Penn Fathom Lever Drag review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Penn
Material	Stainless steel;Metal
Hand Orientation	Left Hand
Color	Black / Red
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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Heavy-duty lever drag fishing reel offers phenomenal durability and cranking power
Fluid cranking with 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and double-dog ratchet Anti-Reverse
Full metal body and side plates for rigidity
Dura-Drag System virtually eliminates Snags and hesitation, even under extreme drag settings
Stainless steel main and pinion gears are drilled out for weight reduction

From the manufacturer

product description

product details

Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 7, 2017
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07781KD7C

important information

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Questions about Penn Fathom Lever Drag

Hello everyone i looking to buy my first saltwater baitcaster any suggestions i normally fish bonita yellowtail and rock fish help plz thanks

Answer: I own this Reel for the same species of fish, it works great. I recommend this reel, great for 300 feet or shallower, great all around Reel.

Answer: These are great for trolling and jigging but not really optimal for a bait casting newbie. I love the reel but would suggest something with magnetic cast control especially if you're new.

Answer: That pen real I have it’s a beast Red can handle fish between 40to 60 pounds no problem

Answer: I use it with 65lb braid for grouper and amberjack, I love it! Strong drag and good price

Does this comes with rod clamp

Answer: Yes, mine came with a rod clamp. I've had the reel for a believe a little over a year without any issues.

Answer: Yes, as does the Squall.

Answer: Yes it did

The model pictured is a fth40nld. description calls it an fth40nldhs. is this really the hs model?

Answer: Model is what is described, HS , not the picture

What is the line capacity for 30 & 40# both mono., and braided?

is the 15 size reel good for king fish to should i get the 20 size

I have already purchased; I want to rectify that the item PENN Fathom Lever Drag has the left lever. Thanks

How much 30 pound mono will fit on FTH15

Answer: over 225 of 30 lb

The reel right or left

Answer: Mine was right handed, but it is available in left hand also. Be sure to order correctly. If it has a LH behind the model, that means left handed.

Answer: The 60 only made right handed.

Answer: Right

Answer: The handle on the left side.

What is the maximum fishing drag?

Answer: I'm assuming by saying fishing drag, do you mean strike setting? If so, maximum drag at strike is 13 lbs. for the 15 size and 23 lbs. for the rest.

Answer: 40lb max drag

The picture is of the single speed model (the 2 speed is gold), and the model number is of the single speed model. how can you say its the 2 speed?

What pound tuna is gonna max out the fth60ldhs

Answer: We have boated a number of 60lb+ tuna using this reel

Answer: 200 would be max

Answer: It can handle over 130 Lbs with Braid

What does 40NLDHS mean? Is this a right hand crank reel? Thanks in advance.

Answer: Yes, this is a right hand cranking reel... It is High Speed,7.11. We fish in water over 100 ft deep.. My hands and fingers would cramp up after an hour of fishing The HS high speed saved me from cramping and gave me more fishing time..The LD=lever drag vs star drag.. 40N model name.For ME it was perfect . LDHS= lever drag,high speed retrieve

Answer: N means narrow.LD means lever drag.HS high speed.Yes right hand crank.Nice solid reel.

Can i use this for slow pitch jigging?

Answer: Most definitely it is a perfect reel for slow pitching jigs the rod is what gives the jig the action for slow pitching.

Answer: I've used mine for slow jigging from my kayak and it works well.

How many yards of line/lb test braid can go on the 60 ldhs?

Answer: It holds 860 yards of 80lb braid. This amount can vary greatly depending on brand/diameter of braid, amount of tension used while spooling...

Whats the Retrieval rate on the 40

Answer: 7.1 this real didn’t work for me, the first time I had a big Halibut on it didn’t have the leverage to real it in , I lost the fish and sold the real. I was just using it for the wrong fishing. My friend bought it and loves it.

Answer: about 7-1 so you get almost 7 feet of line with one crank

What is the line recovery on this reel?

Answer: Depending on the size of the reel it ranges between 27”-40”. The 30 size is 36” per turn and 5.3:1 gear ratio. From penns website

Answer: Check the Penn reel website

Answer: 12 inches per full crank

Answer: 7:1 retrieve

i need help first saltwater bait caster for me any suggestions I normally fish yellow tail bonita and barracuda rockfish what size ?

