Penn Low Profile Baitcast Reels: Fathom & Squall

[@tunanorth]

Although both Fathom and Squall models have an aluminum frame, another difference is that in the 200-size, the [crank handle side] sideplate is graphite on the Squalls, and aluminum on the Fathoms.

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

for sure definitely left that part out. thanks for adding

[@PakNdakKoba]

Very informative review. Sums up everything i need to know about this reel. Thanks man

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Thank you for watching and dropping your positive comment!

[@benjaminsims544]

Thanks man, really helps !

[@mastersunfish]

Those look beautiful

[@boballison123123]

Great video, it was really helpful! I like fishing light tackle, do you think the 200 would be ok for fluke and stripers?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Yes it would be for finesse applications... casting small stuff or light jigging, but not live bait fishing. I like my 200's for fluke fishing the bay however out front it's too small for my liking. Also I find it too small for most of my striped bass fishing.

[@SoenkeBrandt]

I have purchased the penn fanthom 300 bait casting reel last week and used it for fishing yesterday day. Very nice product however is it normal that the level winder does not move in free spool is that normal? Thanks

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Yes that is normal. The reason it is designed that way is to optimize casting distance. If the level wind was driven during a cast it would cut back casting significantly.

[@SoenkeBrandt]

@@FishermansHeadquarters Thank you

[@am44_67]

Just snagged a Fathom 300, what are the chances you guys could do a video on the ideal break setup for longs casting without backlashes?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Sorry I missed it until now. Great idea and I'll keep it in the back pocket for future video ideas. Recently it has been tough due to lack of time. One of the easiest tried and true method for tuning a conventional style reel is to first max out the mag cast setting (if there is one). Then apply some spool resistance by turning the spool bearing cap. Now with what ever the lure or casting weight you'll be using hold the rod horizontal and put the reel in free spool without thumbing the spool. Review how the spool reacts, over spins and slows. Then make adjustments adding more or less spool resistance. It should over spin just the slightest bit. Please note you do not what the spool to just stop because this amount of resistance would hurt the distance of your cast. Now it's time to cast. Start off with easy cast and then gradually apply more power eventually aggressively casting. Once comfortable with how the reel is reacting and performing it is time to back off the mag a click or two. Then backing off the spool resistance a click or two. Backing off in small increments is key. Always cast a couple times between easy setting change. Through these changes and casts you should be educating your thumb with each cast applying more or less resistance as needed. Hope this helps and is a clear and easy set of tips to follow.

[@jarod5179]

How is the casting on the Squall? I’m thinkin about getting a 400 size for musky fishing in and I’ll be mainly casting.

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

I can't say it is the best casting low profile reel on the market but it is very good for it's comparable price range. I have no experience with musky fishing; however I'm very happy with my 400 casting large lures (swim baits, bucktail jigs, flutter spoons) to striped bass. Hope that helps. If you are looking to buy now I can share coupon code FIVEOFF will save you 5%... fishermansheadquarters.com/penn-squall-low-profile-reel/

[@BrokenRRT]

Thanks for video but you missed out on what many of us are here to see and that’s a size line up. 300 vs 400

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Great Point! My bad for sure. There is a very large size difference between the 300 and 400 size. Both sizes were in the video but I failed to clearly identify the two and show the difference. I wish I could go back and add in but that's the beauty of a blog and the drawback of a video.

[@SD-kp1yk]

is there a size Squall thats reccomended fr fluke fishing North East 10 - 40 feet depths thank you kindly

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

I fish the 200 and 300 size mostly for fluke. If you have questions, please give us a call at the shop to discuss the topic.

[@cjreyes22]

Do you have the fathom available??

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Yes we have some in stock. Please give us a call to talk about specific models and stock.

[@Luke-ig9fw]

Would this be a good ocean reel like say calico fishing in San Diego

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

We don't know much about the west coast scene but would agree. These low pro reels from Penn would be a good reel for calico bass fishing.

