Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025
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Product overview
Brand
Penn
Material
Other
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Color
Black Gold
Handle Material
Carbon Fiber
Item Weight
0.76 Pounds
Fishing Line Type
Multifilament
Bearing Material
Stainless Steel
product features
IPX5 sealed body and spool design
CNC gear technology
Ht-100 carbon fiber drag washers
5 plus 1 sealed stainless-steel ball bearing System
Full-metal body
product description
The PENN Fishing Spinfisher VI features IPX5 sealing so whether it gets hit with a wave, or you let it ride in the spray all the way home, you don't have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. PENN HT-100 drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give the stopping power needed for big saltwater fish. A full metal body and Sideplate keep the CNC gear system in precise alignment under heavy loads. Available in standard, live liner, long cast and bail-less models. Features: - IPX5 sealed body and spool design - CNC gear technology - Ht-100 carbon fiber drag washers - 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system - Full metal body - Superline spool - line capacity rings Specifications: - Water type: saltwater - reel size: 2500 - technique: spinning - color: black gold - reel handle position: right/left - gear ratio: 6.2: 1 - retrieve rate: 33 - Braking System: N/a - bearing count: 6 - Braid capacity (yards/lbs): 240/10, 220/15, 160/20 - mono capacity (yards/lbs): 255/6 175/8 140/10 - drag Type: front drag - drag material: HT-100 - max drag: 15 lbs. - anti reverse: instant anti-reverse - weight: 10.70 lbs.
product details
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Product Dimensions : 5 x 5 x 4 inches; 12.16 Ounces
Item model number : Spinfisher VI
Department : Unisex-adult
Date First Available : August 16, 2018
Manufacturer : Pure Fishing
ASIN : B07GKM2352
important information
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Questions about Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reel
Q:
Which sizes have the brass gears? Does it start at 6500?
Answer: Correct start from the size 6500 and up
Q:
How to clean it after saltwater?
Answer: Soap and water dry and spray wd-40
Answer: Always rinse your salt water tackle with regular water. And keep oiled.
Q:
Max drag on penn 7500 lc
Answer: All drag sets should be done with the breaking strength of the line in mind. Do Not put 28 lbs of drag on 30 lb line, try 10 -15 max. As your spool gets smaller (the fish is stripping it off) the drag increases proportionally so if he runs you down on line back off the drag some. As an exercise, set your drag at 20# or the appropriate setting 25-50%(max) of the line's strength, tie the line to anything you can hold and run with it to see how difficult it is to pull 20 lbs of resistance for 200 yds. No stopping. Compare your effort to that of a fish that is most likely a lot smaller than you are. Good Luck and tight lines.
Q:
Whats the difference between the 4500 and the 4500lbs?
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: 4500 bls is bailess...no bail requiring you to manually place the line back on the reel before retrieval. Works well for casting heavier baits if you’ve ever lost a large or expensive lure because of the bail tripping early.
Answer: If you’re referring to BLS, the difference means it is bailess
Answer: It’s not lbs, it’s BLS and it means “Bail less”. I’ve never fished with a bail less spinning rod.
Q:
Can you be used for carp?
Answer: Save some dough and opt for Fierce LL instead. I paired the FRCII2500LL with 10’ 3.5lb test curve rods and 20lb braid and it works great for carp.
Answer: Yes for very large carp it’s built for saltwater fishing.
Answer: Yes ,depends on size of carp
Answer: Sure. Just use appropriate lb line
Answer: Yes, very strong reel.
Q:
I cannot decide between the 350 and the 450 reel. I mostly fish in salt water lagoons and off of a bay or river side marina dock?
Answer: I think you'd be fine with the 350 in those areas , it's got a great drag system and with the appropriate line you should have no problem , and save a little money. I wouldn't move up to the 450 unless I was going off shore or regularly hooking fish over 40 lbs.
Answer: Get the 450 because it holds more line of a heavier lb test.
Answer: Well in truth it depends what you are targeting as far as type of fish. However as a rule, I always look at line capacities and drag rating. Tight lines????????
Answer: I would use the 3500.
Q:
What is the drag on a 6500 Penn fishing reel
Answer: 30lb
Q:
how big a difference in casting distance is there between 6500 and 6500LC?
Answer: I only have a regular 5500 SFVI. But I can tell you it can cast a long ways. I’ve casted a 1-1/2 ounce bucktail over 150’ to a weed line chasing Mahi. They’re great reels for the money. I own 8 of them.
Answer: Hard question to answer. To many other variables such as rod used. Also the casters ability. But with the extended spool filled properly. Definitely will get a few more yards.
Q:
What the diff between V and VI?
Answer: They now make the model with liveline feature as a separate model which is great for live bait fishing, otherwise I think they explain the upgrades at the Penn web site, URL is below: (if allowed by Amazon)
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: Do not buy this based on its baitrunner. The "pre-set" is way too tight. Even after reducing it to it lowest setting and using the special tool. No self respecting fish will take bait from it. Wish I had not invested.
