Penn International (baitcaster) Casting Reels Review

Penn 965, 2009-07-03
Reviewer: Vincent

This is a wonderful reel. I have been fishing since 1995. Bought this reel in 2001 and been using it since.. My latest catch on this reels on 15lb line was a 20lb Queen fish, paired with an Ugly Stik Rod..fought the fish for over 10mins. The fish was release after a photo was taken. It is my biggest catch so far here in Singapore, thank you Penn for this magnificent reel.
For you who wants a reel that would do the job for you, this is the reel you are looking for. If you look after this reels with simple care, it won't let you down and I am sure it will probably out last me.

PENN JUNK, 2009-05-25
Reviewer: MICHAEL LARSON

THIS REEL HAS BROKEN DOWN ON ME TWICE . I HAD TO SEND BACK TO THE COMPANY BOTH TIMES,AT MY EXPENSE NO LESS. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET A CALCUTTA.

975 Level Wind, 2006-08-20
Reviewer: RM

Received the reel as a gift from my brother who didn't like it (couldn't cast it). Spent a year in the closet until I put it on a mid range ugly stik. Fished it for kingfish one day and ended up catching kingfish, amberjacks, and pleny of bonita/little tunny's on it. Some as big as 20lbs. Another trip I caught a nice mutton snapper with it. Handled them with ease. Now I take the rig everywhere I fish. I mainly live bait so I can't attest to the casting characteristics of the reel (with the exception of heavy jigs for dolphin). Construction seems solid and it holds plenty of 15lb line. I have no complaints and look forward to fishing more with this reel. I am also looking to pick up another to compliment it. It makes a good looking outfit that has what it takes to stop the big fish.

Penn International 965, 2005-03-28
Reviewer: bill

First of all - I am a fishing fanatic. I fish 4-5 days a week (rich stepmother) mostly in the Galveston, Texas area. Surf fishing, fishing West and East Bay, and fishing all around Galveston's South Jetty. My brother know's the right people now and get's really good deals on tackle. He got a new Penn 975 for $125 2 weeks ago. I just got a 965 and a 955 for $100 each - NIB. First of all - I love the reels. Clearly every detail of these reels has been raked with a fine-tooth comb. They are beautiful to look at. Fit and finish is superb. I like the 2 water drains on the bottom of the reels. And the drag system - clearly the best I have felt in action ever. Very smooth, powerful drag systems here. But for most people - $219 and up for a baitcaster is a bit steep. I'll tell you what I think. I think these reels were made to conquer all fish. They are tough. I would use the little 955 as a bull red reel for 20-50LB fish ANYDAY. I have no doubts it would handle fish that big. My 965 is going to be dedicated as a bull red reel fulltime. I would get one of these reels if you want to know you have the best. If you want to catch bigger fish with a smaller reel then do it. Do it. Do it. If you want people to stand in awe and admire your equipment, then get it. Obviously,the 3 Penn's really aren't bass reels- stick with your souped up low-pro's.Curado's are a reliable place to start, but basically ANY other low profile reel with a 1pc Alm. Frame and a higher bearing count will outperform a Curado. Hint:Pinnacle's and PFlueger's are NICE reels - and cheap! Round Ambassadeur's - C and D series reels - are fine. For most fishing situations. The cast well, are well built (even better if you get one of the ones with the 1pc Aluminum frame - think it's the D series - not sure) They tend to have good drag systems. With fishing reels - you get what you pay for,usually) Keep that in mind