I have been watching your videos for years and really appreciate what you do. I too am a conventional surf caster but want to touch base on some different approaches. I use abu 6500 mag and 7000 reels but also have the old school penn 525 the new penn 525 and the penn fathom 15 cs. Usually I turn the mag completely off and then adjust the spool tension a tad looser than dropping the weight to the ground from about 4 feet so that a couple of loops over spin to start then loosen to find the sweet spot from there. I use a pendulum cast but sling it to the side with some force to get a solid tug before start the cast. I have noticed that braid acts like a break compared to high tech polymer mono so I use braid as backing and then mono with about 20 yards or so of a leader. As I cast I wait for the lead to almost hit the water THEN I TURN THE MAG ON to stop the cast. Last year I was getting over 700 feet but it was short lived when I changed my line to braid and then could only cast around 350 to my dismay. Well I am back up to around 500 feet and retracing what I did to get the big distance, outstretching the arms is a big contribution you don't want your elbows bent when casting. I currently have 15lb polymer on an ABU 6500 mag that gives me around 200 yards and can almost empty the spool with an 11 ft rod. Still I only turn the mag on near the end... its very strong and stops the cast dead in its tracks. I have better luck with the new penn 525 mag cause I can loosen the spool more than this reel which I had to take the polymer off cause it was spinning too fast for it and put the braid and leader only back on.
Awesome reels, good review, but in order to combat the mag digging your wrist you can convert the knobby off the older Penn 525, works a treat and makes a good reel great
Just picked one up yesterday at Roy's Bait and Tackle in Corpus ($249). Just so everyone knows, you can get a "flush mount mag knob for dcs penn" from Hatteras Jack. I just got off the phone with Ryan at HJ and he's gonna get one in the mail to me in a couple days.
I soaked the spool bearings and blew them with air, then a drop of speed X and the difference is insane. I bought two and put a dual handle on one, love the double handle
I can't wait for the next production run on these little beasts. You can't buy them anywhere right now. Penn totally underestimated the popularity of this reel.
@@BeachBomberFishing how is this reel working out for you? The knob still bothering you? I have the fathom 30 and 40. love them both. This casting special would great on a oceanmaster
btw you are right on the Nob Mag location its annoying....Seigler SS have it on the right corner of the plate hence you dont have rhat problem......update: just found a cheap solution for the Nob Mag location issue...
Steal a piece of 1/16th and 1/8 Cork Tape from your Friendly Rod Builder 4" long trim them to shape of reel foot. 1/16 th first try it under the reel, if after you tighten it it still wobbles try the 1/8th inch. Peel the backing off clean the foot with alcohol and stick it on the foot.
Thank you for this review. I'm thinking about buying a multiplier reel for beach fishing but it would be my first. Here in Germany multipliers are not that common so I can't ask anybody to learn about it. This video helped me a lot.
You need to give Senko skipper a lesson in what tackle people use everywhere else in the world. And on the subject of the mag knob. Chris Macey in the UK has done a mod where he fits a much smaller mag knob
Now that was some serious casting!!! Yeah if the mag would have been on the bottom of the reel then you wouldn't have to worry about it digging into your wrist when you hold the rod right above the reel seat.
Great review bro, the UK guys are saying the exact same thing about the mag knob digging into the wrist, otherwise the perfect reel. I am going to hold off, all the top guys and reviewers are shouting loud about the prob. Penn has to change it, the fix is just swapping the knob position with the ratchet switch. Once Penn do this, which they HAVE to, then I'll buy.
@@BeachBomberFishing A quick fix for the reel seat issue is just wrapping some insulation/electrical tape around the reel foot, but as you say at the price range shouldn't have to, an akios 757 ctm or omoto chief ctm will do everything the penn will, although not as cool looking and not quite as much drag but they have 22 lbs which is plenty enough.
Price difference makes sense though, mag aftermarket is 20 atleast without fitting, bearings another 20 atleast, larger spool aswell so your looking at 50-60 bare minimum easily. Plus that access plate is going to make a huge difference to maintenence.
The reel foot is definitely a negative issue because you can't use the brace on surf casters. Same deal with the Warfare 20LW. Apparently Penn designed it as a boat reel but they should have been aware of this issue before shipping a special addition surf caster. Also the magnet adjustment knob is really in a bad position...that's gonna leave a mark. Got stoked on surf casting big baits with a level wind after watching Penn's South African reps on RUclips casting with 16-18 foot sticks. Now I'm stuck with my 8000 spinning reel because the foot is so short that it doesn't feel stable and I'm afraid I'll break the reel seat if I crank it down any more. Maybe could use a stainless steel hose clamp???
Nice video! I'm from South Africa! What is that rubber stopper thing you use on the line when casting? We cast a multiplier without it. Do you buy it separately, I'm assuming it's for thumb protection to prevent shafing? We also have a shorter butt on our surf rods. It's meant to increase power and distance when casting. Not sure if it makes a difference.