Q:
I bought a 9500. the manufacturer info indicates a new spinfisher vi live liner system. the reel i received does not have it. bait and switch?
Answer: There is a 9500 and a 9500LL which is the live liner version. Amazon can be tough because the stock photos that are used may show a live liner version but the sku number is for a 9500. Hope this helps.
Answer: No, they are two completely different models. They also offer long cast and bail-less models of the Spinfisher IV.
Q:
Is the 4500 good for casting at the beach or is it too heavy? How many yards of 20lb line can i fit on the 4500?
Answer: Lord no its not too heavy, I have 2 4500s, 2 5500s, a 6500 and a 10500. The 4500's and the 5500's are a nice small spinning reel - i use them for throwing lures and for fishing for smaller fish, though they can certainly handle bigger fish. I landed a 28 lb jack fish with a 4500, and it was a blast. My usual fish on those are the 3-10 lb red fish as well as the tasty whiting. As i recall, the last time i relined the 4500, it was fine braid and i put around 240-260 yards of line.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: Size it up with a 7 or 8 foot rod , 30 lb braided line & go for it . That’s a great reel , you won’t be sorry....
Q:
what size rod do i need for the 6500 penn rod?
Answer: 9-12 foot. I have one on a 10’ surf rod and one on a 12’ surf rod.
Answer: Mine came with a 6’6” rod from Penn. I understand its not the greatest rod but works OK for me as I am not very good at fishing just yet.
Answer: A 10 - 12 foot rod would do it
Q:
No encuentro el spinfisher de la última versión en 5500 o 6500 y cuál es la deferencia en el peso de estas versiones va las anteriores?
Q:
The description says the real size is 9500. Did they really mean 6500?
Answer: Reels start at 2500 go to 10500
Q:
what kind of rods is in the picture on the boat for the 6500 reels thanks ?
Q:
How many yards of 65lb braid can the 8500 take?
Answer: 555 yds
Q:
Will this real pair good with the ugly stick tiger elite?
Answer: Yes, especially if you use live bait (rod sensitivity).
Q:
Does it come with extra spool?
Answer: No no extra spool .
Answer: No it doesn’t at all
Answer: No it doesn't come with an extra spool, a great fishing reel neverless
Answer: Nope
Answer: Mine did not
Answer: No it doesn't.
Q:
does it have a bait clicker?
Answer: No. Bait clickers are indicative of baitcasters.
Answer: If you mean the clicker when drag is being pulled than yes it does. Otherwise it's quiet and smooth while reeling.
Answer: No. Liveliner is setup for a 2 stage drag. Baitclicker more on a conventional reel.
Answer: No it doesn’t
Q:
Whats the drag on a 5500lc?
Answer: 20lb
Q:
Suggestions for rod n reel for catching red fish -snook ect. Any suggestions in spinning reel and line weight,, new to saltwater fishing,
Answer: There are lots of choices here . I paired a Spinfisher VI 3500 on a St. Croix 7”6 MLF for one set up and am using 8 lb. fluorocarbon and another I have a Florida Fishing Products Osprey Saltwater Series 3000 on a 7” St. Croix Mojo Inshore using 40 lb. braid and they both do very well . A lot of your choices are about personal preference and what you hear from other anglers and what they are using .
Answer: To many factors are you fishing from a boat pier or a jetty
Q:
Is the 6500 to big for pier fishing
Answer: 4000 would be decent for normal pier fishing
Answer: Yes unless your after big game, i would use a 3500 or 4500 for all around use.
Q:
Does 8500 spin fisher have automatic bail The reviews are mixed one says one thing one says another thing could somebody from pen please answer my que
Answer: No. We have the SSVI 8500, 7500, and 6500 and they are all manual bail. The smaller models DO have auto bail trip. Not sure about the 5500 but the smaller ones definitely do.
Answer: There is a bail trip.
Q:
What is the line capacity of the 10500?
Answer: For braided line: 50lb/845yd
Q:
Need a rod recommendations for this reel
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: Ugly Stik, Big water rods either: 12 foot or 15 foot. I use for surf fishing with this reel.
Answer: I have it on a Shakespeare Ugly stick. BWS 1100 medium action seven foot long rod. You can go longer but I wouldn't go any shorter.
Answer: That depends on lots of factors to me . I went with a St. Croix MoJo 7’6 MF with mine . I specifically bought and paired these for inshore Wade fishing for Speckled Trout and Redfish . I wanted the sensitivity but strength ( and reputation) and backbone for the possibility of bigger fish . Been a great combo for me so far . Tight Lines !
Q:
Is the spinfisher VI 4500 a good choice for catfish around 35lbs?
Answer: It could. It's not my first choice. I would go with the Penn Rival 20lw or 30lw. All my catfish rigs are the Rival 30lw.
Answer: 4500 is strong enough to handle that much catfish. My way of thinking is how much fight do you expect and how long do you want to take? 5500/6500 might give you a little more leverage.
