PENN Warfare II 20 Level Wind Line Counter

The PENN Warfare II 20 Level Wind Line Counter reel is a highly functional and durable conventional reel designed for anglers who require precision and ease of use. This model is a popular choice for a wide range of fishing applications, offering a blend of robust construction and key features that provide excellent value and performance.

Key Design Features

• Right Hand Retrieve: This is the standard configuration for this reel, designed for the majority of anglers who hold the rod with their left hand and retrieve with their dominant right hand.
• Level Wind System: This is a crucial, integrated feature that automatically and evenly distributes line back and forth across the spool during retrieval. This prevents line from bunching up on one side of the spool, which can lead to frustrating tangles and lost fish. The system ensures a neat line lay, improving casting performance and overall reel efficiency.
• Line Counter: The built-in line counter is the most valuable feature of this reel. It provides a real-time, accurate measurement of the line that has been deployed, displayed in feet or meters. This is an indispensable tool for:
  • Trolling: To precisely set multiple lures at the exact same depth and distance from the boat.
  • Bottom Fishing: To drop jigs or bait to a specific depth where a school of fish is marked on a fish finder or to target a specific piece of structure.
  • Jigging: To return to the strike zone with confidence and precision.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Warfare II 20 is built on a lightweight yet durable graphite frame with matching sideplates. The use of graphite makes the reel comfortable to hold for extended periods and provides excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion. The frame is reinforced with aluminum frame rings for added rigidity, which prevents flex under heavy loads and ensures the gears remain perfectly aligned.
• Drag System: This reel features PENN’s celebrated HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This advanced drag system is a hallmark of PENN reels, known for providing smooth, consistent, and powerful stopping power. The carbon fiber material efficiently dissipates heat generated during a long, powerful run, preventing drag fade and ensuring you maintain control of the fish throughout the fight. The maximum drag for this model is a solid 15 lbs (6.8 kg), providing ample power for its size class.
• Gearing: The reel utilizes a robust gearing system consisting of a machined brass main gear and a machined brass pinion gear. This combination is designed for durability and a smooth, powerful retrieve.
• Bearings: The PENN Warfare II 20 has 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. These bearings are strategically placed to ensure smooth operation under load and are highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, providing long-term reliability.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool features PENN’s signature Line Capacity Rings. These are simple but effective visual markers that indicate when the spool is at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity, making line management easy and intuitive.
• Forged and Machined Aluminum Spool: Unlike some reels in this class that use cast spools, the Warfare II features a forged and machined aluminum spool. This construction makes the spool lighter, stronger, and more resistant to corrosion.

Specifications (Model 20)

• Reel Size: 20
• Retrieve: Right Hand
• Reel Type: Conventional
• Features: Level Wind, Line Counter
• Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 (This lower gear ratio provides excellent torque and cranking power, making it easier to pull in heavy rigs and fight hard-pulling fish. It is a common gear ratio for bottom fishing and trolling reels.)
• Bearings: 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
• Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 475/15, 340/20, 290/25
• Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 865/20, 650/30, 450/50