That Shimano tallus ulua rod is a bad rod! We use that back home in Hawaii for giant trevally (ulua) Hawaiian name. That rod was built to Hawaiian angler specs for GT off the rocks. Using slide bait. Love your videos! 🤙
un detalle a tenere en cuenta con el Penn Fathom II 12/15 SD es que no podrá utilizarlo en una caña con portacarrete a cremallera ya que el diseño del reel impide ajustar y cerrar la palanca de la cremallera. a detail to have in mind with the Penn Fathom II 12/15 SD is that you will not be able to use it in a rod with a rack reel because the design of the reel prevents adjusting and closing the lever of the zipper.
I bet they were thinking of the bar style rod clamps when designing. Most long casters I've seen don't use regular reel seats because they can't adjust position along the rod. But that's just speculation
I went and bought the fathom casting special last month and put it on a penn carnage 12ft and I was surprised to not have any wiggle room on the reel seat
Probably would fit on a Penn Prevail, how convenient.which I have 1. I use a old slosh 20, with Penn Prevail, 17 pnd. Mono, 50lb. Shock leader, at the obx. I only use it 3months out of the year so it works for me. Nice videos by the way. Learn some new info.
Any chance you can do a shootout between the Fathom II 15 casting special and the Akios 666 Shuttle? Good thing Penn went with mags on the Fathom II 15 because they work so much better than the old centrifugal brakes. I sold my Fathom 25 because I disliked the stock centrifugal brakes at all settings, and replaced it with an Akios 757 CTM.
@@BeachBomberFishing Thanks for that info. I was wondering because I have the Akios 757 CTM and find it very easy to cast long distances. The Akios gets about 10% more distance than my Fathom 15, and about 5% more than my Squall 15 with ceramic ABEC 7 bearings. The Fathom reels seem more rugged and have a stronger drag though. Though, frankly, these are all very nice reels.
I agree with you, the akios are good reels for small game fishing. They're great casting reels for sure. I had the 757, I did not like it; the frame started to corrode, I got a ton of line trapment between the frame and spool, the clicker was weak, and way too bulky for the spool size.
I’m looking to get my first conventional reel and I’m split between this fathom and the squall 15CS. I’ll use it more for fresh water stuff but I’ll bring it with me to the beach. The squall is $100 less than the fathom. Would the fathom actually be worth it?
G"day bro, I didnt realise the normal fathom 2 had mag brakes, the only difference with the CS is it holds more line has the bulky mag knob and the black paint job. The hype is over nothing really, probably should of not worried about the knobby 'the internal mag is exactly the same , not a mono mag at all ,used the normal dialler and called it a fathom 2 20 .Cause basically thats all it is.Nice reel dont get me wrong.... but yeah.
@@dubstep101DUB OK nice, a universal complaint has been the knobby dial on the Cs digs in to one's wrist, when retrieving line. Considering the internal mag is exactly the same setup, they may as well of just left the unobtrusive dial of the standard fathom, unless tournament casting, who needs a great big adjustable knob. Also with the bearings, it's easy and cheap to change them over, you could put even faster ones in a normal fathom than a Cs for SFA. Line capacity, the normal holds enough, but if you wanted a bit extra then yeah buy the Cs. Not bagging it, both versions very nice, but my cash will go to a standard 15,clean out the bearings and a drop of red oil.
nice reel , im in the uk fish mixed ground , i prefer to use coasters not reel seats. im not sure what its called but rough textured grip rubber tight to the blank makes for slimmer blank where reel sits this is how the last rod i bought was it was a century bristol chanell special lovely rod.
If I remember correctly here, I'm not actually fishing, so I didn't bring another change of clothes. But, if you watch my other videos, I do get in the water quite often.
HI , have been watching your video as you stated the knob dug into your wrist , did you modified that reel . I noted that there is a modification you can do now
I want this reel to use for throwing 3-4 oz metal jigs at yellowtail, bonito, and calico bass. Most people use the fathom 25 because you can get 100yards of 40lb mono on top of your 50-60lb braid. Wonder how much 40 mono I can get on top of 200yards of 50lb braid. Also worried about the magnet burying into my wrist like you mentioned. Especially if I'm going to be casting up to 5hours on a boat for gamefish. Might just have to get normal 15 and run very short leaders or get the bigger 25. Let me know how much the magnet bothers you after fighting a couple big fish.
For west-coast surface iron jig casting, you would be much better served to go with the FTHII25N". You can choose from the 4.8-1 or 6-1 gear ratio versions.
Hi great video. If you still have this reel would appreciate if could give me the inside measurements of the reel clamp studs/bolts. would like to see which rod i can fit it on
Beach Bomber Fishing Have you tried the Akios Nitron from the UK. thought you would be intersted as you like your akios reels. The Nitron is Akios take on the fathom. I read Akios have sent test versions out to the us with bigger handles and bigger drags than the uk version.
I have read and viewed a couple of videos in regards to the nitron. The sea angling magazine reviews seemed to have had a negative review. I would love to get my hands on the us version.