Answer: Two types bail and bailless in the 4500. Catfish I would use the bail. I use mine, a bailless, on stripers. It can handle a 35 lber, if you are going heavier, than a 50, I would look at the 6500. Think the rod has to be stout if you are pulling it off the bottom in deeper water.
Answer: I would go with the 6500 if your going to be putting that much load on the reel. The 6500 has brass gears as opposed to the 5500 and under which use a zinc main gear that will wear much faster then. Since your are most likely using bait and not casting all day the extra weight shouldn't bother you. Line capacity is also a factor. If your using mono or fluro you get a lot more capacity with the bigger reels.
Answer: Yes, a great reel for that application. Spool your reel with 20-30 lb. braid and have fun!
Q:
how do i find replacement parts for my PINN spinning reel
Answer: Just google penn reel parts
Answer: It depends on what reel you have , some people of have some replacements parts for Penn reels
Answer: You are in luck when you buy a Penn reel. I fish up and down the east coast and theres never a lack of places to get parts and service for a penn reel. When I bought my first penn reel forty years ago I did this because my fishing friends suggested buying a penn for this very reason. Remember always clean your equipment after every use. Salt and sand can and will damage your equipment.
Answer: I would think Penn.com I've never needed parts.
Answer: Contact PENN directly. If you go to PENN website you can find contacts
Answer: www.pennfishing.com
Q:
What does the 2500 weigh?
Answer: 10.7 ounces.
Q:
How many yards of 30lb power pro fit on the 4500 model?
Answer: 30lb braid is too heavy for this reel. 20lb is more suited.
Answer: Disregard the other comment that says 30# braid it too heavy, it’s not. If you visit Penn’s website they even list 30# braid in their specs, this reel can load up to 250 yards of 30# braid for the 4500 size. If you can get away with using 20# braid I would recommend it solely for the ability to cast further.
Answer: About 250 yards
Answer: About 250...I have 40lb maxcuatro on mine and it almost took a 300 yd spool
Q:
What kind of Penn rod should I buy to go with this reel?
Answer: That depends on what weight lures you intend on using and whether you want a inshore rod surf Rod or boat rod. It’s a great reel for a wide range of fishing. I mostly fish from the beach but I don’t like surf rods so I use 7 to 8 foot inshore rods that are medium(for 1/4oz-1 1/4 Lures) or medium heavy power for 3/4oz-1 1/2 lures.
Answer: A spinning reel rod. Up to med action
Answer: I pair mine with Ugly stiks. GX2 - 6'6.
Q:
Why is Amazon terrible at losing item specification, like the actual weight, drag power, gear ratio of the reel?
Answer: What do you mean by "losing"? Nevertheless, just go to penfishing.com and get the info you need. They have more detailed, relevant info there anyway.
Q:
What size reel cover for spinfisher vi 6500?
Answer: I got the 6500 and the 7500 and they are both great!
Answer: Sorry i don't use reel covers. I don't have need for them.
Q:
What is a good matching rod for the 4500
Answer: Penn Battalion 7 ft 10-17. Sensitive good backbone
Answer: Ugly Stick Bigwater/ Stainless Guides
Q:
I have a 7ft heavy penn carnage, I am going to use it for vertical jigging blackfin, bonito, and bluefish, what reel size 6500 or 8500?
Answer: Thats a tough question, those are some heavy duty fish - i love my 6500, i dont have a 8500, i have a 10500 - and its a monster. I would probably go with the 6500. I have not done vertical jigging for blackfin etc. etc, but fish for sharks, jack fish, large red fish (channel bass to you guys) , with the 6500 and it handles those pretty well.
Answer:
Answer:
Q:
I just recieved this spinfisher vi 8500 and its beautiful, however is this compatible with the shakespeare tiger elite 7' heavy rod?
Answer: I have 7' tiger lites, with 4500's....not sure how your fishing, casting vs jigging, but you should be ok. Bright side, if you dont like it, get another rod. I love mine.
Answer: Yea man you can pair those up nicely. I throw my 65-85 reels on crowder 7’ heavy or med heavy boat rods for jigging or just flat lining. Obviously I’d bring it in the store and see how they balance with one another.
Answer: Yes
Q:
Do y’all think this is better than the bg or the saltist from daiawa?
Answer: I started Surf fishing with the Old BG's with the wooden handles. I've taken good care of them so they still work well. But it is a new day and the equipment has evolved. I chose to try the Spinfisher VI 4500 but not the bail less. This updated VI has seals in specific places to guard against corrosion and sand. At the price point for the VI 4500, it was an offer I couldn't refuse. I also have the New updated BG's in the 6500 & 8000. But I haven't spooled them yet.
Answer: Not really sure but better than any Shimano reels in this price range that I have had.
Answer: I have never been disappointed with Penn , so I buy Penn.
Q:
Does it come with extra spool?
Answer: No no extra spool .
Answer: No it doesn’t at all
Answer: No it doesn't come with an extra spool, a great fishing reel neverless
Answer: Nope
Answer: Mine did not
Answer: No it doesn't.
