Company: PENN Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co. · Founded: 1932, Philadelphia · Parent: Pure Fishing · Category: Slow pitch jigging reels
PENN doesn’t label any reel “slow pitch.” But walk into a Florida tackle shop and ask for an affordable slow pitch reel, and you’ll likely be shown a PENN Fathom. Retailers such as Half Hitch Tackle in the Panhandle have pages of “PENN Fathom conventional reels recommended for slow pitch.” The narrow-spool Fathom II Lever Drag 2-Speed is the most common choice, and the Fathom Low Profile baitcaster is popular for light slow pitch. PENN also sells Battalion II Slow Pitch rods to go with them.
This review covers the PENN reels that suit slow pitch, their specs and prices, which size to choose, and where to buy.
Company overview
PENN was founded in Philadelphia in 1932 by Otto Henze. It became part of K2 in 2007, then Jarden’s Pure Fishing. Pure Fishing, including PENN, was sold to Sycamore Partners in January 2019. PENN’s address is 3028 West Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132 ((800) 892-5444, [email protected]). The Torque is still built in the USA “of domestic and imported components.”
PENN is also covered in our PENN Electric Reels review (Fathom Electric).
At a glance
| Most-used slow pitch reel | Fathom II Lever Drag 2-Speed (LD2), $299.95–$369.95 |
| Single-speed option | Fathom II Lever Drag (LD), $279.95–$329.95 |
| Low profile | Fathom Baitcast (LP), $269.95–$499.95 · Squall Baitcast, $189.95–$249.95 |
| Premium, US-built | Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed, $599.95–$659.95 |
| Warranty | 1 year from authorized dealers |
| Florida dealers | Half Hitch Tackle (Destin, Panama City Beach, Navarre), Johnny Jigs (Pompano Beach) |
Fathom II Lever Drag 2-Speed (LD2)
This is the PENN most often recommended for slow pitch. The narrow “N” models have a smaller-diameter spool for easier line control and lighter weight, and the two-speed Quick-Shift II gives you a low gear to crank big fish up from deep water.
Features: full metal body and side plate, Dura-Drag washers, stainless main and pinion gears, Quick-Shift II two-speed, pull-to-turn preset knob and a forged aluminum spool. All models have 5 stainless bearings.
Specifications (Mystic Reel Parts) and prices (pennfishing.com)
| Model | Gear (high/low) | Retrieve | Max drag | Weight | Braid capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTHII10XNLD2 | 6.2 / 2.8:1 | 32″ / 14″ | 20 lb | 15.8 oz | 425/15, 345/20, 260/30 | $299.95 |
| FTHII15LD2 | 6.2 / 2.8:1 | 32″ / 14″ | 20 lb | 16.6 oz | 550/20, 410/30, 335/40 | $329.95 |
| FTHII15XNLD2 | 5.5 / 2.8:1 | 38″ / 19″ | 33 lb | 18.7 oz | 710/20, 535/30, 435/40 | $369.95 |
| FTHII25NLD2 | 5.5 / 2.8:1 | 38″ / 19″ | 33 lb | 18.5 oz | 675/30, 555/40, 475/50 | $369.95 |
| FTHII30LD2 | 5.5 / 2.8:1 | 38″ / 19″ | 33 lb | 20.3 oz | 740/40, 635/50, 525/65 | $369.95 |
| FTHII40NLD2 | 6.0 / 1.9:1 | 50″ / 16″ | 40 lb | 24.1 oz | 785/50, 655/65, 565/80 | $389.95 |
Left-hand versions are available in the 15XN, 25N, 30 and 40N. The larger 60N and 80 are heavier big-game reels.
Which size for slow pitch?
– 10XN (15.8 oz, 20 lb drag): light slow pitch with PE 1.5–2 and jigs up to about 200 g. New Zealand Fishing News used a 10XN as a slow jig reel and praised its free-spool with heavier strike settings.
– 15XN (18.7 oz, 33 lb drag): the all-rounder for Florida slow pitch. It holds 535 yd of 30 lb braid, retrieves 38″ per turn and has enough drag for big grouper.
