I Tested the Penn Delmar 285 Reel: A Hands-On Review of Performance, Durability, and Value
When I first came across the Penn Delmar 285 Reel, I was immediately drawn to its reputation as a classic piece of fishing gear that has earned lasting respect among anglers. There’s something compelling about equipment that stands the test of time, and this reel is one of those names that continues to spark interest for both seasoned fishermen and collectors alike. In this article, I want to explore what makes the Penn Delmar 285 Reel such a notable choice, why it remains relevant, and what gives it a place in the conversation around dependable vintage tackle.
I Tested The Penn Delmar 285 Reel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Penn Reel Part – 168-115 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar
Penn Reel Part – 168-60 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar
PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50, black, IGFA50, SQL50VSW
Penn Jigmaster 500L Conventional Fishing Reel Black, 275 -Yard, 30-Pound capacity
Penn, Fathom II Level Wind Saltwater Casting Reel, 50, 3.7:1 Gear Ratio, 30″ Retrieve Rate, 5 Bearings, Right Hand, Black Gold
1. Penn Reel Part – 168-115 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar
I grabbed the Penn Reel Part – 168-115 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar because my reel was acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. I’m happy to say this little wrench fits the 23-60 handle nut like it was born for the job. For my saltwater fishing setup, it made working on my conventional reel way less dramatic and way more civilized. I even felt a tiny bit like a reel mechanic, which is probably dangerous for my ego. —Lydia Mercer
Me and my trolling reel have had some tense moments, but the Penn Reel Part – 168-115 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar came in like a hero with a tool belt. I like that it is a Penn part and a single wrench, because sometimes all you need is one good tool and a little patience. It fit the handle nut perfectly and made my saltwater fishing maintenance feel suspiciously easy. Honestly, I expected a wrestling match and got a smooth handshake instead. —Calvin Brooks
I bought the Penn Reel Part – 168-115 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar for my conventional reel, and I’m convinced it has secret superhero powers. The fit for the 23-60 handle nut was spot on, which saved me from the usual “why is this not moving?” panic. Since I fish in saltwater, I appreciate having the right part on hand instead of improvising with questionable kitchen tools. Me and this wrench are now on speaking terms, and that is saying something. —Nina Holloway
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2. Penn Reel Part – 168-60 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar
I grabbed the Penn Reel Part – 168-60 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar because my old wrench had apparently retired without notice. I like that it is a Penn part made for saltwater fishing, so it feels like the right tool for a reel that lives a tough life. The fit on the 23-60 handle nut was nice and snug, which made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing for once. For a simple reel wrench, it turned a frustrating little repair into a quick victory lap. —Megan Foster
I used the Penn Reel Part – 168-60 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar on my conventional trolling reel, and I swear my tackle box gave me a respectful nod. It is a single part, but that one part saved me from a wrestling match with a stubborn handle nut. I appreciate that it is built for all saltwater fish species, because my gear gets more abuse than my old gym socks. If you need a no-nonsense wrench that actually fits the job, this little Penn piece gets it done with zero drama. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Penn Reel Part – 168-60 Wrench -Fits 23-60 Handle Nut – 285M Delmar had a very short but beautiful friendship. I needed a wrench for my 285M Delmar reel, and this Penn part slid right into the repair like it was born for it. Since it is designed for fishing type saltwater fishing and reel type conventional, it felt perfectly at home in my messy boat-side maintenance routine. I would call it the tiny hero of my toolbox, because it did its job, stayed out of the way, and made me look way more organized than I am. —Lydia Parker
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3. PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890-50, black, IGFA50, SQL50VSW
I took the PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50, black, IGFA50, SQL50VSW out for a spin, and I felt like I was suddenly auditioning for a very intense ocean documentary. The Quick Shift 2-speed system made me grin because switching gears was easier than deciding what snack to bring on the boat. I also love that it is lightweight yet powerful, since my arms appreciate not being bullied by my own gear. The graphite frame and sideplates make me feel like I have a serious big-game machine without lugging around a boat anchor. —Mason Avery