Q:
Is there any difference besides the spool between 2500 and 3500? What I'm asking is are the bodies the same size between these two sizes?
Answer: The schematics show that the 3500 and 4500 series share the same bodies. The 2500 has a smaller lighter body
Answer: There is a significant size and weight difference in the two reels. I used the 3500 for several years and switched to the 2500 after it came out...I love both of them...best and most durable reels for the money
Answer: Sorry I don't have that size reels . i have the penn Spinnfisher 4500 that's traffic .
Q:
Can anyone inform me of the manufactures that engineer and produce reels in the USA?
Answer: 2 that come to mind are Truth Reels(Virginia) and Accurate (California). Also a third one is Avet Reels.
Q:
what would you recommend for speckle trout and red drum. What size would you recommend
Answer: I would recommend two sizes of the Spinfisher. For all around, I would go with the 3500 size, but if I were throwing bigger lures and expected to catch bigger redfish, snook, big jacks ... etc., I would size up to a 4500. I fish the surf using bigger plugs and jugs and have a St Croix 8’ medium heavy and 4500 Spinfisher because I want something that can handle a bigger fish, but I use this same rod and my 3500 Clash (same size as a 3500 Spinfisher) for my day to day surf and river/lagoon fishing.
Answer: There can be a huge difference in trout vs redfish size and power. Guess it depends where and size of the reds. Wade fishing flats like around rock port TX where reds are small vs say Hatteras on the East Coast where they are much much bigger even knocking at the 100lb door @ low mid 90s. You would be way under gunned with the 2500. I think the 4500LB is the most versatile of the line up. It could be used even fresh water rivers etc with a rod change and cover small med surf shore and pier. Light enough to work yet strong enough and well sealed IPX5 makes it a great choice
Answer: I think the 4500 is the perfect size its light enough and large enough. Good all around real for inshore and even some surf casting
Answer: Either 3500 or 4500 would do the job Nicely
Answer: I bought the 2500 and love it. I do a lot of kayak and wade fishing.
Answer: 4500 bailless or regular your choice
Answer: 2500 -4500
Answer: 2500. 10lb braid
Answer: 2500-3500
Q:
What’s the max drag for 8500?
Answer: 40 lbs
Q:
How much yards of 100 pound test the 10500 have?
Answer: About 420yd for 100lb braided line
Q:
Best saltwater rod to pair?!
Answer: Ugly stiks are strong but heavy and fish like a broom. If your budget is over $100 look at st croix triump & mojo inshore or dark matter rods. Toadfish or Even tsunami carbon shield rods
Answer: Ugly Stik Bigwater/7ft.
Q:
Is the spinfisher v 2500 a good choice for stripers?
Answer: Too small. If its surf cast shore fishing 4500 live bait option is as small as I would go. Match up with an ugly stick 20lb braided fish finder etc rig all is good.
Answer: Too small
Q:
Can someone tell me if the 6500lc means it is the long cast that just came out in oct? is it on sale for $167.63?
Answer: LC does mean long cast
Q:
Can I use 30lb braided on the 3500 and what’s the biggest fish that can get
Answer: Sure, 30 lb braid is 10-12 lb monofiliment. How big a fish?? Lot of variables there!! :) Depends on Rod and depends on you, the fisherperson!!
Q:
Is this good for deep sea rock fishing or just things like tuba and bonito?
Answer: Depends on size, use a 3500 for bucktailing fluke. Rockfish assuming you are talking about Stripers.
Answer: Depends on the size reel you are looking at, there is a size for anything. Excellent quality and great waterproof seals. Never fished for Tuba though-LOL.
Answer: Yes these spinfishers are nice and sealed durable like crazy. I would just suggest a larger size like 5000 and up. The Slammer are the next model up even better seal
Answer: Not good for rock fishing.
Q:
Which reel can handle 60lbs mono line?
Answer: The 6500 and the 10500 will handle 60 mono, i have 70 braid on the 6500 and 95 lb braid on the 10500. But the 6500 will handle the 60 lb mono fine.
Answer: 9500 or 10500. But why 60 lb mono. Use braid with a 60 lb. Mono top shot or leader
Q:
which spinfisher saltwater reel takes the most line?
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: It Depends on which type of line you use. I recommend you go to the Penn web site; they have a nice filter utility that can assist with this question. pennfishingDOTcom
Q:
What’s the max lb test
Answer: Penn rates it 20lb but I use 60lb braid with no issues.
Product reviews of Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reel
Dave Miller : Its durable to last
Like the looks and the line amount you can have with it.
DOTAN GOOR-ARYE : Best reel for rough seashore and rocky action
I got the 4500 and paired it with Major Craft N-One NSS-962ML. Although the Spinnfisher VI 4500 is a little bit heavier than other reels of simillar size, it pairs perfectly with the Major Craft 9'6" rod. I have the reel for a few months and haven't had any issue or any clog whatsoever. And it took some hard beatings, sand, salt water dipping and it works perfect. Apart from tap water washing under the faucet after every fishing session I havenn't treated the Spinfisher with no lubricant or oil and it rotetes as smooth as in the day I got it. The only disadvantage I can find with this reel is the somewhat hardish lowest drag, which is harder than in other reels I have.
