The New 2024 Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reels Review

Last updated on June 8th, 2024 at 01:14 pm

One of the exciting new products unveiled at the recently completed 2023 ICAST (International Convention of Associated Sportfishing) convention was the Penn Spinfisher VII series of spinning reels. Known for building high quality and durable reels, Penn continues to lead the industry with the latest in technology and innovation.

FEATURE	Penn Spinfisher VI 4500	Penn Spinfisher VII 4500	Penn Spinfisher VII Longcast
IMAGE
DRAG	20 lb	20 lb	25 lb
LINE CAPACITY	235yds/12lb Mono	250yd/30lb Braid	490yd/40lb Braid
BRAID READY?	NO	YES	YES
	SEE REVIEWS	SEE REVIEWS	SEE REVIEWS

Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reels

With over six decades under the Spinfisher name of delivering great performance, value, durability, and more, the Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reels continue its well-known and distinguished history into the era for anglers of all walks of life. This reels wide model range, from 2500 up to the heavy-duty 10500, is well suited for targeting the inshore flats or pursuing large pelagics offshore, along with everything in between.

Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers equipped in this reel offer great durability and a buttery smooth drag, taming gamefish of all sizes. The Spinfisher VII reels come with a braid ready spool as well, no more need for backing. For the surf, kayak, or boat angler, these reels offer a great, dependable platform ready to accomplish a day and withstand all the fish and salty environments that are thrown at it.

Penn Spinfisher VII Longcast Spinning Reel

Casting distance is often the limiting factor when surf fishing. Sometimes you just need to get further out from the beach with your bait. The new Spinfisher VII longcast was designed with this in mind. It features IPX5 sealing so whether it gets hit with a wave, or you let it ride in the spray all the way home, you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system.

Their HT-100™ drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give the stopping power needed for big saltwater fish. A Full Metal Body and sideplate keep the CNC Gear System in precise alignment under heavy loads. And, the specially designed longcast spool gives you that added casting distance you need to reach areas that were formerly out of your casting range.

It’s Long Cast designation stems from its taller spool design, which aims at reducing friction of the line when casting. Line lay is ultimately improved with a much more even and consistent orientation over the standard spool, ideal for reaching that far off rip or breaking fish

Penn Spinfisher VII versus the Penn Spinfisher VI

Penn Spinfisher VI and Penn Spinfisher VII are both high-quality spinning reels that are designed for saltwater fishing. They have many similarities, such as the IPX5 water-resistant sealing, the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, the all-metal body, and the CNC gear technology. However, there are also some differences between them that you may want to consider before buying. Here are some of the main differences:

• Size and weight: The Penn Spinfisher VII has a wider range of sizes than the Penn Spinfisher VI, from 2500 to 10500. The Penn Spinfisher VI only goes up to 9500. The Penn Spinfisher VII is also slightly lighter than the Penn Spinfisher VI in most sizes, except for the 10500, which is heavier than the 9500.
• Drag power: The Penn Spinfisher VII has more drag power than the Penn Spinfisher VI in most sizes, except for the 2500 and 4500, which have the same drag power. The Penn Spinfisher VII can handle bigger fish and stronger currents than the Penn Spinfisher VI.
• Spool design: The Penn Spinfisher VII has a braid-ready spool that does not require backing when using braided line. The Penn Spinfisher VI has a rubber gasket on the spool that prevents slippage of braided line, but still requires backing. The Penn Spinfisher VII also has a line capacity ring on the spool that indicates how much line is left.
• Price: The Penn Spinfisher VII is more expensive than the Penn Spinfisher VI in most sizes, except for the 10500, which is cheaper than the 9500. The price difference ranges from $10 to $40 depending on the size.

Spinning Reels for Saltwater and Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is a fun and rewarding activity that requires a reel that can handle the harsh saltwater conditions of the beach and the powerful fish that inhabit the surf zone. When considering a surf fishing reel, you should look for the following features:

Size and line capacity: You want a reel that can hold enough line to cast far and fight big fish. A good rule of thumb is to choose a reel size that allows you to fit 250-300 yards of your preferred line. For most surf fishing situations, a reel size of 4000 to 8000 is suitable, depending on the line diameter and strength.

Gear ratio and retrieve speed: You want a reel that can retrieve line quickly and smoothly, especially when you need to keep up with fast-moving fish or avoid obstacles in the surf. A high gear ratio means that the spool rotates faster for each turn of the handle, resulting in a faster retrieve speed.

