New Gear - October 2006

When tackle companies unveil their latest reels at the annual industry tackle show in Las Vegas, the heat is on to one-up the competition. Meet this year's top dog. Voted best salt water reel for 2006, the Penn International Torque features an integrated side plate that houses an oversized gear, offering a combination of power and speed when reeling. Designed for use with braided line, the reel uses a heat-treated pinion gear for extra strength and larger drag plates to keep the fight smooth. The frame and spool are constructed of a lightweight aluminum alloy and the Torque series is equipped with five stainless-steel ball bearings that can handle extreme pressure. We put the Torque to the test on numerous species and found it to be a cranking machine.
Penn Fishing Tackle; (215) 229-9415; www.pennreels.com