Ricardo : live liner
love this spinning reel from penn cast it far set the drag let um run with it took it sting ray fishing as I do with all my rods and reels for a test and it held up with my diawa surf 12ft pole wore the rays out so approved.
philip j champion : Great buy!
Super smooth reel. It's a nice step up from the battle 2. The line lay is really impressive. I like that you can rinse the reel off after use without the worry of water intrusion inside of the gearing.
Sox : Great drag, can handle a larger fish
Paired this with a 7ft medium fast action St. Croix Tidemaster rod for offshore Snapper (Mangrove, Yellowtail, Lane) fishing. First day using this combo surprising landed a 25ft Gag Grouper.......the drag held up very well on this large fish. Rated this a 4 star vs. 5 because of the small paddle. Wish this reel had the larger egg shape paddle, otherwise great reel for the $
Mukl : Worth the money
Never spent this much on a spinning reel and I can tell you it’s worth it. It’s so smooth, easy to use, and casts so far.
DOTAN GOOR-ARYE : Best reel for rough seashore and rocky action
I got the 4500 and paired it with Major Craft N-One NSS-962ML. Although the Spinnfisher VI 4500 is a little bit heavier than other reels of simillar size, it pairs perfectly with the Major Craft 9'6" rod. I have the reel for a few months and haven't had any issue or any clog whatsoever. And it took some hard beatings, sand, salt water dipping and it works perfect. Apart from tap water washing under the faucet after every fishing session I havenn't treated the Spinfisher with no lubricant or oil and it rotetes as smooth as in the day I got it. The only disadvantage I can find with this reel is the somewhat hardish lowest drag, which is harder than in other reels I have.
DOTAN GOOR-ARYE : Best reel for rough seashore and rocky action
I got the 4500 and paired it with Major Craft N-One NSS-962ML. Although the Spinnfisher VI 4500 is a little bit heavier than other reels of simillar size, it pairs perfectly with the Major Craft 9'6" rod. I have the reel for a few months and haven't had any issue or any clog whatsoever. And it took some hard beatings, sand, salt water dipping and it works perfect. Apart from tap water washing under the faucet after every fishing session I havenn't treated the Spinfisher with no lubricant or oil and it rotetes as smooth as in the day I got it. The only disadvantage I can find with this reel is the somewhat hardish lowest drag, which is harder than in other reels I have.
Stacy : Penn 9500
Well I'm only giving this a 2 star review. When the reel arrived the bale would not work correctly. It would not click back over after casting. This was new in the box no line on it just testing the function of the reel. will revisit when replacement reel arrives and see how it works
Update received replacement reel in a prompt manor new reel works as advertised. Happy with my purchase and customer service.
M. Belken : Mine is a 3500
I like the 3500 size, more line capacity at a small gain of weight. Balances well on a 7' medium/heavy St. Croix Tide-master. Has handled big drum, 60# sharks and everything in-between. I fish coastal waters out of a kayak and it has held up well to splashing. I have several 2500's and have had very good long term service out of them.
SERGIO L. : Great reel
Got the 9500 its huge . Big game reel
J 4271 : Typical Great Performance
I have many Penn reels and this newest version of the timeless spinfisher did not disappoint! Used it for the first time yesterday during a real snotty day in the ocean. Smooth, fast, and strong! I look forward to a long time of great use from this reel just like the rest of the Penn's I already have.
Stuart H Pyle : Good reel
Great reel but doesn't have a reverse lever. I should have looked a little more at the discretion.
george : Good for the price can be improved
I purchased the 4000ll and find it ok for the price. I don't like the handle because it's like diamond shaped and I prefer rounded. Also the live liner function is very crude compared to the shimano baitrunner. Overall ok.
Shane Williams : Non-Existent Quality Control
I own 7 PENN reels and 4 PENN rods, the only bad experiences I’ve ever had with their products have been with items bought on Amazon. One rod was missing a guide eye, a Slammer III that barely lasted a season, and now this reel which is completely missing parts and feels a little grindy (brand new out of the box). It doesn’t even look like the housing has the proper threads for the end cap and seal (parts 233A and 233C). I searched all packaging high and low and the parts just aren’t there.
This item wasn’t even on sale, I could’ve gone to a reputable online tackle shop and gotten it for the same price. Sure Amazon makes it easy to return items and get a new one, but if the next one is anything but perfect I’m getting my money back, never buying fishing gear from Amazon again, and buying the same reel elsewhere. It seems like there’s no quality control here and they must be buying stock from the bottom of the barrel then passing it off as a quality product. I shouldn’t have to drive a 1 hour round trip to a UPS store just to hopefully get what I paid for a week late. This is totally unacceptable.
