5 Reasons I Love Penn Pursuit 3 Spinning Reels Review, 2500, 3000, 4000, 6000, 8000

I've used Penn Pursuit spinning reels for over ten years. In this review video I share five reasons why I like this lower priced model fishing reel. Penn has been a leader in the industry for decades. Don't be fooled by the low price on this particular reel. The old cliché, "you get what you pay for" doesn't apply to this product.
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[@bobk.1428]

I’m a Penn guy myself. Have the Pursuit, Battle III, and Fierce in various sizes. Always bought them when on sale. Pound for pound my favorite set up in the Pursuit 4000 on a 7’ Ugly Stik Elite with 20lb braid. It’s never let me down.

[@spod11]

that is what I use too.

[@bigbamboo936]

Dread, great review!!! Everything you said is bang on! Well done!

[@jamesstewart2560]

I picked one up. Caught over 20 bass with it this year no complaints at all. Love it!

[@charleylambert4420]

i just picked up the 8000 going to the great lakes for some catfish tomorrow and I'm honestly excited to try it out

[@peterudana]

All sizes except 2500 currently sold out probaby due to your video lol Love your videos.

[@kboi4life]

I actually bought one last year watching your vids. Mines Is still working great just a little rinse after each trip. Caught tons of reds and snook 4000 series with 15lbs Berkeley x9. Thanks JC keep up the good work. Shout out from Tampa

[@paulcoy5201]

I am an old man and not easy too impress, but you have managed to do the impossible, you have impressed me with your honesty and reviews.

[@1997wolverine]

Recently fishing with a Penn Wrath combo that I picked up on the cheap. So far its performing flawlessly. Also looks good with that blue braid.

[@marceloamador92024]

Its the light and medium light rods from the pursuit and fierce combo that are amazing

[@nicholaslovett6248]

I'm happy you're beating this drum. I've been thinking of upgrading from my Quantum Optix, and even with those, at $25 and regular maintenance, I haven't had any problems. There's just no need to be fishing really expensive gear.

[@dgriffin6074]

Very enjoyable and superb camera work. I almost purchased a Penn Pursuit III 2500 but realized I had no idea what the number designation means....

[@timpeacoe]

Got one great real I’ve been joyed it thanks for the video JC good job

[@randystevenson1264]

Love video like to c more like this made with rods and different tackle maybe lures or so keep up great work

[@luispardo3323]

Awesome review, bud!!

[@JewportMenthols]

Love the pursuit line of spinning reels. First standalone reel I ever bought was a pursuit 2 3000 and my girlfriends was a pursuit 3 2500.

[@frankiev-tech4630]

I own like every size of Pursuit IIIs...and all still running amazing after 2 years. I also love these reels...very easy to maintain especially easy to take apart and put back together. But still my goto reel I have for finesse fishing are my 3000 and 4000 Stradic FL...hands down those reels to me are worth every penny. There's just no comparison when it comes to that style of fishing.

[@jorgebaltazar7]

Love the info !!! Penn should sponsor you !

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching.

[@blake_229]

Just got a PENN IV 4000 combo with a traveling case from Academy for $70, was $100. They price matched it from an online store. Very excited to try this out!

[@MikeJonesBBcom]

Love the pursuits. Picked up 2 of the pursuit ii for dirt cheap on a closeout site and replaced the felt drag with the carbon washers from the pursuit iii. Super simple to tear down and clean/grease. Have landed some of my biggest fish on 3k pursuits.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Great video thanks

[@Jdpacificmackerel]

Hello jc happy fishing Thursday I haven't been on KZbin in a while missed seeing your videos 🎣👍

[@hef-outdoors2116]

I still have an old gold pursuit that works great. I have others I like but these are usually my go to"s

[@aaronhiggs]

I have a pursuit 3 2500 and 4000. Love them. I have more expensive reels and they are amazing reels, but for under 100 bucks , nothing can touch the pursuit 3.

[@kencoldman]

Thanks for your always up beat informative videos. Quick question what do you thing about the Penn pursuit IV?

[@RadReelingFishing]

They look awesome. I'm sure they have the same mechanics as the 3 with just a couple of improvements.