@@BeachBomberFishing Akios listened to the reviewers feedback. The spool is now similar capacity the the fathom 2, there is no gap for line to get stuck, and a power handle is supposedly coming out. I have one and its just as good as the penn but in a different way. Its lighter, it has a 2 anti reverse bearings, an Anti reverse bearing and a silent dawg tooth and the spindle is thicker in the akios.
The clamp for the reel not fitting on the rod isn’t the manufacturers fault. You don’t even need a clamp for the type of fishing you’re doing. Here on the west coast we only use them to prevent theft in all honesty. Graphite reel seats are plenty strong enough. Also if you have problem with backlashes try going to a thicker pound test. Such as 65lb even 80lb. Those of us that cast straight braid for surface irons on the west coast use 80lb cause it’s thick enough to not overun. We do it without any magnets. No magnets, no finger tape, no surgical tubing. Just fishing.
Man, yall reel elite over there. Yall sure have alot of skill. I appreciate the suggestions. I did have a nice overrun with an extremely loose spool and no magnet. I probably wont be using those settings. I want to use the rod clamp because it also has a nice hook keeper too.
I want to try and switch to conventional reel from spinning rod. But my question is, is this a good starter reel? I see that you have to use your thumb when reeling? -reason for my switch is because I can’t get a further cast with my spinning reel.
I really enjoyed this video when you produced it 2 years ago and enjoyed it again when I reviewed it again recently. The thought occurred to me that maybe it would be worth doing a follow up review now to see how you feel about it now? Do you still have it? If you do what have you done to address the three cons you discussed at the end of the video? How did you like it when compared to the more recent acquisition of your Squall that you seemed to speak so highly about? Do you feel up to the task of doing the follow up, I’m sure a lot of people would be very curious to know how you feel about the reel now!
Great video. This reel isn’t available. I don’t have any gear and we just got a house ocean side on Melbourne beach by Sebastian inlet. What should I get to fish this whole entire weekend from the beach?
Im looking to buy this casting special reel . Would you recommend a Rod that would fit? Or a substitute reel? Only ever has spinning reels. I just read the specifics on daiwa saltist it come with magnetic system? Can you confirm?
I bought one and ordered the Squall mag dial at the same time and didn't even try fishing with that knob sticking out there like it is. No problems with it all all. Kind of a pain but what reel is perfect?
Great video, for the reel seat can you go down in size to smaller carriage bolts, may just give you enough room, are you in N Carolina, I am in South Florida
So what's the final verdict? Buy and modify (swap out the protruding knob for the flush version)? And given the issues with the platform itself is there even a surf rod that will fit it for East or West coast surf fishing conditions?
With limited stock right now at most places I've been debating on which new reels to pull the trigger on. I've got 2 13-foot HDX from breakaway. Looking to throw reels on these rods that will be perfect for surf. I've narrowed it down to either saltist (blue 2018s) or fathom 2 cs. From the video it looks like you stated that the fathom 2 special casting won't fit the HDX? Because I'm leaning towards that reel because it's got the mag from the factory but if it won't fit that's not an option. If that's true the other thing I can locate is the saltist blue 20 and the saltist blue 40. Am I right in saying that the 20s not going to be enough line capacity? Can the saltist 40 be launched or is it too big to get close to 100yds cast out of? (Never seen any of your videos with you casting a 40). Either saltist necessary to be mono magged? Just trying to make a decision to pull the trigger this week on either a couple saltist 20, saltist 40, or fathom 2 casting special for my 2 HDX 13s....
How does this compare to the old 525 Mag? Because of the Mag weakness on the 525 I had to go with Hatteras Jacks Magnetic adaptation to help slow it down.
Nah, it's something you have to get used to, or you can get the newer penn squall 2 casting special. The squall casting special moved the know to the bottom, it no longer engraves on the wrist.
One more question. I’m going from spinning to this reel. Largely on your demonstration and you actually fish. What kind of max distance can you throw this thing?
Brandon McGill I’ve been getting 100 consistently with 12’ rod and 20# test. No way to measure but I’m pretty sure I’m close to that with a live bait. Today I swapped out to 35# gorilla braid with 3oz sinker and got my longest casts ever. Maybe close to 150 yards. I’ll measure in the morning. This is my first ever conventional reel can you maybe offer any tips for longer distance?
James Powell 100yards is a lot farther than you think, the people I’ve seen are literally holding casting competitions and they’re hitting right at 150 with live bait, the biggest thing is form, when you learn your timing you can sling it, these people made their casts out of necessity, because you have to get out beyond the long bar to catch fish
Brandon McGill necessity is why I got the reel and 12’ rod. I’m fishing freshwater and am limited to public access. Out so deep is nothing but moss so I have to get out past all that into the deep water. I’m fishing from a peer next to the dam on the lake side. So it’s literally a shelf and the a steep drop. share.icloud.com/photos/0GOT3dyC26wTyXmsffDnL8a_g I’m getting better with practice. That 380’ with just a 3oz sinker no bait.