Amazon Customer : Repeat purchase for a reason
Outstanding reel. I have a 5500, 6500 and a 9500. These reels punch above their weight for drag in my opinion. Great for stripers, bluefish, reds and shark. Will buy again.
Amazon Customer : PEN? MADE ? usa?
used 5 times and gears broken. Dont sells km this Amazon
Amazon Customer : Not functioning when received. 2nd one in a week
When you pulled the bail over and then turned the crank to close the bail it would not close. Really disappointed especially at that price. That is my last Penn. This is the replacement for the first one and it too is defective. I will continue to buy Okuma because of quality
John Caltrone : Significant Reduction in Quality
Do not be fooled. This reel is NOT very well sealed. And the quality of the sealing is part of how Penn made it's name.
I see some comments here about surf fishing...... Don't you dare ever take this in the surf. It is not proplery constructed to withstanding it, even from barely the shore line. What's more, for a reel of its price range ($200 USD on Amazon), the casting quality is below par. I'm not a novice fisherman, I've been fishing for years.
Penn earned this 1 star review. Sad to say but the Spinfisher VI line is a significant reduction in quality of Penn reels of times past.
The warranty on this reel is an absolute laughable joke. They will determine for themselves whether or not they believe it is as submerged and that is that on the matter.
Took this reel to my very expensive dry Tortugas trip and not it locked up on me and cost me fish.
It has cost me fish, time (waiting on a warranty claim) and money.
Strongly do NOT reccomend. Go for a Shimano Saragosa instead.
If you absolutely insist on a Penn Spinfisher, go for the previous model, the Spinfisher V's. Those hold up better.
Amazon Customer : $199.00
Yeap, paid 199.00 for a brand new Penn Spinfisher VI 6500. Right outta the box it looks great, tight on the spin, and ...... bail wire fails to close during function. "Brand New," right out of the box, and it does not function properly. Welcome back to the 1970's. for Penn and Newell Brands Inc. NYSE NWL. Taking people money for products that do not function as advertised. Owners at Penn and Newell Brands Inc would probably be embarrassed .... if they had any dignity left. I'm sad, disappointed, and obviously pissed on by Penn. Should have bought SHIMANO! This one is on me PENN. I will not make the same mistake twice.
LVP : Frustratingly bugged out of the box
I fought with this thing for almost a whole fishing season because of a drag tension problem. Tightening the drag would also tighten up the handle making it more difficult to reel in a fish, unfortunately, this reel was a gift to my girlfriend as her first spinning reel setup and she didn't know enough to speak up about the problem leading her to have an extremely frustrating time landing things as simple as a Scup.
Eventually a complete disassembly and reassembly fixed the problem, but its not a step that should have been necessary, and I'm worried the problem will just reoccur when it goes back out on the water next year.
J 4271 : Typical Great Performance
I have many Penn reels and this newest version of the timeless spinfisher did not disappoint! Used it for the first time yesterday during a real snotty day in the ocean. Smooth, fast, and strong! I look forward to a long time of great use from this reel just like the rest of the Penn's I already have.
george : Good for the price can be improved
I purchased the 4000ll and find it ok for the price. I don't like the handle because it's like diamond shaped and I prefer rounded. Also the live liner function is very crude compared to the shimano baitrunner. Overall ok.
Brad Winn : Great reel.
Great reel overall. Good price for a completely sealed reel body for saltwater. Only complaint is that the drag doesn’t “click” in very light settings so you can’t back it way off for live baiting. However, they do make a liveliner version of this reel for just that.
John Caltrone : Significant Reduction in Quality
Do not be fooled. This reel is NOT very well sealed. And the quality of the sealing is part of how Penn made it's name.
I see some comments here about surf fishing...... Don't you dare ever take this in the surf. It is not proplery constructed to withstanding it, even from barely the shore line. What's more, for a reel of its price range ($200 USD on Amazon), the casting quality is below par. I'm not a novice fisherman, I've been fishing for years.
Penn earned this 1 star review. Sad to say but the Spinfisher VI line is a significant reduction in quality of Penn reels of times past.
The warranty on this reel is an absolute laughable joke. They will determine for themselves whether or not they believe it is as submerged and that is that on the matter.
Took this reel to my very expensive dry Tortugas trip and not it locked up on me and cost me fish.
It has cost me fish, time (waiting on a warranty claim) and money.
Strongly do NOT reccomend. Go for a Shimano Saragosa instead.
If you absolutely insist on a Penn Spinfisher, go for the previous model, the Spinfisher V's. Those hold up better.
Trevor P. : Spend the extra money, get a reel that will run like a Swiss watch for years of saltwater abuse
I truly love this reel (7500lc). It casts a country mile which is critical for surf fishing or from shore in general. My experience with the spinfishers is much better durability to salt compared to the battle and fierce series. I have owned the lesser 2 models and the salt destroys them in 2-3 years. My spinfisher 5 I bought years ago is still ticking like it’s new. Much better seals and components. Much better value to longevity. Spend the extra $$$ and get a reel that will last ages, so long you don’t lose it to a monster while your back is turned ????.