Answer: I would recommend the Penn Fathom 15 or 25 star drag or the Avet JX 6:0:1. The Avet SX (if you like a smaller bait caster) .

Answer: Very strong dependable real

What kind of rod should i pair with the 15 for casting

Answer: I paired the reel with medium action Shakespeare ugly stick custom 7 goot rod. 80 bucks.Love it.

What is the reel size of this item? Is it a 15?

Answer: Multiple sizes I got the size 30

Answer: Just make sure you order the right size.

1 or 2 speed?

Answer: It’s a two speed Very good gear ratio

Answer: 2 speed works for me with higher test lines,like for tuna fishing ????

Answer: Single speed.

Answer: Single speed

Answer: This is the single speed model. Penn do make a 2 speed fathom model.

What size tuna can you catch with the size 25nld

Answer: Not sure I know the exact size Tuna, based on my experience I have landed 100 LB tuna out of San Diego with no issues.

Answer: Under 80lbs and depending on the line you have on the reel

Is the fth30ldlh a 2 spd. reel?

Answer: No it is not...

Answer: No,it is not...Ilove it because I fish in deep water and the retrieve is so fast..H Z My reel is right handed.

Answer: No, I lost a couple large Halibut because of the high gear racial and sold this reel for a lower one. It was good up to about 80 lb fish

Answer: This reel is a single speed, with an extended handle, it should be called the Wench,

I just purchased the 30ld left-hand - took it out of the box, and the crank moves in both directions. isn't the anti-reverse supposed to prevent that?

Answer: It shouldn’t do that.It has a multi stop dual dog anti- reverse.

Answer: Yes it does you must have a defective reel. Send it back to amazon or penn.

Answer: you either have the drag set to zero of have not kicked in the lever (red) on the spool

Answer: Yes, make sure the drag is tightened, then

Are they made in usa

Answer: This particular reel is made in China. I think Penn still makes only one of its many reels in the US. Although likely more expensive, some alternative US-made reels are Avet and Accurate.

Answer: On the back of the metal brace, it says “Made in China.” I’ve had two of the reels for the past few years without any issues.

Answer: I believe that Penn reels are made in America

Fth40nldhs dose it have a red spoiler and a red handle

is this reel a 2/ spd reel .also can i use it fo r 30 to 80 lb tuna thank you

Answer: Its not a 2 speed , im pretty sure you can use it on 30 to 80 lb tuna, i landed a 50 lb grouper the other day.

Does the 60 have a strike option for the drag system?

Answer: The lever drag can be used as a strike control

Answer: I have the 25 which has a strike position. The 60 appears to be identical except in size.

Could I use this effectively for Goliath grouper?

Answer: This reel can handle any fish for

You list a 25n model, that is a stardrag model, is it the 25nld you have instead? That is the lever drag model

Is the 40n the high speed model 7.1:1 or the slower model?

Answer: I have the slower model only because I think that the higher speed would work for casting lures only but I do a lot of live lining and I have no promblem catching fish and castin lures. I think for versatility the slower reel works for me.

Where is this reel made from? China or US?

Answer: China

Hooks for a harness

Answer: No, I personally don't like a harness offshore. A good fighting belt is better for me. Better yet, fighting chair.

Answer: No where to attach a harness

Answer: Not the 15 size reel. Typically the larger models only, maybe 40,50 and 60. It should say in the product details.

Answer: Yes they pop up when needed

your pic is of the single speed version of the reel. is the item you are selling the two speed version as you described?

is this a 2 spd. reel?

Answer: This is. Single Speed reel

Answer: No

Answer: No single speed

Is this the fth40nldhs model?

Answer: Yes it is

Penn fathom fth60aaldhs. what is monofilament? line capacity and weight

Answer: I would google the reel specs

This would be my first conventional reel so I'm a bit confused. But about how many yards of 50 lb braid will it hold?

Answer: The Fathom 25N Lever drag reel holds 475 yards of 50lb braid. This amount can vary greatly depending on brand/diameter of braid, tension used while spooling...

Answer: The 25 narrow holds a little under 300 yards of 50 lb braid.

Answer: It depends on which model you order. It will hold enough braided line for most fishing situations. Except if you go chasing marlins.

