PENN

A Legacy Built on the Water

Few names carry as much weight on the water as PENN Fishing. Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1932 by Otto Henze — a German-born machinist with a passion for precision engineering — the Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company set out to build reels that could truly withstand the brutal demands of saltwater fishing. What began as a small workshop operation grew into one of the most storied brands in the history of angling.

From the earliest days, PENN's identity was shaped by salt spray and big fish. The company named its first reel models after Atlantic and Pacific coastal communities, a deliberate signal to the market that these were tools made for the sea. That philosophy has never wavered.

Record-Setting Performance

PENN's reputation is not just built on tradition — it is backed by hard data. The brand manufactures over 220 models of saltwater reels, and those reels have been used to set more than 1,400 IGFA world records. That is not a marketing claim; it is a testament to what happens when engineering meets the open ocean, decade after decade.

Iconic reel series like the Senator — introduced in 1936 — helped redefine big-game fishing by giving anglers a platform capable of battling the most powerful pelagic species. The legendary Squidder surf casting reel followed in 1938 and remains relevant to this day. More recently, the Fathom Electric claimed Overall Best of Show at ICAST 2024, cementing PENN's continued role as an industry innovator rather than just a legacy name.

What PENN Makes

PENN's product lineup spans everything a saltwater angler needs to rig up and head out. Their reel range covers spinning reels, conventional reels, and baitcast reels, with series ranging from the entry-friendly Fierce and Battle lines to the high-performance International and Slammer series. Proprietary technologies like HT-100™ drag systems and CNC Gear™ technology deliver the smooth, powerful drag performance that offshore fishing demands.

Complementing the reels is an extensive lineup of fishing rods — spinning rods, casting rods, boat rods, surf rods, jigging rods, and slow-pitch rods — many built on high-quality graphite composite blanks for lightweight sensitivity without sacrificing the backbone needed for trophy fish. For anglers who want a ready-to-fish setup, PENN also offers expertly matched rod and reel combos configured for inshore, nearshore, offshore, and surf applications.

Beyond rods and reels, PENN rounds out the tackle bag with a full line of fishing gear and accessories, including pliers, fillet knives, line tools, rod and reel covers, bags, and reel maintenance products — everything needed to keep gear performing season after season.

Built for Every Saltwater Angler

Whether you are targeting striped bass from the surf, chasing mahi offshore on a charter, or slow-pitch jigging in deep water, PENN has engineered a product for the mission. The brand's lineup spans entry-level setups that won't break the bank and professional-grade gear trusted by tournament anglers and charter captains worldwide. That breadth is part of what has kept PENN at the top of the saltwater fishing world for nearly a century.