setting up the PENN Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit
Unbox and learn all about the new PENN Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit with a guided video tour and manual setup follow along.
Unboxing your new PENN Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit
This is the full guided video and walkthrough of the unboxing and setup process for the Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit. Take the time to educate yourself on this innovation in the industry and set yourself up for your next excursion. When you open your Fathom Electric Reel Kit, you will find the reel itself, a single battery, a battery charger, rod mounting hardware, a line threading tool, and PENN-branded multitool.
First steps
After unboxing your Fathom Electric Reel Kit, follow these steps:
- Remove Screen Protector: Carefully peel off the screen protector from the interface of the reel.
- Charge the Battery: Align the connector on the battery with the charger and insert it into the charging base. The battery charge indicator will turn red during charging and green when fully charged.
- Check the Mounting Hardware: The kit includes two sets of screws (shorter for #2 butt, screws are for #4 butt).
outside features
As far as the external features are concerned, anglers will notice the following:
- Two Red Buttons: These prominent red buttons serve as the power button, mode selector, and menu controls.
- Right Side Features: Includes PENN’s pull-to-turn preset standard lever drag, and a manual handle. The handle engages by pressing a button and features an automatic kickback system to prevent injury in case of any resistance.
- Left Side Features: Includes spool tension knob. This knob acts as a brake, preventing line override when dropping bait. Even if you’re not next to the reel, the line will stop once the bait hits the bottom.
- Speed Dial: Located at the top of the reel, this dial allows you to adjust the speed from zero to maximum.
inserting the battery and powering on
To insert the battery and power on the reel:
- Insert the Battery: Align the battery safety catch with the button. Note that the battery and motor housing are IPX6 rated, so you may feel resistance when inserting the battery. Ensure it clicks into place.
- Power On The Reel: Press and hold both red buttons until the PENN logo appears on the screen.
home screen walkthrough
Once the reel is powered on, the home screen will display different configurations:
- Top Right: Battery level indicator
- Center Number: The large numbers show the true line counter (adjustable to reflect both feet and meters).
- Center Small Number: The small numbers are the RPM indicators, showing the speed of the line as it’s retrieved or released.
- Bottom: Use the left mode button to toggle between modes. AutoStop allows you to set a zero point and stop the reel automatically at this point when retrieving the line. The override adjusts the speed using the dial on the side.
menu walkthrough
In the menu, navigate using the right button and select options with the left button. Key settings in this menu include:
- Rod Tip Alarm Distance: Set the distance from the reel’s zero point where the reel slows to 200 ft/min. This prevents momentum from carrying the bait or fish after the reel stops.
- Line Diameter: Input the line diameter (in millimeters) to ensure accurate distance readings.
- Units: Choose between feet and meters for line measurements.
zeroing the counter
When on the water and dropping bait, always zero the line counter by pressing and holding the left mode button. This reset will ensure the line is placed where it needs to be for a successful outing without having to run into issues with the line.
auto stop simulation
In the case of this walkthrough video, we have simulated a fishing scenario using the auto stop function with 50 ft of line out.
- Tip: Make sure the rod tip alarm is on and the alarm distance is set to 10 ft.
This feature ensures the reel automatically stops at the predefined point, enhancing efficiency and safety during use.