Answer: Around 600 yards

Answer: 350 to 400

What size fish can i catch on the 30? it's the largest left hand unfortunately. i'm going got rockfish, yellowtail, tuna, bonito, etc. charter boat

Answer: I have caught a bunch of 30 to 40 pound Yellowfin with no problem. I think you would be fine all the way to 50 with no real issue.

Answer: It’s got plenty of drag and it cranks them in

Answer: 50 to 60 pounds

What is the sunset button for?

Answer: The sunset button is when you need the full drag of the reel. I have not need to use it yet. Lol

Answer: It's the max drag for the reel. It's like a brake. Depending on how you set your drag, it will almost totally stop line from leaving the reel. Be warned, if you set it to max,or sunset, your line may break.

Answer: Open spool no drag

Why is the size 60 cheaper than the size 40?

Answer: The 40 is a smaller size reel suited for the average size angler. Easier to handle and use for small game by can handle larger game if hooked

Answer: I was unaware of the variable pricing on

Answer: dont know, maybe because of demand or maybe is a current sale

Answer: About the same

Is the 60ldhs a wide spool ,and is it a big reel

Answer: Holds plenty of braid 650 yards of 65

Is the penn fathom lever drag 30 good at casting

Answer: The Penn fathom lever drag 30 is good at bottom fishing, but if you need casting I would go with the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 7000ic3 CT MG HS, which sits much lower on the rod and is setup with casting controls.

Answer: I can cast the fathom 30 farther then I can cast any of my large spinning reels

What size should I get for fishing fluke and stripers

Answer: I would recommend the 15 size unless you are planning on consistently catching a larger class of striper. The 15 size is perfect for a wide range of fishing , wether you are fishing for black Sea bass, porgy, fluke, bluefish or striper. The only downside is the max drag is 20 lbs so if you plan on using this on a rig setup for eeling for big cow bass I'd recommend using the 30 size which has a 40 lb max drag a much larger line capacity. The downside to the 30 size is the reel weighs more and on a medium light rod might seem awkward and leave the rod feeling unbalanced

Answer: the 15 would probably do the trick check the drag rating rule of thumb is set drag to 30 percent of line test if your fishing heavier braid or especially mono the 25 size is an awesome reel would easily handle 30-40 lbs striped with confidence the bigger the reel you need a tad more practice and experience to cast with

Answer: I have a 25nld and use it for tuna so I think it would be overkill.The suggestion to go with the 15 size is probably spot on.

Is this a left handle real

Answer: No, mine is for right hand but I can't recall if you were able to change it over to left handed. You could ask the seller.

Answer: For a right handed person.You crank the handle with your right hand.

Answer: No. It's a right hand reel

I think this model is a single speed with a ratio of 5.3:1. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The fth60ldhs with the 7.1 gear is it hard to reel without over power the drag because of the high ratio. when fighting fish?

Answer: No, it works great! Love mine. I’ve caught nice grouper and tuna with it.

Is this the high speed 7.1:1 reel?

Answer: yes

what size of fathom for a 7’ uglystik tiger rod mainly use it for jiggin snapper and kings?

Answer: I have the Small Pen Fathom single speed on an 8 foot Calstar 6480. I put 40LB braid and use it for Rock fish and Yellow Tail

Answer: 25n with 50 lb braid and flour leader

What rod should i pair with 15ld from shore?

Answer: Good question

Answer: I got greate performance with an okuma 10 ft salmon / steelhead rod. I would however suggest that a faster reel would make you a lot happier fishing from shore.

What rod would you pair with this?

Answer: Shakespeare ugly stik tiger blank, jigging rod.

Answer: I used it on a GC 670 20-40 with AFTCO lite roller guides. I actually do not like this reel since even for a high speed it is very hard to crank. I have several high speed reels but this is my least favorite. I would not recommend this reel to any of my friends.

Product reviews of Penn Fathom Lever Drag

Sharker3030 : it's awesome and super smooth

Hard to cast if your used to using a reel with a brake. After you get used to it, it's awesome and super smooth

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Best reel for the money

duke : ... but out with a 3 oz weight everything felt awesome. Vary smooth and easy to use

Haven't used it yet but performance at the lake just fillingvitvup and working but out with a 3 oz weight everything felt awesome. Vary smooth and easy to use.

John Gorman : Fish on, keep your tip up.