Alvaro Castillo I have the 10 footer. Sling heavy baits way out with it. The rod is incredibly light so you can really put power into casts. Handles big bull reds with no problem.
Nice content! I just ordered a 15 sizes fathom casting special. I have been using 50lb braided line on my Abu 7500 for the past 6 years with no problems. Does this reel do good with braided line when using it on a 12' heaver?
Are you gonna buy it?
Beach Bomber Fishing cant buy what my competition buys.. sorry bud ☺️
hell yeah buddy
Looks like I will be upgrading from my ole Penn 525 mag!
Totally gonna buy one. I'm gonna build my first casting surf combo.
@@beachbum6351 I'll stick with the squall's.....no complaints....inexpensive.....light weight and fast
I have been watching your videos for years and really appreciate what you do. I too am a conventional surf caster but want to touch base on some different approaches. I use abu 6500 mag and 7000 reels but also have the old school penn 525 the new penn 525 and the penn fathom 15 cs. Usually I turn the mag completely off and then adjust the spool tension a tad looser than dropping the weight to the ground from about 4 feet so that a couple of loops over spin to start then loosen to find the sweet spot from there. I use a pendulum cast but sling it to the side with some force to get a solid tug before start the cast. I have noticed that braid acts like a break compared to high tech polymer mono so I use braid as backing and then mono with about 20 yards or so of a leader. As I cast I wait for the lead to almost hit the water THEN I TURN THE MAG ON to stop the cast. Last year I was getting over 700 feet but it was short lived when I changed my line to braid and then could only cast around 350 to my dismay. Well I am back up to around 500 feet and retracing what I did to get the big distance, outstretching the arms is a big contribution you don't want your elbows bent when casting. I currently have 15lb polymer on an ABU 6500 mag that gives me around 200 yards and can almost empty the spool with an 11 ft rod. Still I only turn the mag on near the end... its very strong and stops the cast dead in its tracks. I have better luck with the new penn 525 mag cause I can loosen the spool more than this reel which I had to take the polymer off cause it was spinning too fast for it and put the braid and leader only back on.
I never knew lime was that important for distance.
Awesome reels, good review, but in order to combat the mag digging your wrist you can convert the knobby off the older Penn 525, works a treat and makes a good reel great
Just picked one up yesterday at Roy's Bait and Tackle in Corpus ($249). Just so everyone knows, you can get a "flush mount mag knob for dcs penn" from Hatteras Jack. I just got off the phone with Ryan at HJ and he's gonna get one in the mail to me in a couple days.
I soaked the spool bearings and blew them with air, then a drop of speed X and the difference is insane.
I bought two and put a dual handle on one, love the double handle
Nice man! I actually just cleaned out the bearings, man the difference is remarkable! I bet the dual handle looks and feels great!
Where did you find the double handle?
@@otroflores91 I ordered it from my parts supplier; Mysticisle. Its from the level wind.
I can't wait for the next production run on these little beasts. You can't buy them anywhere right now. Penn totally underestimated the popularity of this reel.
I RECEIVED MY FTH15II SDCS TODAY. I BOUGHT BECAUSE OF YOUR VIDEO. THANKS
Great videos, keep putting them out. I love the comments at 5:33 about drag and video, them boys from oz are right about that.
That sound is the best part!
You might want to pick up a sweat band for your wrist, I've heard that helps with the knob grinding into it.
Thank you for the suggestion!
@@BeachBomberFishing how is this reel working out for you?
The knob still bothering you?
I have the fathom 30 and 40. love them both.
This casting special would great on a oceanmaster
I think penn updated these casting specials with a smaller knob... but I could
Be wrong
Replace it with the adjuster from the Fathom2 SD
Very interesting talking about the Reel and watching the different casting with the mags on and off. Lovely surf and great video thank you. 🐟👍
Some of the best rods for the price. I've been using them for years. Some 30+ years old still fishing with them.
btw you are right on the Nob Mag location its annoying....Seigler SS have it on the right corner of the plate hence you dont have rhat problem......update: just found a cheap solution for the Nob Mag location issue...
Steal a piece of 1/16th and 1/8 Cork Tape from your Friendly Rod Builder 4" long trim them to shape of reel foot. 1/16 th first try it under the reel, if after you tighten it it still wobbles try the 1/8th inch. Peel the backing off clean the foot with alcohol and stick it on the foot.
What a great idea! Thank you!
Excellent view of how you use "junkie hose" for the thumb protector!!!
Hell yeah bro!! Been waiting for this review!! Dope and very informative video!
Thank you for this review.
I'm thinking about buying a multiplier reel for beach fishing but it would be my first.
Here in Germany multipliers are not that common so I can't ask anybody to learn about it.
This video helped me a lot.
You need to give Senko skipper a lesson in what tackle people use everywhere else in the world.
