Penn Reels

January 2005
Rating: Excellent

Penn is the company that we bought our trolling equipment from

We run two stand up trolling rod combo units (Penn Senators) off the back of the cat whenever we are sailing. We bought these units new for a combined $500 US back in 2001 from some old dude in Ocean City. In that time they have been inside for a combined 3 months. The rest of the time they live in rod holders exposed to the salt, sun and sea.

We've put over 20,000 miles on these rods and numerous fish both big and small, and up until about a month ago they have never complained. Last month, we snagged a 6 foot, 100 lbs Swordfish and after fighting with him, one of our reels had a minor meltdown.

The reel was easy enough to fix, and preventative maintenance may have kept it from failing altogether. I think I have changed out the oil in them twice in the time that we have owned them, so they definitely hold up to abuse.

We like them so much, we are thinking of adding two more the next time we refit.