Fishing Halibut in Alaska great real, drag holds a large fish and I can real up without the work out of the small gear racial when it time to check the bait. Hold a nice amount of line to get the job done.

Ziggy : 5.3:1 gear ratio single speed FTH15LD

First off to anyone purchasing this reel from this supplier , as with anything else you buy on the internet , be sure to read the description. Also for all of the bad reviews stating that they got the wrong reel read the model listed. Penn always has a "2" designated in all of there models that indicate the reel has the ability to shift between a low and high gear ratio. Those ratios wouldve been listed had this been a posting for a 2 speed reel. Also you should've researched the model before you bought it. All of Penn's reels are listed on there website. As for the FTH15LD it is a amazing reel for the price and Penn really did good on these new fathom line reels. The single speeds are the black and red metal body reeks and the 2 speed fathoms are black and gold.

harold a. zebroski : Well worth the money!

Super reel for deep water bottom fishing.....Even better than I Anticipated.....As a positive side effect this reel is super for diamond jigging bluefish and striped bass.. For the blues it isn't necessary to crank your arm off...the lure flies through the water with slow cranking.....You know, 60 inches per turn ,with a full reel of 80lb power pro,the lures catch.....HZ

R M Williams : Great reel

Great reel with a very strong smooth drag and the high speed retrieve is very fast

fred : Don't believe everything you read

Nice picture".."..This seller is deceiving you this reel is a single speed, because PENN reel said that the NLD DOES NOT COME IN A 2-speed, and the company LG Sports knows it and so does AMAZON AND THE AD IS STILL LISTED. I called PENN to see what the differences between the Fathom 15 NLD, AND FATHOM 15LD 2-speed were.

Theodore Miller : This reel is not worthy of the reputation of Peen reels

I own eight Peen reels. This model is the first one that I have ever had any problems . I have two 113hlw that are almost 20 years old and a 6/0 that is over 30 years old and they have worked fine after all of these years.This reel worked well for about one year. If you purchase it please buy the warrantee. The brag is defective. I am extremely disappointed.

Amazon Customer : Very very nice reel, especially for the money

Very very nice reel, especially for the money. Higher drag than most, lightweight, spool is super smooth, and good looking.. lever drag system functions exceptionally. I can push this into multiple roles. I use it for charter boats, jetty, shore. Dont be turned off because you want to cast, it'll handle pretty much anything your skill level can dish out.

William Summers : One Star

Item is not as described this is a single speed reel.

harold a. zebroski : Well worth the money!

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Great reel. Superb construction. Definitely worth every penny

harold a. zebroski : Well worth the money!

Amazon Customer : It will beat any reel that may be more expensive

Great reel filled with 60lb Braid for Ling Cod and RockFish
Penn defiantly is a great choice, perfect operation right
Out of the box. 5 star Reel

R M Williams : Great reel

Great reel with a very strong smooth drag and the high speed retrieve is very fast

n8logo : It's a PENN

I really like this reel - caught it on sale for 30 bucks less. Perfect size reel to horse up fighting bottom fish. Caught my limit on seabass within 2 hours of a 12 hour trip. I paired it with a PENN 7ft CARNAGE II with 80lb braid. It will be tested in the gulf of Mexico this summer.

Hien H. Phan : Pair it with 6'6'' Penn Blue Water Carnage for deep ...

Pair it with 6'6'' Penn Blue Water Carnage for deep water drop bait fishing. Strong reel and works well in 300 ft of water but requires quite a bit of energy to retrive the line in 700 ft of water.

fernando a. : Awsome reel

Got it delivered on time, the fathom 25N looks awsome, its smooth and just the right size. I own many different reels including shimano torium,trinidad daiwa saltist okumas andros and metaloid and this fathom is up there with the best.

duke : ... but out with a 3 oz weight everything felt awesome. Vary smooth and easy to use

Haven't used it yet but performance at the lake just fillingvitvup and working but out with a 3 oz weight everything felt awesome. Vary smooth and easy to use.

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Excellent

Ziggy : 5.3:1 gear ratio single speed FTH15LD

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Best reel for the money

Jason Stables : Great reel, ridiculously smooth

Great reel, ridiculously smooth.

Mike : Great reel

Bought 2 for my 2 custom rods. Love them.

Keith Krupcyznski : Good tuna reel

Great reel for yellowfin tuna

fred : Don't believe everything you read

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