really nice!

Awesome reel!! Its light weight and ready for pretty much any kind of fishing. Freshwater trolling, Saltwater trolling and fantastic for cattle boat.

matt78 : the only reel that you will need in California.

David Marta : Great reel

Finally had a chance to use it. Really like it over my previous casting reel that was really old. Paired with a cedros rod and used it for jigging out in Bahia de Los Angeles. Was not disappointed!

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you