Penn Pursuit III & Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel

Product Information

A good way to guide your choice is by looking at the max drag power of each model/reel size, and try to decide what you’re going to need (for more details on the best sizes to choose for different types of fishing, take a look at our spinning reel size guide). Conclusion In our tests, the Spinfisher Long Cast Spinning reel performed as the best Penn reel for surf fishing. It is specifically designed to enable extra long casting distances with an elongated spool design that holds more line, and releases line with less friction during the casting process.

A reel with a larger line capacity, like 200 yards, is beneficial when targeting species that are known for their long runs, such as tarpon or tuna. It allows for more line to be spooled, giving you a better chance of landing the fish without running out of line. On the other hand, a reel with a smaller line capacity, like 150 yards, may be more suitable for smaller fish species or situations where long casts are not necessary. And while Penn has another spinning reel model with long cast design, the Penn Conflict Long Cast Spinning reel, this model is less suitable for surf fishing because it doesn’t have sealing technology, which makes it much more susceptible to damage by exposure to saltwater.

The oil felt drag used in the Pursuit II has been successful for Penn, but I believe it is well past its used-by date and should be retired.

That’s a big upgrade compared to the Fierce, since the difference between felt washers and carbon washers is clearly noticeable when you’re fighting a big fish. Overall, this makes it the best Penn freshwater spinning reel in my opinion. The all-metal construction of the Penn Slammer makes it automatically more durable and resistant to warping under pressure than most lower end spinning reels, and this is essential if you’re targeting big saltwater fish that put up a hard fight.

Once you get to like the Penn Fierce, then it’s time to start thinking about upgrading to the Battle, or even a Spinfisher, depending on your specific fishing needs and tactics.