Instructions for Penn Reels

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Penn reels are available in a variety of casting options There are bait, spin and fly reels, and Penn also makes a series of reels with its proprietary torque lever drag and star lever drag. Penn reels are not significantly different from most other reels, but you have to learn the location of the mechanisms to cast and retrieve.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Penn reel
Fishing rod
Tackle

Step 1

Push the bail-cast mechanism up toward you body. This is a thin, curved piece of metal around the outside of the reel housing or spool. Feel the release of the fishing line. Slowly bring your arm holding the rod and reel up and over your shoulder. Snap your arm down quickly and to the front, letting the reel spool send out line with the lure as you cast.

Step 2

Push the bail mechanism back down once the lure hits the surface of the water. On some Penn reels, all you need to do is begin reeling on the handle and the bail mechanism automatically closes, letting you begin the retrieve.

Step 3

Set your drag firmer once you feel a fish strike. You can find the drag lever to the outside left edge on most Penn reels. The star lever and torque lever are both found on the outer left side of the reels. Turn the drag to the right to tighten the drag and to the left to loosen it.

Step 4

Turn the handle clockwise to begin the line and lure retrieve. Use a smooth and fluid motion to retrieve the line, keeping the handle at an even pace.

Step 5

Reel the fishing lure all the way to the end of the tip. Open the bail-cast mechanism when you store the reel and rod for the day, week or season. This allows the line to rest easily and prevent stretch.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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