Penn Pursuit V

In a market crowded with high-dollar reels flaunting sealed systems and fancy finishes, the Penn Pursuit V quietly earns its place as a dependable workhorse for the everyday saltwater angler. It’s not flashy, and it’s not trying to be. What it delivers is a solid build, proven drag, and the kind of reliability Penn built its name on, all at a price point that makes it a no-brainer, whether you’re setting up a young angler or replacing worn-out gear without stretching your budget.

At its core, the Pursuit V runs Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, known for delivering smooth, consistent pressure under load. The corrosion-resistant graphite body keeps the reel light without feeling flimsy, and four sealed stainless steel ball bearings ensure a fluid retrieve. The overall feel in hand reflects Penn’s focus on durability and performance in tough saltwater conditions.

What sets the Pursuit V apart from the Pursuit IV is a series of subtle enhancements that elevate both function and feel. Most notably, Penn introduced a redesigned line keeper, a cut-out style leader keeper first featured on the Spinfisher VII. Unlike the older clip-style design, this upgrade allows anglers to secure even heavy fluorocarbon or mono leaders directly to the spool, without slipping or fuss. Whether you’re stowing rods for transport or pre-rigging shock leaders for a day of fishing, it’s faster and more reliable, a small detail that makes a big difference.

The Pursuit V trades the silver spool and drilled porting of the IV for a solid black spool with no cutouts—a cleaner, more unified look that complements the reel’s black-on-black finish. It’s a subtle shift, but one that reinforces the V’s more modern, purpose-built aesthetic. These aren’t flashy upgrades, but together they create a reel that feels more confident in hand and better equipped for the demands of saltwater fishing—especially when backed by a price-to-quality ratio that makes the Pursuit series one of the smartest buys in the game.

Out where it counts, the Pursuit V holds its own—balanced, responsive, and ready to fish. Whether you are rigging up for a weekend trip or handing it off to a junior angler, it holds up. It’s also a smart choice for charter captains looking to keep dependable gear on the boat—rugged enough to take abuse, and priced low enough not to sweat the loss. 

With a size range from 2500 to 8000 and a price tag between $84.99 and $119.99, the Pursuit V delivers real value without cutting corners.

The Penn Pursuit V is available at local tackle shops, or more information can be found at www.pennfishing.com.

by Fish Poster