Having said all of that, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite reels. It also has a clamp but if your rod is too thick, this won't work either. I have caught some big string-rays on it and the reel did stay in place, however. This could be a problem if you are after big fish, but I am not. The reel seat is small and there are a few rods I own where I have to use tape around the seat to build it up so it won't be loose. Looking at the regular Fathom II, the mag is in the same place. I don't think I'd buy this reel if I could not have changed out the dial. It's a problem if you do want to adjust the mag in mid-cast though, so think it through. The Squall mag dial is flat and it's out of the way and simple to install, fits perfectly, problem solved if you don't want to adjust the mag in mid-cast. I like others have, ordered the Squall mag dial and screw so it would come at the same time as the reel, knowing this was going to be an issue. Like others have said, it will dig into your wrist and it will bother you.
![penn fathom 2 15 penn fathom 2 15](https://www.anglerswarehouse.com.au/webshots/penn_fathom_ii_star_drag_12_reel_18522_20276253_L.png)
The location of the "knobby" mag could not be in a worse place, which is the lower left of the reel. I use HT-100 drags in all of my casting reels, regardless of their make. All other functions of the reel operate as they should including the HT-100 drag which is one of the best drag washers made. The good thing about this reel is the mag in the zero spot is all the way off, no mag at all, the way it should be and the way it is not for many magged reels out there. The spool holds more line than the regular Fathom II, I'm getting about 400 yards of 15lb mono.
#Penn fathom 2 15 full#
the mag full on is great for beginners, it really slows things down so you can get the hang of it, I'm running mine in the middle. I am not new at casting these reels and I'm not the best caster either, consider me intermediate so if you are more experienced, you will cast farther.
![penn fathom 2 15 penn fathom 2 15](https://www.veals.co.uk/acatalog/fathom-15-ld-2-19.jpg)
Fishing with bait and a 3.5 oz sputnik, I'm casting 90 yards into the wind and the skies the limit with no wind. Right now, they spin faster than I can cast. This comes with upgraded bearings, and although I don't know how upgraded they are, I have no desire to change them out unless I could get the mag brake down to zero. With the exception of the mag dial in the wrong place, and the rather small reel seat, this reel is one of the best surfcasters you can get for the money. Penn continues to get my vote.įor more information: be a great reel with a couple issues addressed. No matter if you’re jigging, live bait fishing or even casting, the Fathom is a great option to seriously consider. It’s lightning fast best of all and offers all of this in 5 sizes to fit the needs of the offshore and nearshore serious fisherman. Above all, it’s built with performance and durability in mind. It’s built for the long haul and has the features that count rather than the bells and whistles found on other reels today.
#Penn fathom 2 15 series#
Overall, the Penn Fathom series does not disappoint. It also comes equipped with an instant anti-reverse bearing with a silent back up rachet feature. The aluminum spool comes with indicator of “full, 2/3 and 1/3 levels which is a must for the bottom fishing angler.
![penn fathom 2 15 penn fathom 2 15](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xyM4BWU5H2U/maxresdefault.jpg)
#Penn fathom 2 15 free#
When I put the unspooled reel into free spool it ran super smooth and just kept on running. This amounts to about 40 inches per crank. I was amazed at the 25 pounds of drag with the 6.0.1 retrieve ratio. Another feature I like is the pre-drilled tie off holes in the spindle to prevent the problem of braided line from slipping on the spool. The Fathom series includes a full metal body and side plates that do a great job of keeping a perfect gear alignment under heavy loads. The narrow spool version holds 650 yards of 20# braid and 450 yards of 5o# braid which makes it a great option for the anglers that like fishing the offshore and nearshore structures. I’m a fan of the dependable star drag and glad to see still on the Fathom series. The model is equipped with the traditional Penn star drag that features Versa-Drag, drag control that consist of 6 stainless steel ball bearings. I was impressed with the compact size and balanced feel of the reel. It comes in both narrow and standard spools depending on your need. The one I chose is the FTH 25 which is middle way through the series. This series of 5 reels runs from the smaller FTH 12 all the way up to the FTH 40 for the offshore needs. Having been a Penn fan for a number of years, the Fathom impressed me with its more than adequate anodized aluminum frame. Now I understand that beauty is not what catches the fish, but this story is not over. The first thing that caught my attention to the Penn Fathom reel was the beautiful black and gold color combination.