[@YayaOrchid]

I love my Penn Reels. Any chance of comparing Penn reels to Daiwa Legalis LT and Runcl Titan II? Thanks again keep the videos coming.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hay jc what's happening love your channel iam a fan of Penn pursuit reels

[@kipperwhite2976]

Good REview TY gotta couple older Penn's silver series fm long ago now. Loaned one out 2 neighbor & came back w/o handle DTBL all i got is Sorry comment. Penn didn't have a replacement 4 it either !! tried couple ole handle's none worked still on the Quest ! No laoning gear never again !!

[@fantomphoenix6170]

Anyone else curious on how a shimano IX would fare in saltwater? I have used it once for salt and it handled a large trout and lady fish when I was using it with a sabiki rig. Honestly curious if it would be a good go to throw around kayak reel, or truck/car reel. Too bad I don’t see any instant anti reverse upgrades for it though

[@jessiehunter4556]

Nice video 👍

[@stevensilva1350]

I’ve had awesome luck with these reels. I think I might go a step up to a pen slammer. I’m currently running a Shimano twin power 4000 but I sware no bullshit the pen persuit 3000 is just as smooth as a twin power

[@bradleyrupska4988]

I love Penn fishing reels!! I two of everything because my wife loves fishing too!! Not a bad thing!! Lol We have two 3500 Squall rod and reels, two 6500 fathom 2 two speed lever drag reels mated to two Penn carnage II rods, then we just bought two Penn 6500 Slammer III's mated to older Penn rods!! My wife says I cannot buy more rod and reels!! Lol 😆😆

[@rider660r]

I prefer Shimano. Even the old and still cheap model,Syncopate,$30 for any of the 3 sizes 1000,2500,4000 is a favorite of mine since the 80's or early 90's. It's caught everything from Bluegill,Cats,Hybrid Striper here to Red and Black Drum from the salt on the 4000.Literally 1000's of fish and never had one problem with it.I cleaned them every year...all I ever have used was vasoline and thin it with WD40 before I buttoned it up.It's still being used by my stepfather,today actually. It also has my favorite option on a spinner,quick fire trigger.Wish most the spinners had the "return to home" feature at the least... I am more of a casting/round/conventional reel guy,actually pulling out all my Crappie reels (1000-2500) and replacing them with 70,80 and atm a couple Shimano Caius 151's instead of the Citica 201b.Casters are all around better if you know how to use them and are at least decent with them.Been using them since the late 80's. That old 201b has caught every thing in fresh besides Sturgeon,salmon and a couple others as we don't have them here in South Central PA. I did get my 1st penn though last year before this covid BS started...or was that the end of 2019...yeah it was. Squall 60 lefty lever drag.It on my 50-80 shark rod.I may get another squall(20 or 30) if it turns out to be decent for the bigger cats

[@turboboy0]

ive been a shakespeare guy for decades but recently i have been switching to penn. i now have a source of new reels for crazy cheap. just picked up a pursuit4 4000 AND a pursuit4 6000 for $70 total. he also has fierce 3000 for $35 but i didnt pick any up.

[@JonathanAKuhn]

Hey JC, perhaps you can help me. Can you troll with a 4000? or 6000 spinning reel? Or spinning you find to be casting mostly.

[@legendaryedu]

I’m new to the fishing game. I’m been watching a few videos trying to learn the basics. I’ve been considering Penn Pursuit iii to start off. Normally i use my friends rod, though it be nice to have my own. Is there any rods or budget rods in specifically that works best with the penn pursuit iii reel? I’m fishing in freshwater 10-15 feet water i assume & shore fishing? Love your video! Definitely into penns now!

[@RadReelingFishing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jILJmYKYhMmokNE

[@jettercool]

I own 4 myself and like you said , they are work horses. I have 2 2500, 1 3000 and 1 6000

[@Fishmaster5353]

I love Penn reels, this reel is perfect if you are an occasional fisherman. I fish daily and this reel shit the bed after about 2 months. I recommend a spinfisher or battle 3

[@igotatan1]

Have you tried the Wrath series yet, I just bought a 8000 combo came with a 10' heavy action, wow,... for the price, I can't believe it. It's impressive.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yes, I have a 4000 that I've been trying out for a while now. I really like it.