And on the subject of the mag knob. Chris Macey in the UK has done a mod where he fits a much smaller mag knob
Now that was some serious casting!!! Yeah if the mag would have been on the bottom of the reel then you wouldn't have to worry about it digging into your wrist when you hold the rod right above the reel seat.
For reel man!
@@BeachBomberFishing that had to be an engineering oversight.
It may be the placement that works the best to brake the spool, case in point disc brakes have moved on cars so they stop better and flatter.
Great review bro, the UK guys are saying the exact same thing about the mag knob digging into the wrist, otherwise the perfect reel. I am going to hold off, all the top guys and reviewers are shouting loud about the prob. Penn has to change it, the fix is just swapping the knob position with the ratchet switch. Once Penn do this, which they HAVE to, then I'll buy.
I watched a bunch it uk videos. You are right, they are also having the same problem. I wonder if Penn is going to fix that though?
@@BeachBomberFishing A quick fix for the reel seat issue is just wrapping some insulation/electrical tape around the reel foot, but as you say at the price range shouldn't have to, an akios 757 ctm or omoto chief ctm will do everything the penn will, although not as cool looking and not quite as much drag but they have 22 lbs which is plenty enough.
Serious reel! I have one on a Carolina Cast Pro 11’ rod. I’m disappointed it’s made in China, still high quality though.
Fishing stickers=50 extra yards.. car stickers equal 50 extra horsepower 😂😂
Lmfao thats exactly right
Price difference makes sense though, mag aftermarket is 20 atleast without fitting, bearings another 20 atleast, larger spool aswell so your looking at 50-60 bare minimum easily. Plus that access plate is going to make a huge difference to maintenence.
The reel foot is definitely a negative issue because you can't use the brace on surf casters. Same deal with the Warfare 20LW. Apparently Penn designed it as a boat reel but they should have been aware of this issue before shipping a special addition surf caster. Also the magnet adjustment knob is really in a bad position...that's gonna leave a mark.
Got stoked on surf casting big baits with a level wind after watching Penn's South African reps on RUclips casting with 16-18 foot sticks. Now I'm stuck with my 8000 spinning reel because the foot is so short that it doesn't feel stable and I'm afraid I'll break the reel seat if I crank it down any more. Maybe could use a stainless steel hose clamp???
I am a fan of the Seigler SM Star Mag, and I have three of them. I wonder how does this Penn compares to the Seigler SM.
Look at you big baller! Idk man, I couldn't afford a siegler when they were released.
You can get the reel to fit larger rods by using a large Durans fishing products reel seat bracket, check them out on line.
Nice video! I'm from South Africa! What is that rubber stopper thing you use on the line when casting? We cast a multiplier without it. Do you buy it separately, I'm assuming it's for thumb protection to prevent shafing? We also have a shorter butt on our surf rods. It's meant to increase power and distance when casting. Not sure if it makes a difference.
It is surgical tubing. I use it to grip the spool to cast harder and to prevent my thumb from burning when stopping the spool.
Outstanding job. Very clear and concise!
That Shimano tallus ulua rod is a bad rod! We use that back home in Hawaii for giant trevally (ulua) Hawaiian name. That rod was built to Hawaiian angler specs for GT off the rocks. Using slide bait. Love your videos! 🤙
un detalle a tenere en cuenta con el Penn Fathom II 12/15 SD es que no podrá utilizarlo en una caña con portacarrete a cremallera ya que el diseño del reel impide ajustar y cerrar la palanca de la cremallera. a detail to have in mind with the Penn Fathom II 12/15 SD is that you will not be able to use it in a rod with a rack reel because the design of the reel prevents adjusting and closing the lever of the zipper.
I bet they were thinking of the bar style rod clamps when designing. Most long casters I've seen don't use regular reel seats because they can't adjust position along the rod. But that's just speculation
I went and bought the fathom casting special last month and put it on a penn carnage 12ft and I was surprised to not have any wiggle room on the reel seat
ordered mine thanks for review , roys in tx site says in stock and anchor getting shipment on 11th fyi as of todays date.12/6/2019
Take the screws for the clamp out, and use a reel seat on the rod, or coasters
Hatteras Jack tackle shop OBX NC sell the replacement mag knob for it. It more plush and no issue
Probably would fit on a Penn Prevail, how convenient.which I have 1. I use a old slosh 20, with Penn Prevail, 17 pnd. Mono, 50lb. Shock leader, at the obx. I only use it 3months out of the year so it works for me. Nice videos by the way. Learn some new info.
It would definitely fit on a penn prevail. The slosh is a great reel man! This fathom 2 is the reel deal though. Thanks for watching
Any chance you can do a shootout between the Fathom II 15 casting special and the Akios 666 Shuttle? Good thing Penn went with mags on the Fathom II 15 because they work so much better than the old centrifugal brakes. I sold my Fathom 25 because I disliked the stock centrifugal brakes at all settings, and replaced it with an Akios 757 CTM.
