Type Division of Jarden Products Fishing tackle Website www.pennreels.com Parent organization Jarden | Industry fishing tackle Revenue undisclosed Founded 1932 Headquarters Spirit Lake, Pennsylvania | |
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Key people John Doerr, CEO
Bill Sterback, Vice President of Manufacturing Profiles | ||
Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company is an American manufacturer of fishing tackle, primarily known for fishing reels and rods.
Contents
History
Otto Henze, immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1922. At 25, he worked as a machinist for the reel manufacturer Ocean City Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1932, Henze rented a 3rd floor loft on 492 North Third Street in Philadelphia from a general machinist firm, William Schmitz & Company. There he completed his first two reel designs, the Models F and K.
In February 1933, the first Penn Reels were sold to the Miller Auto Supply Company in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Encouraged by the sales, Henze developed two more designs. Privation during the Great Depression forced families into subsistence fishing, aiding company growth. In 1942, Penn Reels moved to West Hunting Park Avenue. Upon Henze's death in 1948, his wife Martha assumed the company presidency. Penn Reels grew from a regional presence to a world leader in the years that followed.
Early reels
The Penn Model F was a surf reel designed for distance casting. It had bakelite side plates and weighed twelve ounces. This model was a surf reel used mainly for surf fishing. The similar Model K added a lever actuated free spool and durable metal reinforced plates. It was offered with and without a star drag. An adjustable bearing allowed the spool be tightened to prevent backlash.
In 1933 the Model F was renamed the Sea Hawk, the basic Model K the Bayside, and the Model K with star drag the Long Beach. The choice of coastal Atlantic and Pacific cities for the former K models reinforced their connection to saltwater fishing.
In 1936, a revolutionary new reel was introduced to catch the most challenging game fish, the Senator. Immediately successful, it led to numerous fishing records being set, and remains popular to this day, known for its high quality and dependability. It featured high speed stainless pinion gears for taking in line faster and was well adapted to the extra demands of professionally guided charter fishing.
In 1938, an exceptional surf casting reel, the “Squidder”, was introduced. It too became highly popular with anglers and charter boating. Some remain in use to this day.
Today
Penn Reels hold a unique place in saltwater fishing reels, with over 1,400 International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world records being set using them. Over 220 different models are manufactured today. Their signature reel remains the Penn Senator, the Jig Master also being popular, signature rods the Penn Power Stick and Tuna Stick
In 2006, Penn’s Torque reel was named the America Sport fishing Association’s Saltwater Reel of the year.
In 2003, the Penn Fishing Reels Company was acquired by rival tackle companies Sea Striker Inc. and Master Fishing Tackle. It was acquired in 2007 by K2 Sports.