Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Reel Review

The Penn Spinfisher V spinning reel line is one of the most accomplished in the world, being acknowledged as a powerhouse among professionals and amateurs alike. It is a true workhouse, meant to be durable and used for years, even in the corrosive grip of saltwater.

There have been numerous versions of the Penn Spinfisher V, but the fifth iteration remains a perennial favorite for its capabilities, versatility, and overall stability while in use. Since the Penn Spinfisher V is meant to accommodate anglers of all varieties of fish, it comes with numerous models and even has different reels for right and left-handed users.

Overall, the Penn Spinfisher V is a highly recommended reel which will not disappoint. Before going into detail about the characteristics which are shared by the many models in this line, here is a brief overview of those models and whether or not they are useful.

Penn Spinfisher V Models

SSV3500

This is the smallest version of the Penn Spinfisher V, intended to be used for lightweight catches or saltwater fishing along the coast. It includes the standard 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings for maximum efficiency and has a maximum drag of 20 lbs. The gear ratio is a basic 6.2:1, the line retrieval is 30 in. per handle rotation, and weight is 14.4 oz.

Unfortunately, there is no left-handed version of the SSV3500 reel available.

SSV4500

The SSV4500 shares many of the characteristics of the SSV3500 reel, including a basic gear ratio of 6.2:1 and the same 6 ball bearings. When it comes to performance, the SSV4500 is more powerful and also provides a smoother cast.

Some features of the SSV4500 which stand out are the maximum drag of 25 lbs., the line retrieval of 34 in. per crank, and a total weight of 15.4 oz. The basic reel is right handed, but a left handed version is available that performs just as well as the base model.

SSV5500

Individuals who are interested in moderately sized fish can will want to use the SSV5500. This is the first in this series capable of handling walleye or smallmouth bass without difficulty. Some basic characteristics include a maximum drag of 30 lbs., a line retrieval of 35 in., and a total weight of 20.4 oz.

This is also the first Penn Spinfisher V reel to utilize a gear ratio of 5.6:1. The base is right handed, but left handed models are available as well.

SSV6500

The SSV6500 is almost identical to the SSV5500 but comes with a higher price tag. In exchange, you get a line retrieve of 39 in. instead of 35 in. All around, not the best investment of income when the SSV5500 is cheaper.

SSV8500

The SSV8500 is another option for anglers who want a reel that will work on moderate to heavy fish without difficulty. This model has a max drag of 35 lbs. and uses a gear ratio of 4.1:1. The line retrieve is 42 in. per handle revolution, making it excellent for getting line from a miscast. It weighs around 32.2 oz.

In its base mode, the SSV8500 is right handed. A left handed version is available.

SSV10500

The SSV10500 is the most powerful Penn Spinfisher V fishing reel and the best for heavy-duty saltwater fishing. It has a max drag of 40 lbs., which is stellar for anglers who want to bag an impressive catch. The gear ratio is another 4.2:1, the line retrieve is 42 in. per full handle revolution, and the reel itself weighs 39.8 oz.

Overall, this is one of the best investments for an angler who wants a Penn Spinfisher V because it is still affordable while being great for heavy angling.

Consistent Characteristics

There are reasons why the Penn Spinfisher V models are so popular among saltwater anglers. One of the most essential is the watertight, full metal body designed to keep water out of the interior. This reduces the reel’s chances of experiencing corrosion or electrolysis, which are common problems while saltwater angling.

The cranking on these models is fluid and simple, with little catch and no jams during the period we tested the models. The drag is smooth and easy to manage, and the line retrieval functions as it should. Included inside is an anti-reverse bearing so your line doesn’t flip, and the spool itself features capacity markings so you can check how much line remains.

Conclusion: Penn Spinfisher V

Anyone who is invested in saltwater fishing needs to have a Penn Spinfisher V sitting in their tackle box. These reels are hardy and durable, able to avoid many of the problems seen in cheaper models. The entire process of casting and line retrieval is smooth, and drag is not an issue when the reel is handled properly. Plus, the reel is an attractive gold that stands out.

In conclusion, very few reels come close to the Penn Spinfisher V. It's not the cheapest out there, but you get what you pay for - and then a little more! In our opinion, the Penn Spinfisher V is one of the top premium spinning reels on the market today.

Models Comparison Table