PENN Fathom II 40N 2 Speed Lever Drag Left Hand

The PENN Fathom II 40N 2 Speed Lever Drag Left Hand reel is a high-performance conventional reel specifically engineered for the serious angler who requires the power and precision of a two-speed lever drag, with the added benefit of a left-hand retrieve and a compact, narrow spool design. This reel is an excellent choice for a variety of demanding saltwater fishing techniques.

Key Design Features

• Left Hand Retrieve: This is a crucial feature for right-handed anglers. By allowing them to hold the rod with their dominant right hand for maximum control and leverage, they can reel with their non-dominant left hand. This is particularly advantageous for jigging, live baiting, and fighting powerful fish, as it feels more natural and efficient.
• Narrow Spool (N Designation): The N in the model name signifies a narrower spool. This design makes the reel more compact and comfortable to palm, which is a significant advantage for vertical jigging and casting. The narrower spool also helps to ensure more even line lay, especially under heavy load, and can improve casting performance.
• Lever Drag System: This is the core of the reels power and functionality. A lever drag provides smooth, precise, and easily adjustable drag pressure. The lever allows the angler to quickly move from a free-spool or strike setting to a full-drag setting, and to make micro-adjustments during a fight. The Pull-to-Turn preset knob is a key innovation of the Fathom II series, which prevents accidental changes to the drag setting.
• Quick-Shift II 2-Speed System: This is a vital feature for a reel in this class. It allows the angler to quickly and easily switch between a high-speed gear ratio for rapid line retrieve and a low-speed gear ratio for maximum torque. The high-speed gear is ideal for picking up slack, retrieving a lure, or getting a fish to the boat quickly. The low-speed gear is for brute force, providing the power needed to lift a heavy fish from the depths or turn the head of a hard-running tuna.

Reel Construction and Technology

• One-Piece Machined Aluminum Frame and Sideplate: This construction is a significant upgrade from reels with separate sideplates. By machining the frame and palm-sideplate from a single block of aluminum, PENN has created a reel with ultimate rigidity and strength. This design eliminates frame flex, ensuring the gears stay in perfect alignment even under the heaviest loads.
• Drag System: The reel is equipped with PENNs renowned Dura-Drag system. This proprietary drag system is made of carbon fiber washers impregnated with a phenolic bonding agent. This construction virtually eliminates drag hesitation, even under extreme pressure, and provides a smooth, consistent drag that will not fade during a long fight. The maximum drag for this model is a very respectable 40 lbs (18.1 kg).
• Gearing: The Fathom II features stainless steel main and pinion gears. Stainless steel is an excellent choice for offshore reels due to its superior strength and corrosion resistance. The machine-cut gears ensure a smooth and precise feel, with exceptional durability.
• Spool: The spool is a forged and machined aluminum design. This makes it incredibly strong and lightweight, and it is braid ready, meaning it can handle the immense pressures that braided lines put on a spool.
• Bearings: The reel is built with a 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearing system. These bearings are placed at critical stress points to ensure a smooth operation under load and are designed to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater, providing long-term reliability.

Specifications (Model 40N)

• Reel Size: 40N (Narrow)
• Retrieve: Left Hand
• Reel Type: Lever Drag Conventional
• Features: 2-Speed, Full Metal Body, Dura-Drag
• Max Drag: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
• Gear Ratios:
  • High Speed: 6.0:1 (for rapid line retrieve)
  • Low Speed: 1.9:1 (for maximum power and torque)
• Bearings: 5 Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
• Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 410/30, 315/40, 235/50
• Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 785/50, 655/65, 565/80