I have a 666, the fathom is a much better fishing reel than the akios. I will say that rhe akios is probably the better caster.
@@BeachBomberFishing Thanks for that info. I was wondering because I have the Akios 757 CTM and find it very easy to cast long distances. The Akios gets about 10% more distance than my Fathom 15, and about 5% more than my Squall 15 with ceramic ABEC 7 bearings. The Fathom reels seem more rugged and have a stronger drag though. Though, frankly, these are all very nice reels.
I agree with you, the akios are good reels for small game fishing. They're great casting reels for sure. I had the 757, I did not like it; the frame started to corrode, I got a ton of line trapment between the frame and spool, the clicker was weak, and way too bulky for the spool size.
The fathom is a fishing reel, i definitely wouldn't use it for tournament casting. The entire reel is too big, and the spool is heavier.
What kind of distance you think you can get w a 10-11ft rod and a 5oz weight? 150 yards??
DUDE!!! Hatteras Jack's is the place to go! They helped me out pretty good on my trip out.
I use a Seigler SM for surf fishing with a 12ft rod I cast close to 80- 100 yards with 3 oz sinker
I bet if you add some more weight, you could probably cast farther depending on your rod. That is some great distance though!
Bob Scruggs 8 and bait here bro we cast 120 easy
When the surf gets rough we use 5 oz max here on the treasure coast of Florida
16:10 closed captions haha the ocean applauses you!
I’m looking to get my first conventional reel and I’m split between this fathom and the squall 15CS. I’ll use it more for fresh water stuff but I’ll bring it with me to the beach. The squall is $100 less than the fathom. Would the fathom actually be worth it?
Get the squall cs bro. It's the same thing, except the body is carbon.
I own that reel. My very favorite is the Abu Garcia 7000 pro rocket.
Yep getting it and hatteras jack is where i get my rods
Nice man! What rod you gonna pair it with?
@@BeachBomberFishing not sure im going to try a few out but i really like my surf machine for my spinning setup may have to get one for this too
@@t_aoutdoors2962 now that's a hell of a rod from what I've read.
G"day bro, I didnt realise the normal fathom 2 had mag brakes, the only difference with the CS is it holds more line has the bulky mag knob and the black paint job. The hype is over nothing really, probably should of not worried about the knobby 'the internal mag is exactly the same , not a mono mag at all ,used the normal dialler and called it a fathom 2 20 .Cause basically thats all it is.Nice reel dont get me wrong.... but yeah.
James Calley the cs has high speed bearings and because of the knobby mag a wider spoil for more line capacity
@@dubstep101DUB OK nice, a universal complaint has been the knobby dial on the Cs digs in to one's wrist, when retrieving line. Considering the internal mag is exactly the same setup, they may as well of just left the unobtrusive dial of the standard fathom, unless tournament casting, who needs a great big adjustable knob. Also with the bearings, it's easy and cheap to change them over, you could put even faster ones in a normal fathom than a Cs for SFA. Line capacity, the normal holds enough, but if you wanted a bit extra then yeah buy the Cs. Not bagging it, both versions very nice, but my cash will go to a standard 15,clean out the bearings and a drop of red oil.
Can the mag side plate be rotated
Sick info as always
Thanks man!
Excellent review!!! Great information!
nice reel , im in the uk fish mixed ground , i prefer to use coasters not reel seats. im not sure what its called but rough textured grip rubber tight to the blank makes for slimmer blank where reel sits this is how the last rod i bought was it was a century bristol chanell special lovely rod.
Any reason for staying about ten yards from the waterline?
If I remember correctly here, I'm not actually fishing, so I didn't bring another change of clothes. But, if you watch my other videos, I do get in the water quite often.
What about the other fathom ii, would it be better since the knobby won’t be in the way of reeling?
It has about 100 yards less line capacity. Besides that, its basically the same.
Ok thanks, I still don’t know wich one to get, they both seem great
Good Video. Nice footage. Might be a good Idea to get a cheap mic pack for better audio at the beach though.
HI , have been watching your video as you stated the knob dug into your wrist , did you modified that reel . I noted that there is a modification you can do now
I want this reel to use for throwing 3-4 oz metal jigs at yellowtail, bonito, and calico bass. Most people use the fathom 25 because you can get 100yards of 40lb mono on top of your 50-60lb braid. Wonder how much 40 mono I can get on top of 200yards of 50lb braid. Also worried about the magnet burying into my wrist like you mentioned. Especially if I'm going to be casting up to 5hours on a boat for gamefish. Might just have to get normal 15 and run very short leaders or get the bigger 25. Let me know how much the magnet bothers you after fighting a couple big fish.
For west-coast surface iron jig casting, you would be much better served to go with the FTHII25N". You can choose from the 4.8-1 or 6-1 gear ratio versions.
Hi great video. If you still have this reel would appreciate if could give me the inside measurements of the reel clamp studs/bolts. would like to see which rod i can fit it on
wow, it is better than any spinning reel expecially for long cast amatur?