– 25N: more capacity for deep ledges, heavier braid and bigger fish.
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Fathom II Lever Drag (single speed)
The single-speed Fathom II LD is simpler and a little lighter. All models are right hand with 5 bearings.
| Model | Gear | Max drag | Braid capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTHII15LD | 5.3:1 | 20 lb | 550/20, 410/30, 335/40 | $279.95 |
| FTHII25NLD | 5.3:1 | 33 lb | 675/30, 555/40, 475/50 | $309.95 |
| FTHII30LD | 5.3:1 | 33 lb | 740/40, 635/50, 525/65 | $309.95 |
| FTHII40NLDHS | 7.1:1 | 40 lb | 1,500/20, 1,125/30, 920/40 | $329.95 |
TackleDirect also sells a single-speed FTHII10XNLD at $279.95.
Who it’s for: Anglers who want the Fathom’s lever drag at a lower price and don’t need a low gear.
Fathom Low Profile (Fathom Baitcast)
A low profile baitcaster palms nicely on a light slow pitch rod and keeps the outfit light. PENN doesn’t market it for jigging, but it’s popular for light slow pitch (one YouTube review calls it “The Perfect Slow Jigging Reel”).
Features: full metal body, stainless main gear, HT-100 drag, TiN-coated level wind, dual-action casting brake, 7 bearings.
| Size | Gear (std / HS) | Retrieve | Max drag | Weight | Braid capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 6.6 / 8.0:1 | 27″ / 33″ | 24 lb | 8.1 oz | 235/20, 180/30, 125/50 |
| 300 | 7.3 / 9.2:1 | 34″ / 43″ | 30 lb | 9.2 oz | 310/20, 235/30, 165/50 |
| 400 | 6.2 / 7.6:1 | 34″ / 42″ | 25 lb | 13.9 oz | 285/30, 235/40, 200/50 |
| 500 | 4.5 / 6.7:1 | 34″ / 42″ | 25 lb | 14.3 oz | 285/50, 235/65, 205/80 |
Prices (pennfishing.com): 200 from $269.95 (left hand) · 300 $349.95 · 400 $379.95 · 500 $499.95. The Saltwater Edge listed the 200 at $269.95, 300 at $299.95 and 400 at $319.95.
Slow pitch tip: The 400 and 500 hold enough PE 2–3 braid for 200–300 ft ledges. The 200 and 300 suit lighter jigs in shallower water. A level wind isn’t ideal for fast drops, so some anglers prefer the Fathom II LD for deep work.
Budget alternative: The Squall Baitcast runs $189.95–$249.95 with up to 24 lb drag and brass gears.
Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed (premium)
If you want a PENN built to last, the Torque has a machined anodized aluminum body, Quick-Shift two-speed, Dura-Drag and double-dog anti-reverse, and it’s made in the USA of domestic and imported components. All models have 6 bearings.
| Model | Gear | Retrieve | Max drag | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRQ15LD2 | 6.0 / 2.8:1 | 30″ | 20 lb | 16.7 oz | $599.95 |
| TRQ15XNLD2 | 5.5 / 2.8:1 | 38″ | 33 lb | 20.4 oz | $629.95 |
| TRQ25NLD2 | 5.5 / 2.8:1 | 38″ | 33 lb | 21.2 oz | $629.95 |
| TRQ40NLD2 | 5.1 / 2.5:1 | 42″ | 40 lb | 26.1 oz | $659.95 |
PENN doesn’t market the Torque for slow pitch, and it’s heavier than dedicated slow pitch reels. It makes sense if you want one tough 2-speed reel for jigging, bottom fishing and trolling.
