Penn Squall 40LD Lever Drag Overhead Fishing Reel

In my opinion, this Penn Squall lever drag is the best reel going for downrigger fishing. Gone are the days of the line snapping out of the release as you lower the weight to your desired depth. I have two on shimano trolling rods. Used on Shuswap lake for salmon, lake and rainbow trout and bottom bouncing for halibut and ling cod out of Port Hardy.

I typically use Shimanno TLDs so I was a bit confused about sizing. The 60 squall is about the size of an TLD25 plus some. Great drag set up and lighter than t he TLDs. Overall a great reel for typical trolling. Wouldnot use this reel for high speed trolling. This reel has become one of our favorite go to set up for most of our fishing tactics offshore.

This is my second conventional casting reel. I started with the SQL15 star drag but have surpassed its abilities, so now I’m using the SQL30LD. I have been using conventional reels for surf fishing for almost two years now and I love them immensely. I wish I started using those years ago.The Penn Squall SQL30LD is a great conventional reel for surf fishing. I have it matched with a Penn Prevail 12’ Heavy Surf Casting Rod (PRESF2040C12). It took some practice to get used to not having the magnetic break if the SQL15 but in the end I can cast it much farther. I can now cast further than ever. In fact I’m hitting the 200 to 210 mark frequently and on occation reach 230 yards. I have measured this using 6 oz. of weight and a line counter.I use it for surf fishing ... MoreThis is my second conventional casting reel. I started with the SQL15 star drag but have surpassed its abilities, so now I’m using the SQL30LD. I have been using conventional reels for surf fishing for almost two years now and I love them immensely. I wish I started using those years ago.The Penn Squall SQL30LD is a great conventional reel for surf fishing. I have it matched with a Penn Prevail 12’ Heavy Surf Casting Rod (PRESF2040C12). It took some practice to get used to not having the magnetic break if the SQL15 but in the end I can cast it much farther. I can now cast further than ever. In fact I’m hitting the 200 to 210 mark frequently and on occation reach 230 yards. I have measured this using 6 oz. of weight and a line counter.I use it for surf fishing along the Atlantic coast as well as for grouper fishing from the Sunshine Skyway Pier in Tampa. It handles both with ease. I have landed a grouper of 18 lbs. and a Sand Shark of 45 lbs. with no issues. I love how loud the bait clicker is. One suggestion would be to use a leather thumb guard on the casting hand on the reel. Controlling the spool to prevent backlash can cause burns, at least in the beginning while you are learning.I highly recommend this reel and the rod I have it mounted on. I think another one is in my future.