Penn Surfblaster III Long cast

Overview

The PENN Surfblaster III Longcast is a surfcasting/long-cast fixed-spool reel built specifically for distance beach fishing, available in 7000LC and 8000LC sizes. It's built around a forged and machined aluminium shallow conical main spool paired with Extra Slow Oscillation, a combination PENN links directly to improved casting distance and cleaner line release.

Both sizes use PENN's HT-100 front drag system, backed by 5+1 sealed stainless-steel bearings (6 total, including the Instant Anti-Reverse bearing) for smooth performance under load. A large T-shaped handle knob adds comfort during long sessions, and the handle can be configured for right- or left-hand retrieve.

One of the standout features is that every Surfblaster III ships with a second, deeper aluminium spare spool as standard — both the main and spare spools are aluminium, not a cheaper plastic substitute sometimes bundled with rival reels.

Perfect For

The Surfblaster III Longcast is aimed squarely at UK beach and surf fishing where casting distance matters. The 7000LC, at 665g and matched to a shallow spool built around 0.23mm mono, suits clean or mixed-ground beach fishing where anglers want a lighter reel and finer mainline for maximising casting efficiency.

The 8000LC, weighing 755g with its spool built around 0.28mm mono, is positioned as the heavier, all-round beach model — better suited to anglers wanting more line capacity, a higher maximum drag, and a faster 108cm retrieve per handle turn for winding in rigs from distance.

The included deep spare spool also means anglers can carry two distinct line setups — for example a lighter mainline or braid on the shallow spool and a heavier mono on the deep spare — ready to switch as venue or conditions change.

Technical Insight

The shallow conical spool profile is engineered specifically for long-distance casting: its long, shallow shape allows line to leave the spool with minimal friction during the cast. This is paired with Extra Slow Oscillation, which lays line closely and evenly across the spool — PENN describes this as delivering perfect line lay, and the slower spool movement translates directly into a cleaner, more consistent line release when casting.

The HT-100 drag system provides dependable, consistent stopping power, rated at 12kg on the 7000LC and 13.6kg on the 8000LC, so moving up in size genuinely increases both capacity and drag rather than just adding bulk. Combined with the 5+1 sealed stainless bearing setup and Instant Anti-Reverse, the drivetrain is built to handle sustained pressure from surf fishing without compromising smoothness.