For over a year, Eugene L. has relied on the PENN Squall II Lever Drag Combo during his offshore fishing trips, primarily in the Atlantic waters and occasionally venturing into the Gulf. Utilizing the 60 Size Squall II paired with a robust 6-foot heavy power rod rated for 30-80 pounds, Eugene’s focus has been on trolling for pelagic species such as tunas and mahi, while also enjoying some bottom fishing for snapper and groupers. After extensive use in saltwater conditions, it's time to assess how well the combo has held up under these demanding circumstances.
"This is a bigger, heavier-duty conventional combo, built specifically for fishing off a boat," Eugene stated, emphasizing its purpose as a trolling setup well-suited for bottom fishing as well. The lever drag design allows for seamless adjustments while trolling, and the ample line capacity paired with braid backing makes it a versatile tool for targeting various larger fish species.
"This is a bigger, heavier-duty conventional combo, built specifically for fishing off a boat,"
The specifications of the PENN Squall II are particularly impressive. With a suggested retail price of $329.99, the setup comprises a one-piece rod that is both fast in action and heavy in power. The rod's grip design features an EVA and plastic combination alongside an aluminum gimbal butt, designed to fit securely in rod holders. The line capacity is noteworthy too, with braid accommodations measuring up to 860 yards for 80 lb test. The maximum drag measures an impressive 33 pounds, supported by five stainless steel ball bearings which contribute to its smooth operation.
Race Results
Race Results
Race Results
Eugene noted the rod's build and performance. "The PENN Squall II Rod is a single-piece tubular glass blank finished with a solid tip, giving it stoutness while offering decent sensitivity," he remarked. This combination not only allows for battling aggressively, but the heavy rod provides ample backbone for bringing in big catches. The rod’s design includes Dura-Guides with a roller tip to mitigate line wear, although he suggested that some of the guides seemed less advanced compared to competitors.
"The PENN Squall II Rod is a single-piece tubular glass blank finished with a solid tip, giving it stoutness while offering decent sensitivity,"
Race Results
When evaluating combo balance and ergonomics, Eugene shared, "The balance of the stout heavy power Squall II glass rod works well with the 60 size Squall II reel, giving you plenty of power to muscle just about anything that you would want to hook up to." While he acknowledged that it may not be the lightest combo available, especially when trolling, he praised the rod's plastic butt, which facilitates smooth transitions into and out of rod holders.
Considering durability and saltwater resistance, Eugene feels satisfied with the combo's resilience over the past year. "There are no major signs of corrosion damage, except for some rust showing on the screws of the tip roller guide," he commented, attributing this to potential neglect during clean-up after trips. Despite most components being graphite, he did encounter a minor issue with the reel clamp backing off during a fight, though he did not find this to be a deal breaker, noting, "It is inconvenient but manageable."
"There are no major signs of corrosion damage, except for some rust showing on the screws of the tip roller guide,"
In terms of fish-fighting capability, Eugene expressed confidence in the combo's strength: "This combo is plenty strong to fight just about anything under 200 pounds, excluding sharks." He recounted his successful encounters, particularly with tunas in the range of 30 to 50 pounds, highlighting the reel's hyper-efficient drag system that allows for excellent control during intense battles.
Overall, Eugene rated the PENN Squall II Lever Drag Rod and Reel Combo an overall score of 7/10. In summary, this setup offers reliability for offshore fishermen looking for a combination of power, performance, and durability at a competitive price. As fishing seasons change and adventures continue, anglers can depend on the PENN Squall II to meet their fishing demands efficiently.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the outlook remains positive, especially for those looking for robust, cost-effective gear that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. As reviews circulate and more anglers test this combo, it will be interesting to see how it performs under varying conditions and against diverse fish species.