Penn

Penn Fishing Tackle was founded in Philadelphia in 1932 by Otto Henze, a German immigrant, and built its reputation on simple, rugged saltwater reels that anglers could service themselves. In 1933 Penn renamed its early Model K with a star drag the Long Beach, and in 1936 it introduced the Senator, the star-drag big-game reel still sold today. Senator model numbers run by size (113 is 4/0, 114 is 6/0, 115 is 9/0, 116 is 12/0), and an H marks the faster, red-plated Special Senator version. The Squidder surf reel followed in 1938, the Jigmaster boat reel in 1959, and Penn's first spinning reels, the Spinfisher 700 series, in 1961, which led to the 704 and 706 surf reels that surfcasters still hunt for. Penn built reels in Philadelphia for decades before much production moved overseas, and the brand has since passed through several owners. Because Penn designs changed slowly and parts are still widely available, most vintage Penns can be rebuilt rather than retired. What usually needs attention is the drag, which is easily upgraded with modern carbon washers, plus salt corrosion and old grease, so judge a used Penn by its drag, gears and frame rather than its paint.