PENN Pursuit III & Pursuit IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

I haven't taken the rod fishing yet, this is just my initial reviewThere weren't very many good reviews on here for the 4000 series reel combined with the 7' 3 piece medium travel rod (it isn't even really mentioned it's a travel rod in the posting); so I thought this would be helpful to others.I needed an ocean rod (as a freshwater fisherman) to take on a trip down south to give pier fishing a go. There's a few rod/reel combos out there seemingly specifically made for this kind of thing, this Pursuit IV combo being somewhere in the middle between the super cheap combos and the more expensive ones. So I settled on this rod. I was deciding between the 4000 and 5000 sized reel but was most intrigued by the 3 piece rod; only available with the 4000 series reel.After reading a bunch of different resources, 4000 sized reels seemed plenty big enough for most fish you'd catch on a normal pier at the ocean; so that's what I went with. Some reviews mentioned it came with a travel bag, but it was unclear if that came with all of them or just the 3 piece rod (especially since that isn't pictured when selected).Mine arrived on time, in tact and with a travel bag! And to my surprise, it wasn't just a soft bag the actual rod is protected with a hard inner casing. The reel has some internal straps to keep it steady but it's more exposed; only with soft material surrounding it in the bag. This turned out to be the exact thing I was looking for -- a compact/portable rod/reel that I can throw in the car with me and have a rod accessible when I'm on trips. Given the case is actually hard, that opens it up to potentially throwing in a larger suitcase.The rod itself fits really well together (I was a bit worried about the 3 joints). When put together you'd never notice it is a travel rod. Feels extremely sturdy with a nice backbone.The reel is super smooth and I really like the knob handle (something also not really clear in the Amazon pictures of the 4000 series).There are two things I'd complain about 1. the way the handle connects to the reel housing (you have to hold the spool as you reel backwards to tighten and the opposite to loosen (necessary to pack away in the back or switch sides). Normally you have a screw on the opposite side of the reel that you use, but in this case that's just a cap for whatever side you aren't reeling with. And 2. some of the parts (drag knob especially) feel a bit plasticy/cheap. But the overall feel of the reel seems well built and smooth.Will update after I fish with it if anything goes catastrophic, but so far I'm pretty impressed with the value of this rod with what you get -- and the function it provides a traveling fisherman.

The PENN Pursuit III & IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a reliable, budget-friendly, and durable setup for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. With a lightweight graphite body, corrosion-resistant construction, and smooth drag system, it offers solid performance without breaking the bank.Pros:✅ Durable & Corrosion-Resistant – The graphite body and stainless steel guides hold up well in saltwater environments.✅ Smooth HT-100 Drag System – Provides strong and consistent drag performance, making it great for fighting larger fish.✅ Lightweight Yet Sturdy Rod – The graphite composite blank offers a good balance of sensitivity and strength.✅ Smooth Retrieve & Casting – The 4+1 stainless steel ball bearing system ensures a fluid and reliable operation.✅ Multiple Size Options – Available in different lengths and power ratings, making it versatile for various fishing styles.✅ Great Value for the Price – A solid mid-range combo for both beginners and experienced anglers.Cons:❌ Rod May Feel Stiff for Some – While durable, some anglers might find the rod action a bit stiff, depending on the model.❌ Reel Size Selection Matters – Smaller models are great for inshore fishing, but for bigger saltwater species, a larger reel size is recommended.❌ Basic Handle Grip – The grip is comfortable but not as premium as higher-end combos.Final Verdict:The PENN Pursuit III & IV Spinning Reel and Rod Combo is a great all-around fishing setup that offers smooth performance, durability, and versatility for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. With a strong drag system, corrosion-resistant materials, and a reliable reel, this combo is an excellent choice for anglers looking for quality at an affordable price.

I was looking for an inexpensive Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo to have available when family and friends want to join me in my fishing adventures. After much research, reviews, and price comparisons, I selected the PENN Pursuit III & Pursuit IV Spinning Reel (4000) and Fishing Rod Combo 7' 2 piece.My goal was to have a two-piece rod that would store and travel easily and be ready for me to grab and go when someone asked if they could join me.The product came quickly and was in perfect shape. I purchased some 15lb braid and was ready to fill the reel. One great feature was that the reel comes "braid ready" with a rubberized spool so the braid does not slip.All set, ready to go, the wife said she wanted to be the first to try it out. So, off to the ocean, where we did some jetty fishing. The pole and reel held up outstanding. That day, she caught five fish of various types and sizes, the smallest being about 20". The casting was smooth, the drag worked tremendously, and the retrieve was smooth and easy to handle.We have used this combo many times and even purchased a second one for guest use.This combo is just what I was looking for to add to my guest angler's equipment list! It was well worth the price, and as usual, Penn did not let me down.It's a great, inexpensive choice for my sporting needs. Enjoy!!