Promoted as one of the best-value saltwater spinning reels on the market, the PENN Fierce IV features a slew of tech that looks pretty impressive on paper. But how does it stand up out there on the big blue?

Available in six sizes from 2500-8000, the Fierce IV reel range features a highstrength, full metal body and sideplate, machined aluminium spool, graphite rotor, instant anti-reverse, four sealed stainless steel ball bearings, and PENN’s recognised HT-100 drag. This drag system’s name refers to the rigorous testing undertaken during development that included running a whopping 100 miles of monofilament against the drag of a reel equipped with the HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers – all without significant impact.

With a very competitive price point starting from $159.99, there’s plenty of bang for your buck – particularly considering all Fierce IV reels purchased after July 1, 2022 in New Zealand are eligible for PENN’s 10-year warranty.

We opted to test the 6000 Live Liner model – spooled with 300m of Berkley Pro Spec 20lb mono – paired up with the 7’ PENN Fierce IV 8-15kg two-piece spin rod featuring a graphite composite blank. This size combo is an ideal all-rounder, lending itself perfectly to straylining with the dual drag Live Liner function, but also handy for bottom fishing, casting, and rock/wharf fishing.

Our summer testing period was not ideal for straylining for big snapper, particularly as Managing Director Grant Blair had hijacked the NZ Fishing News Project Boat for the holidays and was (quite understandably) more interested in big fish with bills. With a little persuasion, we managed to tee up an afternoon trip out to the Mercury Islands with berley bombs and bait stashed in the chilly bin. It was a stinking hot day, the wind was negligible, and the water was crystal clear. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the moochers didn’t play ball and we could only muster snapper in the lamentable 25-35cm bracket. A couple of fat kahawai and a wretched barracouta managed to pull some string before the combo dealt with them effortlessly, too.

The set feels nice in the hand, being light, well-balanced and offering decent-length EVA foam grips. Casting was easy, no doubt aided by the springy rod tip, even line lay, and quality lowmemory, thin diameter Berkley mono. Bite sensitivity was great on the fast-medium action rod, and although we didn’t hook anything testing, there’s plenty of power down the bottom end should you be fortuitous enough to snag a big snapper or modest kingie. The reel would not let you down, either, with its 11.3kg of drag output.

The primary drag knob has the expected feel of a low-mid level reel during tightening and loosening, yet the carbon fibre drag system delivered smooth and consistent drag pressure. The handle knob is ergonomic but a little on the slippery side if you have oily hands when baitfishing. The Live Liner secondary drag system worked perfectly with a good range of ‘freespool’ drag settings and quick disengagement with a quarter turn of the reel handle or less. PENN Fierce IV reels are suitable for braided lines, too, and no backing is needed because there’s a rubber gasket to keep braid from slipping at the base of the spool.

Overall, the PENN Fierce IV 6000 Live Liner Combo offers serious value for money and plenty of versatility for the casual weekend warrior or budding young angler looking for a reliable and durable combo that won’t break the bank.