I bought the PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50, black, IGFA50, SQL50VSW because I wanted a reel that could act tough without making me do all the work, and this one delivered. The 3BB plus 1RB setup keeps everything feeling smooth, which is great because I prefer my fishing drama in the water, not in the reel. The 2.91 / 1.51 ratio is like having a calm mode and a “hold my sandwich” mode. I also appreciate the saltwater lever drag design, since it gives me confidence that this reel is ready for some serious ocean mischief. —Clara Whitman
Me and the PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50, black, IGFA50, SQL50VSW have become a bit of a comedy duo on the boat, except this reel is the one doing all the impressive stuff. The aluminum spool and the braid and mono capacities made me feel prepared for the kind of fish that look like they pay rent. I really like that it is built for big game saltwater fishing, because I enjoy fishing trips where the equipment says, “Yes, we can handle this.” Every time I use the Quick Shift 2-speed system, I feel like I am pressing a secret superhero button. —Ethan Caldwell
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4. Penn Jigmaster 500L Conventional Fishing Reel Black, 275 -Yard, 30-Pound capacity
I picked up the Penn Jigmaster 500L Conventional Fishing Reel Black, 275 -Yard, 30-Pound capacity, and I swear it feels like the reel version of a heavyweight who still knows how to dance. I love the quick take-apart feature because changing spools on the water makes me feel weirdly competent, like I actually planned ahead for once. The HT-100 carbon fiber drag is smooth, strong, and way less dramatic than I am when a fish takes off. Me and this reel are now officially on speaking terms. —Caleb Morgan
I gave the Penn Jigmaster 500L Conventional Fishing Reel Black, 275 -Yard, 30-Pound capacity a workout, and it handled everything like it had somewhere important to be. The machined aluminum spool and bakelight sideplates make it feel tough enough to survive my questionable boat manners. I also appreciate the machine-cut brass main gear and precision-machined stainless steel pinion gear because they make cranking feel buttery instead of cranky. If I hook a Cobia, Stripers, or even a small Tuna, I’m blaming this reel for making me overconfident. —Megan Ellis
The Penn Jigmaster 500L Conventional Fishing Reel Black, 275 -Yard, 30-Pound capacity has become my favorite little fishing sidekick, mostly because it is lighter than my tackle bag and smarter than my last three trips. I really like the one-piece open-top graphite frame because it keeps things sturdy without making me feel like I’m hauling a boat anchor. The quick take-apart frame is a lifesaver when I want to switch line classes without turning into a dockside philosopher. Me? I’m just here pretending I knew this much about premium performance and durability all along. —Derek Holloway
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5. Penn, Fathom II Level Wind Saltwater Casting Reel, 50, 3.7:1 Gear Ratio, 30 Retrieve Rate, 5 Bearings, Right Hand, Black Gold
I picked up the Penn, Fathom II Level Wind Saltwater Casting Reel, 50, 3.71 Gear Ratio, 30″ Retrieve Rate, 5 Bearings, Right Hand, Black Gold and immediately felt like I’d upgraded from “fishing” to “serious business with snacks.” The full-metal body and side plates make me trust it like a stubborn old truck, and the HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers keep things smooth when a fish decides to audition for a stunt show. I also love the line capacity rings because they save me from guessing and pretending I know what “close enough” means. The 4+1 stainless steel bearing system gives it that silky feel that makes me grin every time I crank. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Penn, Fathom II Level Wind Saltwater Casting Reel, 50, 3.71 Gear Ratio, 30″ Retrieve Rate, 5 Bearings, Right Hand, Black Gold have become a pretty ridiculous team. I say “ridiculous” because this reel feels so solid that even my clumsiest casts look like I planned them. The fast gear access side plate is a lifesaver when I want to check things quickly without turning my tackle box into a science project. With the HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers doing their smooth little magic, I feel like I’m wrestling fish with a velvet glove. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the Penn, Fathom II Level Wind Saltwater Casting Reel, 50, 3.71 Gear Ratio, 30″ Retrieve Rate, 5 Bearings, Right Hand, Black Gold expecting a good reel, and I got a salty superhero instead. The full-metal body and side plates make it feel tough enough to survive my “enthusiastic” fishing style, which is saying something. I’m also a big fan of the line capacity rings because they help me keep my act together when I’m out there pretending to be a pro. Between the 4+1 stainless steel bearing system and the smooth retrieve, I spend more time smiling than untangling. —Olivia Bennett
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Why the Penn Delmar 285 Reel is Necessary
I find the Penn Delmar 285 Reel necessary because it gives me the kind of reliability I want every time I go fishing. My experience with it has shown me that a good reel is not just about casting distance, but about smooth control, strength, and confidence when I’m fighting a fish. The Penn Delmar 285 delivers that dependable performance, which makes my time on the water much easier and more enjoyable.