Choosing a PENN for slow pitch
| Your fishing | Best PENN |
|---|---|
| Light slow pitch, jigs up to about 200 g | Fathom II 10XNLD2 or Fathom LP 300 |
| All-round Florida slow pitch, 150–300 g | Fathom II 15XNLD2 |
| Deep ledges, heavier braid, big fish | Fathom II 25NLD2 |
| Budget single speed | Fathom II 15LD or 25NLD |
| One premium reel for everything | Torque 15XN or 25N |
Pair it with: PENN’s Battalion II Slow Pitch rods, or see Shimano, Daiwa and Temple Reef slow pitch rods.
Tuning a Fathom for slow pitch
- Consider a power handle. J&H Tackle lists an offset rubberized power handle on the Fathom II LD2. A longer handle makes lifting heavy jigs easier.
- Set the preset for a light strike drag. On a soft slow pitch rod, a light drag keeps hooks in.
- Use the low gear when a fish is heavy and deep, then shift back up for the next drop.
- Rinse and loosen the drag after every trip to protect the Dura-Drag washers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Affordable lever drag reels from $279.95
- Narrow-spool 2-speed Fathom II models suit slow pitch well
- Strong drag (33 lb) on the 15XN and 25N
- Left-hand versions available
- Low profile options for light slow pitch
- US-built Torque for durability
- Widely stocked in Florida
Cons
- No reel PENN markets specifically for slow pitch
- Heavier than dedicated Japanese slow pitch reels
- Only 5 bearings on the Fathom II
- 1-year warranty, shorter than many rivals
- Level wind on the low profiles slows deep drops
PENN vs. other slow pitch reels
| Reel | Drag | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENN Fathom II 15XNLD2 | 33 lb | 18.7 oz | $369.95 |
| Okuma Tesoro LDJ | 26–46 lb (sources vary) | about 21 oz | $469.99 |
| Accurate BV-300-SPJ | 24 lb | 9.9 oz | $509.99 |
| Shimano Ocea Jigger 2000NR HG | 22 lb | 21 oz | $539.99–$569.99 |
Where to buy PENN slow pitch reels
Florida
– Half Hitch Tackle (family-owned since 1972) · main line 888-668-9810 · halfhitch.com
– Destin: 621 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 837-3121
– Panama City Beach · (850) 234-2621
– Navarre: 8711 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566 · (850) 939-9885
– Johnny Jigs Tackle, 709 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 · (954) 889-4915: Fathom II narrow 2-speed
Online
– PENN · pennfishing.com
– TackleDirect · 888-354-7335
– Mystic Reel Parts, Little Egg Harbor, NJ: Fathom II 15XNLD2 at $309.95
– J&H Tackle, The Saltwater Edge, Fishermen’s Source (Ocean Township, NJ)
Buy online (Amazon)
Verdict
PENN’s Fathom II Lever Drag 2-Speed, especially the 15XN, is one of the best-value slow pitch reels you can buy in Florida. It has a narrow spool, a 33 lb lever drag, a low gear for big fish and a price under $370. It’s heavier than a Shimano Ocea Jigger or Accurate Valiant SPJ, and PENN doesn’t design it specifically for slow pitch, but it’s tough, easy to service and stocked everywhere.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Value 5/5 · Durability 4.5/5 · Slow pitch refinement 3.5/5 · Weight 3/5 · Florida availability 5/5
FAQ
What PENN reel is best for slow pitch?
The Fathom II Lever Drag 2-Speed 15XN (FTHII15XNLD2): 5.5/2.8:1, 38″ per turn, 33 lb drag, 18.7 oz, $369.95.
Does PENN make a slow pitch reel?
PENN doesn’t label any reel as slow pitch. It does sell Battalion II Slow Pitch rods, and retailers recommend the Fathom II LD2 and Fathom Low Profile for slow pitch.
Is the PENN Fathom Low Profile good for slow pitch?
Yes, for light slow pitch. The 400 and 500 sizes hold enough braid for deeper ledges.
What warranty do PENN reels have?
One year from the original purchase, when bought from an authorized dealer.
Specifications and prices were checked against pennfishing.com, Mystic Reel Parts, Half Hitch Tackle, TackleDirect and New Zealand Fishing News on September 26, 2026.