The reel is also smooth as silk. The only complaint I have is that you have to close the nail by hand. It will not close by turning the crank, not the 7500 series and up anyway. This wasn’t an issue with the smaller models.
MH : For IN THE SURF fishing, these really can't be beat
So, to be clear, there's SALTWATER rated and IN THE SURF rated, as far as I'm concerned.
You can pretty much use any reel in the saltwater, as long as you don't get it IN the saltwater. What I mean is if you're on a boat and fishing, just rinse your reels real well when you get home, and you'll be fine.
However, if you're IN the surf, meaning you're wading in the surf and fishing actively, there's a huge difference on how the reels will perform. The reason is the Surf offers all kinds of issues that gum up reels really quick. When standing in the surf, of course, your reel is going to get pounded by saltwater, but there's other elements, such as that very, very fine "Grit" that's in the surf water, as well as active normal sized sand. That fine "grit" is a REAL reel destroyer. I've had numerous reels I had to open up and completely cleanse after a day of surf fishing. That grit binds with the grease and will completely fail a reel (To where you literally can't crank the reel anymore).
So I rate saltwater reels as from a boat and IN the surf.
These Penn Spinfisher series are truly surf rated. I've had these reels completely submerged in the surf water, 20 yards into the surf (Sometimes you have to put the reel end in the water and climb your pole to remove tangles with Braid, so forth). These Penn reels have delivered and continued to operate. the drags are sealed and the reel seems to be sealed as well.
However, that doesn't mean to neglect them. After every surf fishing trip, upon arrival at home, I hose them off real good, blasting the water on a jet stream around all the critical areas. I blow them off with an air compressor and sometimes spray a little silicon on the handle knob and the bail bearing... VOILA, they're good as new.
These Penn's deliver with little maintenance and so far have offered up months of aggressive fishing.
Angelo : 3500 pairs perfectly with 8’-6” steelhead rods
The 3500 series is a perfect match for 8’-6” and 9’-6” G.Loomis steelhead rods. There are lighter reels out there but these are built sturdy and are sealed. This is my fourth spinfisher and I use them. 20 pound sufix 832 pairs perfectly with this reel. This reel should last you many years.
Brad Winn : Great reel.
Great reel overall. Good price for a completely sealed reel body for saltwater. Only complaint is that the drag doesn’t “click” in very light settings so you can’t back it way off for live baiting. However, they do make a liveliner version of this reel for just that.
Tammie Britt : bail does not close when casting
I purchased this for my boyfriend for his birthday. He was so excited to use it...and then we had this issue...the bail does not close when casting. We would love an opportunity for a replacement.
rachel lewis : Garbage
I bought this after destroying cheap reels in salt water because it was supposedly waterproof to an extent. Well it arrived, and right out of the box it felt like it should have been a smoother retreive. I let that go and started using it, rising good after every use. This piece of garbage bound up and broke in under a month, used it maybe 5 times. Very disappointed
James Campbell : Perfect
Perfect, the best reel on the market
DOTAN GOOR-ARYE : Best reel for rough seashore and rocky action
I got the 4500 and paired it with Major Craft N-One NSS-962ML. Although the Spinnfisher VI 4500 is a little bit heavier than other reels of simillar size, it pairs perfectly with the Major Craft 9'6" rod. I have the reel for a few months and haven't had any issue or any clog whatsoever. And it took some hard beatings, sand, salt water dipping and it works perfect. Apart from tap water washing under the faucet after every fishing session I havenn't treated the Spinfisher with no lubricant or oil and it rotetes as smooth as in the day I got it. The only disadvantage I can find with this reel is the somewhat hardish lowest drag, which is harder than in other reels I have.
Thomas Earl Cheshire : A handful.
Kind of a big reel, more than what you probably need for surf fishing.
Chris : Not bad
I like how this reel looks and feels. i Found the handle for reeling the line in get lose very easy compared to my other reels. I did not notice any issues thus far, i wish their was a better instruction guide in the box. Over all the reel is worth 5 stars if the handle would not loosen up so easily.
I have not been able to see why this reel is worth as much as it is because only key different is the sheer volume of fishing line can be placed on this unit. Other than that don't see why it cost so much. All my other reels can get wet and no issues with them rusting or any thing like that and cost more than 90% less and the brand was Kingston another great brand name.
Over all i am still keeping the reel and it works great so i am not returning the unit, so 3 star due to pricing .
Amazon Customer : $199.00
Yeap, paid 199.00 for a brand new Penn Spinfisher VI 6500. Right outta the box it looks great, tight on the spin, and ...... bail wire fails to close during function. "Brand New," right out of the box, and it does not function properly. Welcome back to the 1970's. for Penn and Newell Brands Inc. NYSE NWL. Taking people money for products that do not function as advertised. Owners at Penn and Newell Brands Inc would probably be embarrassed .... if they had any dignity left. I'm sad, disappointed, and obviously pissed on by Penn. Should have bought SHIMANO! This one is on me PENN. I will not make the same mistake twice.
