Thread: Penn Battle II Combos

I finally did it, went to Field and Stream yesterday and bought 2 Penn combos. I got the Penn Battle II combo, 4000 and 5000. Both came with a 7ft. medium/fast rod. I plan to load the 4000 with 10# mono and the 5000 with 12# mono.
Will either or both be okay to use in the surf near the shore at the breakers? Should I add a heavier mono or fluro leader for fishing in that area?

All suggestions welcome.

Those are fine, a little big for pompano & whiting, but otherwise fine. Great Spanish rigs for the pier.
I normally use a 2500 for whiting.

I would use a 12# mono or flouro leader. Unless the ladyfish, blues and Spanish show up, then switch to 40-50# mono.

Mostly near the surf will be pompano, whiting, ladyfish, flounder, and bluefish. You should be good with 12 lb. test. I use about 18 inches of fluorocarbon leader, a small black swivel and an egg sinker and a smallish hook. I don't know that the fluorocarbon leader is necessary, but it works for me.

I looked at the 3000 but went with the 4000 because it holds more line. The 2500 and smaller sizes look so tiny, I was amazed that the Penn reels seem so much smaller than other brands in the same class.

Originally Posted by witler

I looked at the 3000 but went with the 4000 because it holds more line. The 2500 and smaller sizes look so tiny, I was amazed that the Penn reels seem so much smaller than other brands in the same class.

I have the 6000 through 3000 Penn battles and love them. The 4000 will do everything the 3000 will do and more. The 4000 will cast 10lb line just fine for pomps and is great for spanish with bubbles and gotcha's. I rarely use my 3000 except for a bait reel. Love the 5000 casting spoons for spanish and have caught kings. I use small diameter 15lb test on my 5000's.

I was in OB in May and I fished mainly with my Battle II 4000, 15# mono and a 9 ft 2-piece rod that is medium/fast. I know my line is heavier than most, but I still cast it well and have a lot of confidence that I can catch something big. (If I get lucky!)

The Wife said she wanted to fish while we were down so I went and got her the Battle II 3000 loaded with 10# line and a 20# fluoro leader. Hopefully we have all the bases covered with Battle II 3000 4000 and 5000. Frankly if the weather is nice if we don't catch a lot it will still be enjoyable.

Penn's Battle II is a great reel for the money, good buy, you'll be pleased with them.