PENN Battalion III
The PENN Battalion III 13’ Conventional Surf Rod will be released on September 1, and surf and pier anglers are finally getting a true 13’ full‑size heaver from PENN. This new release will give those that fish from the beachfront and planks a very capable conventional rod to target big red drum and sharks. And with a price point of around $170, PENN lets you get a 13’ conventional surf rod without having to spend custom rod money.
The 12’ surf rods work great and have been a trusted part of surf/pier spreads, but if you want the utmost casting capability while “8‑N‑Bait” fishing, the 13’ is the way to go. That extra foot of rod will allow much farther casts while throwing an 8-10 oz. sinker with a substantial piece of bait, and if you give the rod a proper heave, you can cast 100-200 yards (and even further).
Anglers will be able to bomb out a piece of cut bait and reach the pockets where the reds sit on the shoals of capes and inlets or off the end of the pier. And when you’re shark fishing, you’ll be able to throw a whole cobb, sea mullet, or croaker a long distance without the rod feeling overloaded, since it also has a 6-12 oz. lure rating.
If you haven’t fished a rod this size before, you’ll be reaching casting distances you’ve never reached, and you’ll finally be able to put baits exactly where they need to be.
PENN also moved the reel seat up, giving the rod a longer butt section. With a heaver, you ideally want the butt of the rod sitting at the center of your chest with the reel positioned in your hand with your arm extended to the side. This gives you a lot more extension when rolling back for a cast and lets you make the most of that push‑and‑pull motion when you load the rod.
In addition, this rod features the well‑trusted Fuji Alconite guides along with a Fuji reel seat. That combination gives you durable guides that won’t crack easily and a reel seat that stays solid over time instead of loosening or becoming annoying after heavy use.
The Battalion III 13’ Conventional Surf Rod paired with a Fathom II or Squall II 15 Casting Special, loaded with some 16# or 20# Berkeley Pro Spec Chrome, will make for an excellent outfit to get out after big fish in our NC surf.
Available September 1, contact your local tackle shop for availability, or for more information, go to pennfishing.com.
