Fish Deep and Shift Gears When Offshore Fish Load the Rod
Deep presentations and hard offshore fights can demand two very different kinds of retrieve from the same reel. The PENN FTH40NLD2 Fathom Lever Drag 2-Speed 40N Conventional Reel gives you a 5.0:1 high gear for recovering line and a 2.5:1 low gear for gaining mechanical advantage when the load gets heavier.
Two-Speed Control for Heavy Offshore Work
- ✅ Quick-Shift™ 2-speed system moves between 5.0:1 high and 2.5:1 low gearing as the fishing situation changes
- ✅ 42-inch high-gear retrieve helps recover line quickly, while the 21-inch low-gear retrieve trades speed for increased cranking leverage
- ✅ 40 lb maximum drag gives the 40N substantial drag capability for demanding conventional offshore applications
- ✅ 785 yards of 50 lb braid capacity provides room for high-capacity offshore setups and deep-water presentations
- ✅ Full Metal Body and sideplates surround stainless steel main and pinion gears for a rigid conventional-reel platform
- ✅ Dura-Drag™ washers, double-dog ratchet anti-reverse, and five shielded stainless steel ball bearings support the reel's heavy-duty design
- ✅ Line Capacity Rings and Switchblade™ harness lugs add useful features for managing line and heavier offshore setups
| Spec |
Details |
| Model |
FTH40NLD2 |
| Reel Size |
40N |
| Handle Position |
Right |
| Gear Ratio |
5.0:1 high / 2.5:1 low |
| Retrieve Rate |
42 in / 21 in per turn |
| Maximum Drag |
40 lb |
| Drag Type |
Lever Drag |
| Drag Material |
Dura-Drag™ |
| Bearings |
5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings |
| Mono Capacity |
410 yd/30 lb; 315 yd/40 lb; 235 yd/50 lb |
| Braid Capacity |
785 yd/50 lb; 665 yd/65 lb; 565 yd/80 lb |
Real-World Performance
Use high gear when you need to pick up line after a drop, recover a presentation, or stay connected as a fish changes direction. When the rod stays loaded and turning the handle becomes the priority, shift into the 2.5:1 low gear for more mechanical advantage. The 40N's capacity also makes it well suited to offshore situations that put substantial line in the water.
Give Your Heavy Offshore Setup Two Working Gears
Put the FTH40NLD2 on a setup where deep water, substantial line capacity, and the ability to shift into low gear can matter during the fight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PENN FTH40NLD2 Fathom 40N
What fishing applications suit the PENN Fathom 40N 2-Speed?
The 40N configuration is well suited to demanding offshore conventional fishing where line capacity, lever-drag control, and two-speed gearing are useful. PENN owners specifically report using Fathom 2-speeds for applications including fly lining and dropper-loop fishing for tuna and yellowtail.
When should I shift the FTH40NLD2 into low gear?
High gear is useful when faster line recovery is the priority. Shift into the 2.5:1 low gear when the reel is under heavier load and increased mechanical advantage is more useful than retrieval speed.
How much braid does the PENN Fathom 40N hold?
PENN rates the FTH40NLD2 for 785 yards of 50 lb braid, 665 yards of 65 lb braid, or 565 yards of 80 lb braid.
How does the 40N differ from the Fathom 30 2-Speed?
The FTH40NLD2 has 5.0:1/2.5:1 gearing, 40 lb maximum drag, and greater published braid capacity. The FTH30LD2 uses 5.5:1/2.7:1 gearing and has a 33 lb maximum drag, making model selection important when matching the reel to the intended offshore setup.
Is the PENN FTH40NLD2 a right-hand retrieve reel?
Yes. PENN specifies the FTH40NLD2 as a right-hand retrieve conventional reel.