Good lookin reel but I’ll stick to my Sealine SHA’s
I like the narrow penn reels. Easier to put the line back on and the set up doesn't rock as much while you're cranking. That's just me though lol.
This reel sold out quick, not sure if it’s back. Either this or Seigler
Only place I found it was in the uk amd it was 75 dollars more
Fantastic review. Surf fisher to surf fisher you know your reels.
I have a 10ft oceanmaster I want to pair this reel with. You still fishing with it??
Do it, great combo.
Just got mine today, had to order it from the U.K. A lot smaller than I thought it would be but I like it
Beach Bomber Fishing Have you tried the Akios Nitron from the UK. thought you would be intersted as you like your akios reels. The Nitron is Akios take on the fathom.
I read Akios have sent test versions out to the us with bigger handles and bigger drags than the uk version.
I have read and viewed a couple of videos in regards to the nitron. The sea angling magazine reviews seemed to have had a negative review. I would love to get my hands on the us version.
@@BeachBomberFishing Akios listened to the reviewers feedback. The spool is now similar capacity the the fathom 2, there is no gap for line to get stuck, and a power handle is supposedly coming out.
I have one and its just as good as the penn but in a different way. Its lighter, it has a 2 anti reverse bearings, an Anti reverse bearing and a silent dawg tooth and the spindle is thicker in the akios.
The clamp for the reel not fitting on the rod isn’t the manufacturers fault. You don’t even need a clamp for the type of fishing you’re doing. Here on the west coast we only use them to prevent theft in all honesty. Graphite reel seats are plenty strong enough. Also if you have problem with backlashes try going to a thicker pound test. Such as 65lb even 80lb. Those of us that cast straight braid for surface irons on the west coast use 80lb cause it’s thick enough to not overun. We do it without any magnets. No magnets, no finger tape, no surgical tubing. Just fishing.
Man, yall reel elite over there. Yall sure have alot of skill. I appreciate the suggestions. I did have a nice overrun with an extremely loose spool and no magnet. I probably wont be using those settings.
I want to use the rod clamp because it also has a nice hook keeper too.
I want to try and switch to conventional reel from spinning rod. But my question is, is this a good starter reel? I see that you have to use your thumb when reeling?
-reason for my switch is because I can’t get a further cast with my spinning reel.
@ivanmariano5140 I don't think it's a good started reel. Look into the okuma cortez 5, that reel is magged and about $100 cheaper.
I really enjoyed this video when you produced it 2 years ago and enjoyed it again when I reviewed it again recently. The thought occurred to me that maybe it would be worth doing a follow up review now to see how you feel about it now? Do you still have it? If you do what have you done to address the three cons you discussed at the end of the video? How did you like it when compared to the more recent acquisition of your Squall that you seemed to speak so highly about? Do you feel up to the task of doing the follow up, I’m sure a lot of people would be very curious to know how you feel about the reel now!
Great video. This reel isn’t available. I don’t have any gear and we just got a house ocean side on Melbourne beach by Sebastian inlet. What should I get to fish this whole entire weekend from the beach?
Late to the party but I just ordered one of these I'm excited lol
his weight created its own chem trail! 0:08
Couldn't find any bull reds? Not sounding too promising for new years haha! Great looking reel bro.
Lmfao, slow AF!!!
@@BeachBomberFishing me and my buddy are going Sat morning. We have a great spot.
Im looking to buy this casting special reel . Would you recommend a Rod that would fit? Or a substitute reel? Only ever has spinning reels. I just read the specifics on daiwa saltist it come with magnetic system? Can you confirm?
looks like a very nice set up
they make a aftermarket mag dial that does t stick out so far. now the gear on it is plastic mold. not brass like the one that comes on reel.
So what do you like more the squall 2 casting special, or this one.
I like this one way better.
@@BeachBomberFishing I can't seem to find the squall 2 CS anywhere. Where'd u get urs?
@@laclaypool7651 I could be wrong but is this it
www.google.com/amp/s/www.jandh.com/products/penn-sqlii15sdcs-squall-ii-star-drag-reels.html
@@HelloThere-dp9cr it definately is. Thank you so much!!!
@@BeachBomberFishing can you tell me why?
Great review! thanks! picked up 2
Can you give a little info on the rubber hose that you are using to stop the spool? I have never seen that before but looks like an awesome trick.
That rubber thing on his real is for pussies who don’t know how to cast.
Great video! I haven’t had a chance to use it yet but looking forward to testing those rare earth magnets
I bought one and ordered the Squall mag dial at the same time and didn't even try fishing with that knob sticking out there like it is. No problems with it all all. Kind of a pain but what reel is perfect?
I've never seen that tube you use when casting. Can you explain why you use it?
Is this reel available in the states? I can’t seem to locate and it is not even on Penn Fishing’s website
Any recommendations?
Might be sold out. Penn seems to sell out of these when they come out.
Hopefully I get them in stock soon at bass
Any deals on the goretex rain gear bro?
