PENN Fierce IV Review: Did It Finally Change My Mind?
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
I’ll admit it.
I’ve never really been a PENN guy.
For years I leaned toward other reels for inshore fishing and mostly avoided PENN altogether.
But every now and then a piece of gear you overlook starts popping up enough that you have to give it a fair shot.
After fishing the Fierce IV for months in real inshore conditions, I started asking myself a question I didn’t expect.
Was I wrong about PENN reels?
Key Takeaways:
- The drag system is the standout feature. PENN’s HT-100 drag is smooth, powerful, and built to handle long runs without wearing down.
- Durability is where this reel shines. After months of real use with salt, dirt, and constant fishing, it stayed smooth and dependable.
- This reel is best described as a workhorse. It may not be the lightest or most refined option, but it is built to take abuse and keep working.
- The biggest drawbacks are extra weight and limited sealing, so it is not ideal if you are looking for an ultra light finesse style reel.
Featured Gear:
- Reel: PENN Fierce IV
Final Thoughts
Once I stopped judging the PENN Fierce IV for what it is not and started looking at what it is designed to do, things started to make more sense.
This reel is built like a work truck. It is not the lightest. It is not the most refined. But it is durable, simple, serviceable, and priced fairly for what you get.
If you are stepping up from entry-level gear and want a reel that can take some abuse without breaking the bank, the PENN Fierce IV definitely deserves a look.
And I have to admit something I did not expect to say.
It earned a little bit of respect.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
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Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Thanks Pat! I started fishing with Diawa reels and back in the 70’s they were not very durable. So , I switched to Penn SS reels. I have been using these reels for 40+ years and just a few years ago, I swapped out those reels for either the Penn Battle III/IV or the Spinfisher series in the 2000 to 300 sizes but have many in the 2000 an 2500 range as my go to. I love the easy of replacing parts (the reason I swapped out the SS series is because Penn no longer makes the parts) and how sturdy they are. The weight does not bother me.
Pat, good review. I have 2 Penn 710 green spinning reels. I’ve put hundreds of hours on them since the mid 70s and they have reeled in 1000s of salt water fish. Lots of time in the surf and untold hours from Baffin to East Galveston. Still working perfectly well & look good!
Thanks for your sharing.
Bryce Baker
That’s always cool to hear about something lasting that long. Thanks for sharing the feedback and for watching the video!
I have been fishing Penn’s DX series reels in various sizes. Love them!
The DX’s come with a different main gear that makes them better. It’s definitely worth the extra money.
Happy to hear you’re enjoying them.
I have a Fierce IV and ” workhorse” is the perfect description. I use mine for cut bait and popping cork fishing. It is a little heavy for tossing lures all day. I accidentally dunked mine in Tampa Bay years ago – still performs great!
Happy to hear that it’s still chugging along after a good dunking!
Thanks for watching!
I have owned Penn reels for nearly 30 years. I have used the SS series gold spool reels that were made in the USA and have never had any problems with them. My wife has a Pursuit III and has used it for the past 5 years or so with no issues. I now use a Slammer IV 4500 and it’s my favorite reel. I have caught numerous large Flounder with it. Thanks for your review, it was very informative!
I heard a lot of stories like yours with having reels for decades. Just goes to show you how they last!
Thanks for watching and the feedback Patrick!
Penn will last you a life time only spinning
There’s a ton of old ones still out there being used!
Thanks pat, your insights are allways appreciated!
Happy to do them and thanks for watching!
Thanks, Pat, for your evaluation of the Penn Fierce lV reel. I appreciate the time you spend testing and evaluating products and then sharing the results of those efforts
Happy to hear you like them Leroy! We’ll keep them coming!
I have one, I’ve had good luck with it No problems 😎💪🏼🐟🐟
Thanks for watching Richard!
I have been using Penn Battles ever since they came out for my charter reels, The drags are second to none. The Fierce is nothing more than the old Battle. I have had clients have them pulled over dropped repeatedly, filled with sand and mud, finished the day fishing with them, go home wash then off, add a little oil and a little grease and back to work. When I do yearly maintenance, I pull the drags apart and rarely do they need cleaning. One of the great things is I can work on them and it is not hard to do, they are workhorses! Penns have been on my charter boats for 30 years now oh yeah one more thing, I am not sponsored by anyone and only recommend things I believe in.
There’s a reason they have so many loyal fans for sure.
Thanks for watching and the feedback Captain!