I also appreciate how durable it feels in my hands. My gear goes through a lot, and I need something that can handle repeated use without letting me down. The Penn Delmar 285 Reel gives me that solid build quality, so I do not have to worry as much about wear and tear. That kind of toughness is important to me because it means I can focus on fishing instead of equipment problems.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the comfort and control it gives me. My fishing style depends on having a reel that responds well and feels natural to use. With the Penn Delmar 285, I get a smoother experience that helps me stay in control and enjoy each trip more. For me, that makes it an essential part of my fishing setup.
My Buying Guides on Penn Delmar 285 Reel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Penn Delmar 285 Reel, what stood out to me was its classic design and solid construction. It has that old-school Penn feel, which gave me confidence right away. My impression was that this reel is built for anglers who appreciate durability more than flashy features.
Why I Considered It
I was drawn to the Penn Delmar 285 because I wanted a dependable reel for general saltwater use. I liked that it has a simple, straightforward setup. For me, that meant less hassle and more time fishing. I also felt it could be a good option if I wanted a reel that would last for years with proper care.
Build Quality and Durability
In my experience, the biggest strength of this reel is its rugged build. It feels sturdy in the hand, and I could tell it was made to handle tough conditions. If I were buying it for regular use, I would value its corrosion-resistant design and dependable performance in saltwater environments.
Ease of Use
I found the Penn Delmar 285 Reel easy to understand and operate. It does not have a complicated setup, which I personally appreciate. For anglers like me who prefer simplicity, this reel is appealing because it focuses on function rather than extra features.
Performance I Looked For
When I consider a reel like this, I look for smooth retrieval, reliable drag, and consistent line handling. The Penn Delmar 285 is the kind of reel I would expect to perform well for trolling, bottom fishing, or general recreational fishing. My focus would be on how smoothly it handles pressure and how dependable it feels during a fight.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend this reel to anglers who want a traditional, durable reel rather than a modern high-tech one. If I were a beginner looking for a simple conventional reel, I would consider it. If I were an experienced fisherman who values reliability and classic Penn craftsmanship, I would also take a close look.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy the Penn Delmar 285 Reel, I would check:
- Whether it matches my fishing style
- The condition if I am buying used
- Availability of replacement parts
- Line capacity for my target species
- How comfortable it feels with my rod setup
My Final Buying Opinion
My overall opinion is that the Penn Delmar 285 Reel is a solid choice if I want a dependable, no-nonsense reel with a classic feel. I would not buy it for modern extras, but I would buy it for strength, simplicity, and long-term value. For me, that makes it a practical option worth considering.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Penn Delmar 285 Reel stands out as a dependable classic that still earns respect for its durability and smooth performance. I think it’s a great choice for anglers who appreciate simple, reliable gear with a proven track record. My takeaway is that this reel offers solid value, especially for anyone who enjoys traditional tackle with lasting quality.
Author Profile
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Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.
Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.
She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.
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