[@Luke-ig9fw]

@@FishermansHeadquarters thanks I’m planning on buying the squall on Black Friday

[@teefishes]

Check out dudefishtv, I helped with a reel review on the penn fathom 200 and 300. We went to San Clemente

[@Luke-ig9fw]

@@teefishes thanks

[@diegogarza4581]

So what are the main features that the fathom possesses that makes the price point 100 dollars more than the squall?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

The upgrades are... improved (TiN coated levelwind) line guide, dual action casting break (mag and centrifugal), bronze pinion gear with extra bearing support making the reel's total bearing count 6+1, metal side plate with an easier access for more simple internal adjustments

[@gabrielbaizeau9551]

The Revo BEAST rocket and Penn fathom 300 his same no ? Thanks for you vidéos

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Penn and Abu are both in the same Pure Fishing Family... while we can not say exact if Abu actually makes them for the Penn brand is sure looks like it. It's safe to say they share a lot of similarities.

[@hzh8793]

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[@propbraker]

I'm assuming these are being used for bass fishing too?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

These low pro reels from Penn will be used for a lot of different things. They set out to make a saltwater low profile reel building off what their "sister company" Abu has done in my eyes to catch up to other brands in the market place (Daiwa & Shimano). I got a Squall and so far have had a blast catching striped and bass and tog on the reel. I'll be fluke fishing with it next season too. As far as fresh water, it will fit perfectly for anglers that are looking for a durable reel. Not the lightest, best casting but two series that will get a lot done. Great to see Penn finally putting a couple low profile reels out there after too may years sleeping on the trend.

[@snagerforrepyt6018]

Will you guys have green crabs in stock tomorrow?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Yes we have green crabs today and expect to have them for the next few days. Beyond that it’s all up to if the deliveries show

[@ВикторВиктор-л7н]

Penn Fathom 300 LP LH Box - What does the title mean- Box?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

The LP is short for Low Profile. There are a lot of different model Penn Fathoms so this designates the low profile bait caster. The LH is for Left Hand. Many bait cast style reels are made in both left hand and right handle retrieve.

[@stepheno.2730]

Are these reels still holding up well? I’m cross shopping the tranx and new lexa too but if the penns can hold up, I could save a few bucks putting reels on 8 rods

[@Wastingtime689]

Both the tranx and the lexa are nicer than the squall. They both feel better, have longer lasting bearings, and more easily controllable casting breaks. That being said, the squall and fathom will survive most of what you throw at them. If you don't submerge them, they should last you long enough.

[@IFeelfishy]

Do either of these have the auto free spool trip like the Accurist? Meaning when your thumb is on the release button line can go out, but as soon as you release the pressure it locks back up.

[@ecksdog]

Probably not. That’s called a flipping switch and it’s really a freshwater bass reel thing.

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

No sorry Penn didn't release these reels with the "Flip'N Switch". These reels are straight up thumb button to disengage for free spool and turn the handle to re-engage.

[@thatonebeone]

awsome! what reel size and rod length you recommend for sea inshore fishing for calico bass and some top water fish... new to this and im looking that something with 7 gear ratio reels are the good ideal range for speed and low retrieving.. looking for a 200 size and maybe 300 size bait cast.. i need something maybe little high on the drag side maybe 13 pounds +

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of the series (Fathom or Squall) as they are both great reels. Choose the one that fits your budget. Both come in a variety of options (sizes and gear ratios)

[@oscarjimenez5978]

which is better the Fantom o Squall

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

The Fathom has the upgraded - performance tuned features.

[@GiovannyMoscozo]

Do you know if Penn is going to make Penn Fathom ll Level Wind in 2 speed?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

These low profile reels come in different gear ratios to fit anglers preferences however I doubt you'll ever see a two speed low profile reel.

[@trancemusic8805]

if i purchase them from you can you put line on them before you ship?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Absolutely. Give us a call to discuss options 16094945739

[@dujedelic6824]

Dođeš Squall 300 have better,stronger internals than Revo beast X? Good reel for Pike fishing with lures 40-120 grams (1.5-4.5 oz) ...Wanna buy one for swimbaits have a Komodo SS 364 which is a tank...Will this reel last?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

While I can't confirm the exact internals SQL VS Revo I can share that from what I gather Penn used Abu's tooling to build these "new" low profile baitcasters. There's a lot of similarities and being in the same family of brands under the parent company Pure Fishing it makes sense that they would share. Sorry I don't pike fish but I can share my experiences with the Squall and Fathom low profile reels. I have and my charters have caught a lot of fish on the reels and so far so good. No issues. For the most part I am casting 2oz bucktail jigs and 6-9" rubber shads (swimbaits). I'm also jigging and bottom fishing with these reels. They are holding up great and look forward to fishing and abusing them some more this new year of 2022.