[@Massiverobsfishing]

I have 2x 2500 1x 5000 and 2x 8000 love them. I have 2 spinfishers 10500 and a slammer too rate the pursuits over the spinfisher too

[@jams1533]

How does it hold up for surf fishing

[@Lucas-kg2fn]

I agree with penn reels are great

[@KayakKingdom]

also the fierce lineup is affordable and very good

[@Bum5GHTKrew]

My Walmart has the pursuit 3 2500 for 30$ and the fierce 3 3000 for 70$! I bought both so I basically bought a fierce and got the pursuit free seeing how academy has the fierce 3 for 100$

[@jackdude2626]

just back from gulf coast of fl fishing with a BG the whole time thinking why didnt i bring my pursuits i just dont like the drag on the BG

[@502austin8]

Hey man thinking about buying of thease to pair with some 9 foot berrypro surf rods. Do you think the 6009 size will be a good fit?

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yes because the 6000 will have a large spool and cast longer than a 4000. Here's a good video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammrmIWYbsaVntE

[@lukeloop]

What is that little latch at the bottom for.?

[@murad8071]

Penn prsuit 3 and ugly sticks got my arm swole snook fishing in daytona thanks jc

[@joeytrimarco233]

I replaced the drag washers on my pursuit 2 reels with carbon fiber washers off eBay. I just bought 2 pursuit 3 6000 reels and wondering how they are going to hold up to a tarpon. My battle and spinfisher penn reels hold up to tarpon just fine with the metal body. Concerned about the graphite body and flex on a big fish. We shall see.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I caught that huge Goliath Grouper on the 6000. I hope yours performs as well as mine did.

[@jaynavarro7375]

Awesome video, what size line did you have on the 6k pursuit ?

[@RadReelingFishing]

I have 30 braid on one and 50 braid on another.

[@jaynavarro7375]

@@RadReelingFishing Wow that’s crazy !! I’m gonna assume you caught the grouper with the 50lb braid ??!! 😅

[@kermitchillin872]

Used it for a bit, got a bluefish on (3000 reel) and discovered the line spooler broke off from the bottom and the drag was stripped 😢.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yep I believe it. I used a 3000 in saltwater and the gears stripped out. I own several 4000 that I use in saltwater all the time and the gears hold up much better than the 3000.

[@mancingliarmedan]

nice video my friend

[@tylershadle4445]

Trying to get a saltwater set up. I have a 6’6 medium rod and a 7’0 medium heavy rod. What size reels do you think i should get for each of these rods?

[@RadReelingFishing]

I use 4000 spinning reels the most or all around use.

[@papiomasta1195]

Out of all my reels my peen pursuit II 3000 caught most of my fish. Still super smooth w no problem. I switched the original felt drag washers to carbontex drag washers. Simple and one of the best bang for your $$$. A guy on youtube caught a tiger shark on a 12ft ugly stik w a Penn pursuit II 8000 so says a lot about the pursuit line reels.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I tried the 3000 in Saltwater, but caught too many Snook on it. The gears gave out after about 8 months of use. My 4000 and 6000 are work horses though.

[@xKINGxZERx]

there is a great deal on walmart right now do you think it would be overkill for freshwater? looking for something to start with and eventually fish in saltwater.

[@RadReelingFishing]

2500 size for freshwater

[@jelly_fishing]

What happened to the Walmart special!! - Definitely Penn reels are solid

[@RadReelingFishing]

The review on the Ozark Trail reel is coming soon.

[@papiomasta1195]

@ 16:15 what size reel did you catch that Goliath grouper w that 7ft ugly stik bigwater rod and hiw heavy that grouler? I have 2 of those ugly stik big water rods...nothing big yet but you just prove that those rods are Proven worthy to.

[@RadReelingFishing]

6000, I estimate the grouper was 150 lbs. It was a monster. You can see the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2SVdHeNqbuUn5o

[@chrisc1291]

What size reel do I want for an 11ft surf rod for catching whiting / reds / drum in the surf?

[@RadReelingFishing]

The bigger the reel the further you can cast.

[@ArizonaMMJ]

Rad - How do these hold up if they get wet? Compared to like a Fierce III?