Great video, for the reel seat can you go down in size to smaller carriage bolts, may just give you enough room, are you in N Carolina, I am in South Florida
So what's the final verdict? Buy and modify (swap out the protruding knob for the flush version)? And given the issues with the platform itself is there even a surf rod that will fit it for East or West coast surf fishing conditions?
Nice video man. What size leader are you using? And plus what the best surf rig for surf fishing I’m fairly new to surf fishing
With limited stock right now at most places I've been debating on which new reels to pull the trigger on. I've got 2 13-foot HDX from breakaway. Looking to throw reels on these rods that will be perfect for surf. I've narrowed it down to either saltist (blue 2018s) or fathom 2 cs. From the video it looks like you stated that the fathom 2 special casting won't fit the HDX? Because I'm leaning towards that reel because it's got the mag from the factory but if it won't fit that's not an option. If that's true the other thing I can locate is the saltist blue 20 and the saltist blue 40. Am I right in saying that the 20s not going to be enough line capacity? Can the saltist 40 be launched or is it too big to get close to 100yds cast out of? (Never seen any of your videos with you casting a 40). Either saltist necessary to be mono magged?
Just trying to make a decision to pull the trigger this week on either a couple saltist 20, saltist 40, or fathom 2 casting special for my 2 HDX 13s....
How does this compare to the old 525 Mag? Because of the Mag weakness on the 525 I had to go with Hatteras Jacks Magnetic adaptation to help slow it down.
I know this is an old video but have the issue been fixed on this real?
Nah, it's something you have to get used to, or you can get the newer penn squall 2 casting special. The squall casting special moved the know to the bottom, it no longer engraves on the wrist.
Ima run 80lb suffix braid on that beast!!
Almost bought the penn squall what do you think
Daiwa Seagate 30 is the perfect surf reel 👐 down !
Try Daiwa millionaire 7ht mag for surf cast
Especially if you change the bearings out to abec 7 or 5. The thing Flys.
That's an awesome surf casting reel got to have one good video
It's the perfect reel if you can ignore the 3 cons in my opinion
I agree
Nice reel and rod glad you like it bro .
One more question. I’m going from spinning to this reel. Largely on your demonstration and you actually fish. What kind of max distance can you throw this thing?
I have personally seen almost 200 yards
Brandon McGill I’ve been getting 100 consistently with 12’ rod and 20# test. No way to measure but I’m pretty sure I’m close to that with a live bait. Today I swapped out to 35# gorilla braid with 3oz sinker and got my longest casts ever. Maybe close to 150 yards. I’ll measure in the morning. This is my first ever conventional reel can you maybe offer any tips for longer distance?
James Powell 100yards is a lot farther than you think, the people I’ve seen are literally holding casting competitions and they’re hitting right at 150 with live bait, the biggest thing is form, when you learn your timing you can sling it, these people made their casts out of necessity, because you have to get out beyond the long bar to catch fish
Brandon McGill necessity is why I got the reel and 12’ rod. I’m fishing freshwater and am limited to public access. Out so deep is nothing but moss so I have to get out past all that into the deep water. I’m fishing from a peer next to the dam on the lake side. So it’s literally a shelf and the a steep drop. share.icloud.com/photos/0GOT3dyC26wTyXmsffDnL8a_g I’m getting better with practice. That 380’ with just a 3oz sinker no bait.
James Powell yeah, we’re using 8-10 ounces with a live or whole bait, 12-14’ rods, and most of the time a nasty wind in the face
Two questions. 1st what’s the song !! 2nd what mods were you talking about doing ?? Hope to hear back
How do you know how much to tighten up your spool tensioner? How stiff/weight rating of a rod do you use.
How you like that ocean master? Thinking about getting one
I love the ocean masters. I've landed big fish and have casted big baits with them, no problem. I've never broken one either.
@@BeachBomberFishing hell yeah. Good thing they're on special right now on basspro
Alvaro Castillo I have the 10 footer. Sling heavy baits way out with it. The rod is incredibly light so you can really put power into casts. Handles big bull reds with no problem.
@@1093lilsmoke just ordered 2 of them. Can't wait to try them out this weekend
Alvaro Castillo you’re going to love them. They are a steal
Can you not turn the side plate round with the mag knob on so it doesn't sit against your wrist?
They wants you to buy a Penn rod,fit perfectly
You're right lol
You right that mag sticks out like sore thumb
Interested to know what you would suggest as the best rod to pair it with?
Just me or does anyone else notice how fisher men tend to have 1 heel up
🤣🤣🤣
That's me when I'm fishing or waiting in line at the gas station trying to checkout 😂🤣
Beac lol
Nice content! I just ordered a 15 sizes fathom casting special. I have been using 50lb braided line on my Abu 7500 for the past 6 years with no problems. Does this reel do good with braided line when using it on a 12' heaver?
My $100 3k salis X is the same reel minis the knob and mounting issues ! Try it , you won't be sorry