[@dujedelic6824]

@@FishermansHeadquarters Thx alot man ....Its a fairly light reel for 300 size, compact one,what you think about casting 4oz lures on Squall300,or go with Curado,Tatula 300? 100mm oversized handles?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

@@dujedelic6824 Sorry I don't have much experience fishing the Tatula or Curado. I'm a fan of the Shimano Tranx and these from Penn. That's what I've been fishing in recent seasons. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the reels you have listed. All major manufactures are putting out some great reels. Just make sure you choose the one that has the gearing, drag and line capacity you need as well as fitting your budget.

[@rickbold9337]

Are those reels good for slow pitch jigging?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Can't say these low profile reels from Penn were designed for the traditional Japanese slow pitch jigging however a lot of the new products in the domestic market are not really "slow pitch" in the traditional Japanese respect. They are more of a hybrid that's evolving to better fit all of our needs here in the United States with our fisheries. With that said I have a 68M Penn Battalion II Slow Pitch Casting with a Penn Squall 300. It has been great for jigging sea bass and smaller class striped bass in my local waters of Central NJ. I found the rod (as well as other slow pitch rods) to be too soft rod for my fluke fishing preferences. Slow pitch rods are soft so I'f that is what you are looking for check out the Battalion.

[@rickbold9337]

@@FishermansHeadquarters thanks so much for your expertise and suggestions!

[@mrmagoo6178]

Witch one is non disengaging level wind

[@Jessica37323]

Knowing how much drag would have been nice.

[@jaychino1621]

Fathom hg vs lexa tw hg, which one would be better to get?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

That's a good one. I really like both my Penn Fathom and my Daiwa Lexa WN reels. I've caught a lot of fish on both of them; striped bass, fluke and tog here in my local waters of NJ. Between the two of them I think it's a toss up. Both have done me right. Good cranking power out of the gears and both have a solid/smooth drag offering more than I need. I don't own nor have I fished a Lexa TW but I've heard really good things on them. If I had a choose between the two... I would chose the Lexa TW. For one to try it our because I haven't fished it yet (on my list to try this year) and two because it is packed with quality. Can't ever go wrong with a stainless pinion gear matched up with a brass main. The fit and finish on higher end Daiwa products is something Penn can't touch. I would say that the TW's bearings very well could be a class above the Fathom's which will equate to a smooth functioning reel now but also better long range service.

[@waynefrano22]

What would be a great rod for the FTH400LP I’m torn between which one to pick. I’m leaning towards a St Coix. Not sure which one to pick though. Mostly fish fluke, sea bass and tog. Thanks.

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

St Croix has some great options. I matched up my new 400 on a Tsunami 7'6" TSSPJC-761XH rod. So far very happy casting swim baits and bucktails to striped bass as well as jigging and targeting tog with crabs and jigs. -> fishermansheadquarters.com/tsunami-trophy-slow-pitch-conventional-jigging-rod/

[@waynefrano22]

How’s the action on that rod? Was looking at the St. Croix jigging rod or mojo salt. How does it cast? Just got it and haven’t even had a chance to set it up yet.

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

@@waynefrano22 not the best action for casting however the lures (large swim baits, 2oz bucktails) I've fished on it cast really well. I plan to do more bottom fishing and jigging with the reel hence the rod choice.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Nice reels what is is the price of the squall

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

The Penn Squall Low Profile Reel Series starts out at $149.99 and go up to $179.95 fishermansheadquarters.com/penn-squall-low-profile-reel/

[@dennishoward2072]

If I use 65lb braid and 2oz of weight what kinda distance can can I get?

[@dennishoward2072]

On the 300 models?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

hard to predict casting distance of a reel. A lot has to do with the rod that it's paired up with.

