PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo

I got this combo deal awhile back and wanted to thoroughly try it before leaving a review. Honestly, when I first got it, it seemed light and cheap, but over the years using this reel, its been amazing. I have caught tons of rockfish and also pulled up a tuna with it. If they are ever on sale again, I definitely will get another one.

So I have been waiting to write a review on this product, for when I really got to test it out. I purchased the squall 30LW combo and took it with me on a deep sea fishing trip. We headed out 20-25 miles to do some snapper and grouper fishing. I brought this rod for grouper. A adjusted the drag to fully locked with no problems. Tested it by having a friend pull the line and it seemed to work flawlessly. I was using 60lb mono, with a 4oz weight to get to the reef. I dropped the line and it came off the spool with no effort. First fish was a 25 inch gag grouper, that was NO problem cranking up with this combo. FINALLY I got to put it to the test, and put aside my worry that it would handle a decent sized fish. 35in gag grouper took the bait and lost to this reel. Man am I happy with this combo. Handled the fish as I had hoped for, didn't lock up. Even under the pressure of a good sized fish, I was able to crank without fault. The level wind continued to do its job throughout the fight. This rod will definitely be going with me on any future trips. Anyone looking for a nice combo that can handle (i think) up to 60lb mono this is it. The reel has 20lbs of drag, and the rod is rated for 20-50lb line. With the drag locked down, the rod and reel both handled exceptionally well under the pressure! Attached is the 35in grouper thanks to the Penn Squall 30LW Combo!

I love this combo. Easy to set up and has the Penn reputation for quality. First time out, 4 Black Sea Bass keepers......Would be nice if the reel had a hole in the spindle to allow you to attach your line. Watched You Tube on how to apply backing to maintain drag, but hole in spindle would have made process easier. Overall, money well spent.

Got this for cat fish and possibly salt water. Am 66 years old and used bait cast reels since a time when there were no such things as brakes and your thumb was the drag. I put the reel on another Cat Fish rod and it casts like a dream and smooth as glass. The rod is short and stiff and I'm using it with another reel fur use on a boat or pier. The reel is great and am considering getting it's larger lever drag cousin.

Love it