[@RadReelingFishing]

Keep the rinsed off of course, but if it gets dunked completely under for a second, no big deal, any longer, I always remove the side case, blast it out with wd40 and regrease the gears and then it's good to go. They are super easy to work on. Here's a video you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWjRc3qKaapqhc0

[@montycraig5659]

Hey folks, this is going to be my first Penn purchase. I have used Abu Gracias in fresh water for the most part, but as I reach retirement age, I am hoping to get to Florida for some inshore fishing. Being completely new to Penn, I am guessing that I can use these reels in both fresh, and salt water. Correct? My next question is, what size is an overall size for the pursuit 4? And finally, given the choice, should I choose a Pursuit 3 or 4? Yes my goal is to get a reel I can salt water fish with, but I will probably be using it in fresh water mostly. I expect my target fish would be bass, and crappie, or bluegill. Probably way too much info, but it is hard to guess at the size, and model looking at Amazon… Thanks for your help.

[@RadReelingFishing]

The Pursuit 4 has better sealed bearing than the 3, but both are excellent reels in fresh or saltwater. I've used the 3 model in saltwater for several years with no issues at all. I also use the model 4 all the time with no issues at all. I feel a 4000 size reel is a good all around choice, but the following paragraph will shed some light on your question. The size of the reel will depend on the size of the fish you will be going after in saltwater. There are many variables when it comes to fishing with spinning reels. Such as, how far do you need to cast? Will you be fishing around heavy structure? How big are the fish you're targeting? I use the combo in this video in fresh and saltwater: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jILJmYKYhMmokNE

[@rchydrozz751]

I have the Pursuit III 4000. Just be aware, these are not true to other 4000 size reels, they are a little smaller. For the price and smoothness you cant beat them.

[@MikhailLiakhovskiy]

All good fish in Volga river with black caviar

[@scottkellogg8145]

I just bought a Penn spinning combo don't have a number

[@alfonsoflores7548]

The problem I see with new reels they have opening on the spools and that is a salt catcher or water catcher

[@alexguzman2749]

I went to two different Walmart’s and they were sold out so I ordered a 4000 pursuit 3 online instead before they actually sell out

[@RadReelingFishing]

The supply and demand is pushing the price up on these reels...

[@trampster7306]

Hi JC - nice review! I love Penn reels! Just picked up a Surfblaster 2 8000 for not much more than the cost of a couple of Beers - an old chap had used it once and decided to give up fishing. You make me jealous of you guys over there in the USA with the prices. That Pursuit 2 6000 in Walmart was $55.74, which equals £40.07 in UK £ sterling. Cheapest I can get one here on offer is £68 which is $94.56. Poor old UK always seems to get ripped off. Oh, and I recognised that boat when you caught that huge Redfish! 😉😉 Stay safe & well - see ya! 👍👍

[@blake_229]

Considering getting a Penn IV 4k but which gear ratio is best?

[@RadReelingFishing]

I personally like high speed reels because I can slow down a high reel, but have difficulty speeding up a low speed reel.

[@smooveb191]

I have the 2500 3000 and 5000. I use the 2500 for fresh water and the other 2 for saltwater best bang for the money

[@kylen1922]

Would u get the 2500 or 3000 for salmon fishing freshwater.

[@smooveb191]

@@kylen1922 they are about the same size depends on what line your using I like the 2500 it holds enough 15 lb braid for me.

[@jafetjuarez5983]

question us the penn III 4000 reel vs the pen persuit IV 4000 the size change alot right

[@RadReelingFishing]

no size change, major changes are just the handle and bearings are different.

[@jafetjuarez5983]

@@RadReelingFishing so this 4000 model can handle a 30 pound fish?

[@SavHabitz]

What size spinning rod is best for the 6000?

[@RadReelingFishing]

I like the ugly Stik big water, kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6emY4yLmMqCe6s

[@SavHabitz]

@@RadReelingFishing thanks! Happy fishing

[@and1vibeht719]

I have a pursuit 5 2500 reel it works dreams with river fish it lacks on the medium size fish that have more power. It’s a challenge with Australia salmon no matter how much drag weight it does ain’t going to tire out the fish in time you’ll get snagged all fish will come off the hook.

[@thechadfishing5623]

Can you throw another bass fishing video in soon?

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching. I'll have to see about arranging a bass fishing trip sometime...

[@jasonjohnson9403]

im sold

[@turnkoko486]

penn pursuit III 4000How far can you do it?

