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Learn More »Penn Fathom Electric Reel: A Simpler Way to Fish Deep
Are you tired of being tethered to your boat’s battery, with messy power cords creating a tripping hazard on deck when you're deep-dropping? The Penn Fathom Electric Reel is a practical solution, featuring a fully integrated lithium-ion battery that gives you the freedom to fish from anywhere on your boat, anytime, without being tied down by cords.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"As a tackle shop owner, I'll be honest: I haven't personally spent hundreds of hours deep-dropping. I'm much more of an inshore guy but that doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about electric reels. My level of expertise on electric reels comes from important details passed on by the Penn rep and, more importantly, direct feedback from our customers who put this gear to the test.
Our customers tell us the cordless design is a huge advantage compared to some of the other brands on the market. There are no more messy cords, no more being stuck in one corner of the boat—just the freedom to fish effectively. They're reliable, tough, and the feedback on their performance for targeting deep-water species like blue-eye and gemfish has been positive so far."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
Why The Fathom Electric is a Practical Choice
Pro-Tips for Your Fathom Electric Reel
- Spool it Tight: To prevent your braid from "digging in" under pressure, it is best to have these reels spooled up under tension.
- Use a Dedicated Battery: For best performance and to protect your boat's engine if you do opt to set the reel up on a traditional lead system, always connect your electric reel to a separate, fully-charged 12V deep-cycle marine battery. Avoid using your boat's main cranking battery.
- Let the Drag Do the Work: When fighting a big fish, use the lever drag to apply pressure, just as you would with a conventional reel. Use the motor to recover line when the fish gives you a chance, but avoid simply winching a fighting fish to the surface against a locked drag.
- Use the Auto-Stop Feature: Set the auto-stop to halt the retrieve about a rod's length from the tip. This prevents the sinker from crashing into your guides, which can cause significant damage.
Full Model Specifications
| Model | Braid Capacity (yds/lb) | Braid Capacity (m/mm) | Bearings | Max Drag | Weight | Recovery Rate | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FATHOM ELECTRIC 30 | 1025/20, 950/30, 850/40 | 937/0.25, 869/0.30, 777/0.33 | 5 | 33lb / 15kg | 1700g | 189m per minute | Right |
| FATHOM ELECTRIC 50 | 1670/30, 1600/40, 1300/50 | 1527/0.30, 1463/0.33, 1189/0.35 | 5 | 40lb / 18.1kg | 2012g | 157m per minute | Right |
| FATHOM ELECTRIC 80 | 2260/40, 2250/50, 1775/65 | 2432/0.33, 2057/0.35, 1623/0.38 | 5 | 40lb / 18.1kg | 2381g | 170m per minute | Right |
Kit Includes: 1x Fathom Electric Reel, 1x 5AH Lithium-Ion Battery, 1x Single Battery Charger. Spare batteries and a corded power option are sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special rod for this electric reel?
Yes, absolutely. You must pair this reel with a dedicated deep-drop or electric reel rod. These rods feature a heavy-duty butt section, a powerful blank designed for lifting heavy weights, and high-quality guides (often with a swivelling roller tip) to handle the strain of deep-water fishing.
What is the best fishing line to use on a Fathom Electric?
The best choice is always high-quality braided line. The ideal strength depends on the reel size and your target species. For the Fathom 30 and 50 models, braid in the 30-50lb class is a great all-round choice. For the larger Fathom 80, stepping up to 50-80lb braid is recommended for serious deep-water targets. Braid's thin diameter is essential for achieving the line capacity needed for deep dropping.
How long does the battery last?
A fully charged 5AH battery will last for a full day of typical deep-drop fishing for most anglers. However, if you are fishing exceptionally deep water or experiencing a very active bite, a spare battery is a great idea to ensure you're never caught out.
Can I still wind the reel by hand if the battery runs out?
Absolutely. The reel has a strong, fully functional manual-wind handle. This is a critical backup feature that ensures you can always retrieve your line and is also useful for finessing a fish during the last few metres of the fight.
Is the cordless Fathom as powerful as a traditional corded electric reel?
Yes. The integrated lithium-ion battery provides plenty of power to deliver the torque and retrieval speed needed for heavy deep-drop fishing. It offers the performance of a corded reel but with the convenience of a portable system.
Ready to simplify your deep-drop fishing? Choose your size and add the Penn Fathom Electric Reel to your cart for fast dispatch.
