Work Baits Deep and Fight Offshore Fish with Two-Speed Control
Offshore fishing can demand fast line pickup one minute and added cranking leverage the next. The PENN FTH30LD2 Fathom Lever Drag 2-Speed Conventional Reel combines a 5.5:1 high gear with a 2.7:1 low gear, giving anglers two distinct retrieves for trolling, dropping baits, working deeper water, and fighting fish under load.
Built for Demanding Offshore Fishing
- ✅ Quick-Shift™ 2-speed system lets you move between a 5.5:1 high gear and 2.7:1 low gear as the situation changes
- ✅ 33 lb maximum drag provides the drag range expected from a size 30 conventional reel intended for serious offshore work
- ✅ Dura-Drag™ washers pair with lever-drag control for managing pressure throughout the fight
- ✅ Full Metal Body and sideplates create a rigid foundation around the reel's stainless steel main and pinion gears
- ✅ Size 30 spool carries up to 635 yards of 50 lb braid or 440 yards of 20 lb monofilament for applications where line capacity matters
- ✅ Double-dog ratchet anti-reverse and five shielded stainless steel ball bearings support the reel's heavy-duty conventional design
| Spec |
Details |
| Model |
FTH30LD2 |
| Reel Size |
30 |
| Handle Position |
Right |
| Gear Ratio |
5.5:1 high / 2.7:1 low |
| Retrieve Rate |
38 in / 19 in per turn |
| Maximum Drag |
33 lb |
| Drag Type |
Lever Drag |
| Drag Material |
Dura-Drag™ |
| Bearings |
5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings |
| Mono Capacity |
440 yd/20 lb; 330 yd/30 lb; 255 yd/40 lb |
| Braid Capacity |
635 yd/50 lb; 525 yd/65 lb; 455 yd/80 lb |
| Color |
Black/Gold |
Real-World Performance
Put the 5.5:1 gear to work when faster line recovery helps with checking baits, resetting a presentation, or gaining line. When a fish loads the rod and cranking becomes harder, shift into the 2.7:1 low gear for increased mechanical advantage. That two-speed flexibility makes the FTH30LD2 useful across offshore trolling, live-bait, and deeper-water conventional setups.
Add Two-Speed Control to Your Offshore Setup
Choose the FTH30LD2 when your conventional setup calls for size 30 line capacity, lever-drag control, and the ability to change gearing during the fight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PENN FTH30LD2 Fathom
What offshore fishing applications suit the PENN FTH30LD2?
The FTH30LD2 is a conventional lever-drag reel suited to applications such as offshore trolling, live-bait fishing, and deeper-water presentations. Its two-speed gearing is particularly useful when the job shifts between recovering line and gaining leverage under load.
When should I use the low gear on this reel?
Shift from the 5.5:1 high gear to the 2.7:1 low gear when additional mechanical advantage is useful under a heavy load. High gear provides faster line recovery, while low gear trades retrieval speed for increased cranking leverage.
How much braid does the PENN Fathom 30 hold?
PENN rates the FTH30LD2 for 635 yards of 50 lb braid, 525 yards of 65 lb braid, or 455 yards of 80 lb braid.
Is the FTH30LD2 a right-hand reel?
Yes. The FTH30LD2 is the right-hand retrieve size 30 model.
Is this the current Fathom II FTHII30LD2?
No. This listing is for the original FTH30LD2 Fathom Lever Drag 2 Speed with 5.5:1/2.7:1 gearing. It should not be confused with the newer Fathom II FTHII30LD2, which has different specifications.
