ICAST Coverage Day 1 (Reels) - Better, Lighter, Faster, Cheaper (continued)
 

Penn - Sargus low profile baitcast: It appears that Penn is making a come back and at ICAST they introduced some fine products for everyone from inshore to offshore fishing. First is a low profile baitcast reel. Penn makes the move to the inshore market by introducing the Sargus baitcast reel. This Penn Sargus (SLM64LP) features a machined aluminum frame and right sideplate, six ball bearings, stainless steel clutch, externally adjustable centrifugal brake system, and carbon fiber drag washers that produce a maximum drag of 11.5 pounds. The Sargus baitcaster will have a 6.4:1 gear ratio holding 200 yards of 12 pound mono fishing line. The Sargus will retail for $199.

Introducing the Penn Sargus low profile baitcast reel designed for inshore fishing

Penn Metal Senator: Building on not only the success of the International Torque, but also the superior design and function of the Integrated Side Plate (ISP) technology, it only made sense for Penn to bring the legendary Senator series back in 2008. The new Metal Senator features a machined aluminum frame, machined aluminum side plate, patent pending ISP design, three stainless steel ball bearings, and a double-dog multi-stop anti-reverse system. The 4/0 model (PWLR40) has a gear ratio of 3.75:1 and will hold 475 yards or 30 pound mono. Price for the Metal Senator will be around $229.

The new Metal Senator. The red in the background are the standard Senators

International Torque Lever Drag - TRQ300: Following the International Torque star drag series of reels is the new and patent pending design for the International Torque Lever Drag series of reels. Last year Penn introduced the innovative Torque star drag series of reels and quickly gained the respect of many anglers with its capability, innovation, design, and quality. Arguably the toughest star drag reel available, the Penn International Torque series has been expanded in 2008 to include Lever Drag models. The goal was to incorporate the benefits of a star drag reel with the functionality and fishability of a lever drag. The TRQ300LB is spec'ed to have 5BB/1RB, 32 pounds of drag, a gear ratio of 6.3:1, line capacity of 360yds/30lb or 360yds/80lb braid, and a weight of 41.4 pounds. The International Torque Lever Drag will retail for about $599.

The Penn Torque Lever Drag 300

Penn Slammer 760: Built to handle super lines the Slammer series has been a huge hit since its release. It has great performance and durability that meet demands of saltwater anglers. This year Penn makes an addition to the line up by introducing the largest Slammer in the 760 size. Previously we only had the Slammer 560 which holds 240yds/15lbs but the new Slammer 760 will hold 300yds/20lbs. It has a gear ratio of 4.7:1, a line retrieve per crank of 38 inches, and will have one more ball bearing than the other sizes - 6BB/1RB. The Slammer 760 will retail for around $149.

Steve Macri of Penn shows off the Penn TRQ