A low gear ratio means that the spool rotates slower, but with more torque and power. For surf fishing, you should pick the highest gear ratio you can find for your reel size, as long as it does not compromise the durability or smoothness of the reel. A gear ratio of 5:1 or higher is ideal for most surf fishing scenarios.

For surf fishing, you should ensure that your reel offers at least 20 pounds of drag power, or more if you are targeting larger species. You should also check if the drag system is sealed or shielded from water and sand ingress.

Durability and corrosion resistance: You want a reel that can withstand the wear and tear of surf fishing, which involves exposure to saltwater, sand, sun, wind, and rocks. A good surf fishing reel should be made of strong and lightweight materials, such as aluminum, graphite, or carbon fiber. It should also have a robust construction that prevents flexing or twisting under load.

Additionally, it should have a high level of corrosion resistance, which means that the metal parts are coated or treated to prevent rusting or pitting. You should also check if the reel is designed for saltwater use and that it is watertight or at least water-resistant. Some reels have special features that prevent water and sand from entering the internal parts, such as seals, gaskets, or magnetic systems.

These features help reduce friction, improve line flow, and prevent line twist or dig-in. You should also look for a reel that is easy to use and comfortable to hold. It should have an ergonomic handle that fits your hand size and grip style. It should also have clear markings and indicators for the drag settings, line capacity, and gear ratio.

These are some of the main features that you should look for when considering a surf fishing reel. Of course, there are other factors that may influence your decision, such as price, brand reputation, customer reviews, warranty, etc. However, if you follow these guidelines, you will be able to narrow down your choices and find the best surf fishing reel for your needs.

The Story of Penn Reels: 91 Years of Quality

The history of Penn reels is a fascinating story of innovation, perseverance, and passion for fishing. Penn reels are one of the most popular and trusted brands of fishing reels in the world, especially for saltwater fishing. They have been used to set over 1,400 world records by anglers who rely on their quality and performance. Here is a brief summary of how Penn reels came to be and how they evolved over the years:

In 1933, Henze began selling his reels to the public. The Model F was renamed Sea Hawk, the Model K without a star drag was renamed Bayside, and the Model K with a star drag was renamed Long Beach. These reels were designed for surf fishing and long-distance casting.

Then, in 1936, Henze introduced his most famous reel, the Senator. It was a revolutionary reel that could handle the biggest and most powerful game fish. It had high-speed stainless pinion gears, a durable metal body, and a smooth drag system. The Senator became an instant success and a favorite among anglers and charter boat captains.

In 1942, Penn Reels moved to a new facility on West Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. The company continued to grow and produce more models of reels for different types of fishing.

Unfortunately, in 1948, Henze died suddenly at the age of 51. His wife, Martha, took over the company as its president. She was one of the few women of her time to run a major business. She kept Penn Reels going strong and expanded its market worldwide.

In 1953, Penn Reels introduced the Peerless No. 9, a light-tackle reel for freshwater fishing. In 1959, Penn Reels had over 150 reels in production for all kinds of fishing.

It was in 1961, that Penn Reels launched its first spinning reel, the Spinfisher 700. It was a saltwater spinning reel that could withstand corrosion and water intrusion. In 1966, Penn Reels introduced the International series, which were specially built for big-game tournament fishing.

Penn Reels celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1982. And, in 1985, it introduced the International II Two-Speed reels, which had a dual gear ratio for more versatility and power. Penn introduced the 250GR, the only graphite spinning reel built exclusively for saltwater the following year in 1986.

In 2003, Penn Reels was acquired by K2 Inc., a sports equipment company that also owned Shakespeare Fishing Tackle. Penn Reels won the American Sportfishing Association’s Saltwater Reel of the Year award for its Torque reel in 2006. Then, in 2007, K2 Inc. was acquired by Jarden Corporation, which later became part of Newell Brands in 2016.

Penn Reels hold a unique place in saltwater fishing reels, with over 1,400 International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world records being set using their reels. Penn has a long and storied history in saltwater fishing. They know what they are doing when it comes to saltwater fishing reels and tackle.

FAQs about Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reels

Grab Penn Spinfisher VII and Go Fishing

If you’re in the market for a new reel, you should do yourself a favor and check out the Penn Spinfisher VII spinning reels. Designed to handle the harshest saltwater environments, they are built tough, with braid ready spools, solid metal frames, and sealed drags and gears.

As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.

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