[@lou198]

I sold my penns this year on eBay cause parts were no longer available for my SS spinners I have daiwa level winds same age and I can still get parts

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Sorry to hear that. We carry and have carried Penn reel parts for a long time. We’ve got some hard to find things. But it is unfortunate parts are becoming very hard to get for some of their old reels.

[@micahlyons5583]

Is the squall sealed? If not how does it hold up frequently dunked in saltwater?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Neither the Squall/Fathom low profile reels are sealed. They do have stainless bearings but as all stainless bearings they "stain less" and will still rust. The reels are too new to tell how they will hold up to 1-2-3 years of saltwater abuse. IMO the new Penn low profile series of reels was born from the Abu Revo Inshore (and possibly another model or two). These reels/designs have a legit track record in the market place. However as any reel that isn't sealed, a reel needs frequent maintenance when frequently dunked in saltwater.

[@brendanwoerner3352]

No baitcaster is sealed!! You are a idiot to think that a baitcaster will be sealed like a Penn slammer or Van Staal.

[@jackofalltrades5904]

How can I order a fathom 400 with the lowest gear ratio from you guys? And do you ship?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

We have the Fathom 400 HS 7.6:1 as well as the 6.2:1. Yes we ship. Feel free to give us a call at your convenience 16094945739 or shop online... fishermansheadquarters.com/penn-fathom-low-profile-reel/

[@benjaminsims544]

How much 30 lb braid does the 300 hold ?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

The 300 holds roughly 235 yards of 30lbs braid. That number might slightly differ depending on what brand braid you use.

[@fidangyang1995]

These new Penn reels are basically just remodeled saltwater Abu Garcia reels. Either Penn owns Abu or vice versa and they pay the same manufacturer in Korea or China to make them. If you compare a Penn casting reel to an Abu you'll see they have the same components like same frame, handle, side plate, etc.

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Absolutely - common practice among many brands.

[@brendanwoerner3352]

Pure Fishing company owns Penn, Abu Garcia, Van Staal, Quantum, Zebco, and Shakespeare

[@ВикторВиктор-л7н]

Для ловли рыбы 20кг, и грузов 100грамм,какая подойдёт?

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

For catching fish of 20 kg, and weights of 100 grams, which one is suitable? I would suggest the largest Fathom 400. [ Я бы посоветовал самый большой Fathom 400.]

[@ВикторВиктор-л7н]

Ок

[@sxezaki]

Get these to you out

[@amaurypatterson8124]

not a very explicit video , the shows several reels but dont explain anything about them

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Not sure if you actually saw the video or no. There are a variety of the "new" (at that time three years ago) reels shown in the Penn Squall and Fathom Low Profile Baitcast Series. In this simple video, most all of the major highlights were mentioned from body material, gears, bearings, handle/grips and levelwind, as well as some of the major differences between the two series.

[@stripervince1]

I grew up on the northeast coast long Island staten Island ,nj,, been fishing 60 years. WTF is a tog? Some kind of new fish? Or a new nick name for another fish. Never heard of tog before

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

Tog is a slag name for a tautog. Tog have been a bottom fishing game species that anglers have targeted for many years but the past five or so years have become much more popular.

[@mikeodonnell9888]

um its got like this stuff umm and its gold ummm

[@FishermansHeadquarters]

glad you liked the detailed overview

[@brendanwoerner3352]

Big words for you sitting behind a computer!! Greg and his shop is one of the best!

[@robin_lundahl]

Its all a copy of the Abu revo beast series redesigned for penn.

[@tunanorth]

Yes, very similar design with the addition of some improved saltwater-resistant parts and coatings, along with the excellent HT100 drag material, and metal frames in all models. Not sure why that is a problem?

[@robin_lundahl]

@@tunanorth Penn and Abu has a collaberation. This is a way of trying to sell the same reels in a different name. Total humbug in my opinion.

[@tunanorth]

@@robin_lundahl At least in the USA, the Revo Beast is now discontinued, and this model has been upgraded for saltwater and moved to the Penn name. Better reel for saltwater, same price [a bit lower in some cases], so they are not being sold at the same time. The HT100 drag material alone is a substantial improvement for saltwater species. I suppose freshwater anglers chasing muskys etc. would not really care about any of that.