[@RadReelingFishing]

Not sure what you are asking?

[@buccboy68]

What line you run on the 4000

[@RadReelingFishing]

15 lb braid.

[@candykaneish1]

What about the 5000?

[@Alexander6749]

I dropped mine in the salt water.. never cleaned it …I just serviced it. Now about 2 years later and it feels just about brand new ..

[@RadReelingFishing]

Now that's amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@yajtramer6913]

I love my Penn persuit 3 6000 combo Rainbow steelhead Chinook coho Owen sound Ontario. 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒

[@kenaaronbabbit9987]

Use it and take it back use it take it back

[@seanpatun9875]

I want.

[@ricardoplata9118]

I just bought a Penn pursuit IV 6000. I'm just trying to figure out a good rod to pair with it! Any suggestions?

[@RadReelingFishing]

If you are surf fishing you'll want a rod that is pretty long in length 8' or more. 7' rod is a good all around size for multiple types of fishing. A reasonably priced rod would be the Big Water Ugly Stik here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6emY4yLmMqCe6s

[@ricardoplata9118]

@@RadReelingFishing thanks so much! Just picked up the 7' ugly stik big water!! Can't wait to put it in action this coming weekend!

[@donaldbriola7772]

You sold me sir

[@ronweaver6731]

i love our logic ,60.00 or 250. 00 reel? they both do the same thing.

[@PierRat420]

Different drag

[@PierRat420]

Pursuit 8000 drag vs a saragossa pretty sure there's a big difference

[@jasonudchitz302]

That Penn weights a ton more then that BG does. Penns are great, but heavy reels.

[@RadReelingFishing]

You might research that. I think the Penn Pursuit 4000 is a couple ounces lighter than a Diawa BG 4000.

[@jackdude2626]

JC is correct

[@HookSettinHooligans]

BG weighs 14 oz the Penn is 12

[@davidleekalbjr.3035]

It's no secret.

[@enriquefernandez9898]

Daiwa give you more for the money ...

[@aleksandyrveliki162]

this pen in my country is 100 usd

[@sawftbunzzz]

its crap

[@gabrielduarte3904]

maaan, a daiwa bg is around a 100 bucks! and is a way way better reel than these pursuit 3 penns... if you paid 250 bucks for it, you got scammed big time.

[@kameronjones6633]

Jewfish is crazy😂

[@iamher6422]

Sorry, but Penn is NOT what is it used to be! I barely got 15 hrs. out of my Penn 4000 before my whole bail system konk'd out... You get what you pay for!

[@RadReelingFishing]

Really? What happened to your bail system and what Penn where you using?

[@iamher6422]

@@RadReelingFishing Penn fierce2 - 4000. It went bonkers. I’ve been a Penn buff for eons, but as of late, they’re quality is not what it used to be, in my eyes, at least.. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Do you have a vid on what causes bails to stop working and/or engaging? Don’t know, maybe I’m doing something that I’m just not noticing… I’ve had other reels do the same. Could it be the way I store them. I usually toss them in my trunk. Not sure if they’re getting tossed and banged up thus resulting on the bail to bend.. Perplexed here… 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@RadReelingFishing]

@@iamher6422 Interesting profile name. Are you really a girl?

[@iamher6422]

@@RadReelingFishing I know, I’m not supposed to be doing these types of things, eh…? 🤣🤦🏽‍♀️😂😂

[@RadReelingFishing]

So you’re a boy then right? Thanks for watching the video. I hope you’re subscribed.

[@peterkerns8343]

These are not real Penn reels. They are rebranded pflueger reels just with the Penn label slapped on. All Chinese made garbage.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I don't agree. I've been using these reels for many years now and they are excellent.

[@peterkerns8343]

@@RadReelingFishing I have a vintage Penn 704. It's about 45 years old and still works fine. It will last another 30 years. The old Penn reels were rock solid tanks. All this new chinese made crap is disposable after 2 to 5 years. I had a Penn sargus when they first came out in 2008. The main gear stripped out after 4 months of catching bluefish. I also had a Penn battle and the paint finish wore off after 1 season despite rinsing it off after every trip.

[@sawftbunzzz]

@@RadReelingFishing they are crap

[@HookSettinHooligans]

All reels nowadays are made in China. They all pull in fish and get you out of the house.