Andrew Kaleski : Sticking or binding gears
Unfortunately I regret to say I've now had my first bad experience with penn. Bought this for shark fishing everything worked fine I checked out the box no issues. Casted out flicked the live line lever for sharks when the hit came and it started running I waited 2 seconds picked up the rod waiting more to set the hook and the shark dropped it. So I reeled in and it started sticking have yet to catch a fish on it. It's been in the water 2 times. Calling penn to see what they can do. Will update.
J 4271 : Typical Great Performance
I have many Penn reels and this newest version of the timeless spinfisher did not disappoint! Used it for the first time yesterday during a real snotty day in the ocean. Smooth, fast, and strong! I look forward to a long time of great use from this reel just like the rest of the Penn's I already have.
george : Good for the price can be improved
I purchased the 4000ll and find it ok for the price. I don't like the handle because it's like diamond shaped and I prefer rounded. Also the live liner function is very crude compared to the shimano baitrunner. Overall ok.
Bigron : SMOOTH
This reel is easy to use! Bail and pickup is very smooth. Caught 40 -50 trout on it already.
Amoy C. : came with squeaky sound !
I had high hopes for this reel i wanted from the day it was up for sale but didnt had enoughs funds to do so finally a year later i ordered the reel i got so excited up on receiving it when i turned the handle there was a loud squeaky noise that made me feel so disappointed
Amazon Customer : Not functioning when received. 2nd one in a week
When you pulled the bail over and then turned the crank to close the bail it would not close. Really disappointed especially at that price. That is my last Penn. This is the replacement for the first one and it too is defective. I will continue to buy Okuma because of quality
bignevadabob : Could be a great reel if you don’t get a dud.
Feels like a solid reel especially for a long cast reel. Other long casts like the shimano ultegras feel super delicate. Unfortunately the reel I received made a grinding noise when the handle was cranked. Penns quality control is severely lacking.
Dave Miller : Its durable to last
Like the looks and the line amount you can have with it.
DILLIGAF : Not worth the hype.
Bought this to go on vacation with me. Open the box to spool up and this is what I found. Broken bail and no chance to use. This is a Penn and this is supposed to be one of the best reels around. I guess that being the best in name only. No value for the money and time I spent on this beautiful looking and broken reel.
Matthew Clark : Quality materials and craftsmanship
I haven't fished with this reel, yet, so I can't speak on how it performs. However, I did want to say that I am quite impressed with this hardware (I got the 4500 live liner). It's very solid, very smooth, and I'm sure it will perform just fine.
The most significant influences on purchasing this reel was the all-metal body and the IPX5 rating. All of my fishing is done wading in the bays along the gulf coast, and sometimes I'll get waist-deep or more. It's nice to know that the occasional dunk in the saltwater won't ruin my reel (until I can rinse it off with fresh water, of course).
It might be several months before I can get down to the coast to fish for redfish, flounder, and trout, but with this new hardware, I'm surely looking forward to it!
Matthew Clark : Quality materials and craftsmanship
I haven't fished with this reel, yet, so I can't speak on how it performs. However, I did want to say that I am quite impressed with this hardware (I got the 4500 live liner). It's very solid, very smooth, and I'm sure it will perform just fine.
The most significant influences on purchasing this reel was the all-metal body and the IPX5 rating. All of my fishing is done wading in the bays along the gulf coast, and sometimes I'll get waist-deep or more. It's nice to know that the occasional dunk in the saltwater won't ruin my reel (until I can rinse it off with fresh water, of course).
It might be several months before I can get down to the coast to fish for redfish, flounder, and trout, but with this new hardware, I'm surely looking forward to it!
Joe G. : Hate to give it 3 stars
I love everything about this reel, however, I dropped it in the ocean (on accident) for about 15 seconds. I pulled it back out and didn’t think to hard about it because it’s a sealed reel. I made sure to rinse it off well like I always do with my reels. Couple weeks later it got a little squeaky. I pulled the side cover off and it was full of water. I ended up disassembling the entire reel and cleaning every piece. Upon taking it apart it seemed the water must have come in through the spool shaft. The sealing system on the reel is very well made but needs the right amount of grease in the right places to work properly. After just two weeks the main gear and pinion gear had corrosion. (Some minor pitting but it will still work fine) I reassembled with waterproof reel grease and everything is good to go now.
Mike E. : Spinfisher VI 4500 BLS small but packs a punch
Purchased a 4500 bail less for Bays and ocean. Well made used it for fluke and stripers. Bucktailing along with hard plastics such as Daiwa SP Minnows. Plenty of drag, needs to be rinsed off at the end of day.
Robert W. Bacon Jr. : Built like a tank!
Very heavy reel, great product and will be using for surf shark fishing....exceptional line capacity, strong and heavy drag system. Now all I have to do is to find a decent rod to match! Unfortunately the one Rod iam looking for this is currently sold out. Hope it comes into stock soon.
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