The Penn Senator is a star-drag saltwater reel that Penn introduced in 1936 and still sells today. That long run is the reason vintage Senators are such good buys: the design changed slowly, Penn still supplies parts, and a hard-used reel can usually be rebuilt. The challenge for a buyer is the naming, which mixes model numbers, old "/0" sizes and letter suffixes.
Reading the model number
Senator model numbers run by size. The 113 is the 4/0, the 114 is the 6/0, the 115 is the 9/0 and the 116 is the 12/0; smaller and larger sizes exist too. Collectors note that the three-digit numbering itself came in during the late 1930s, and the way numbers were marked on the reels changed over the following decades, so early reels can be harder to identify. Two suffixes matter most:
- H marks the faster Special Senator. The H versions are generally red, while plain Senators are black, and the Specials typically have a higher gear ratio and a larger drag stack. On the 6/0, for example, the 114H retrieves at about 2.8:1 against roughly 2:1 for a plain 114.
- L marks a wide (long) spool, as on the 115L and 116L.
Later production added further versions, such as the H2 reels, so read the side plate rather than trusting a listing title.
What each size is for
The 113H (4/0) is the most versatile Senator: striped bass, bluefish, bottom fishing and general boat work. Our latest snapshot found about 42 complete 113Hs, most at $45–85 delivered, and because they are so common there is no reason to overpay for an ordinary one.
The 114H (6/0) is the size for sharks, big tuna, amberjack and heavy bottom fishing. About 50 were listed in the same snapshot, most at $60–110 delivered. On a reel this size the drag is what matters, so favour listings that say tested or show the drag stack.
The 115 (9/0) is overkill for most anglers and built for giant bluefin, big sharks and heavy boat fishing in a harness. Most complete 9/0s were listed at $110–180 delivered, and shipping often adds $15–30, so compare delivered totals.
The 116 (12/0) is a specialist big-game reel. Complete 12/0s are scarce: only three were listed when our snapshot was taken, against dozens of parts listings. Expect $200–450 for a working reel and more for boxed collector pieces.
What to check on any Senator
- Drag. Tighten the star and pull line. It should slip smoothly, not stutter or grab. Worn or glazed drag washers are the most common problem and the easiest fix; Penn's HT-100 carbon washers are the usual upgrade.
- Gears. Turn the handle slowly under light load and feel for rough spots or a tight point once per turn, which can mean a damaged gear or bent shaft.
- Spool. Spin it in free-spool. It should run true without rubbing. A dropped reel can have a bent or cracked spool.
- Side plates and frame. Look for cracks around the screw holes and for salt crust at the seams.
- The listing itself. Our snapshots of the 6/0 and 9/0 searches found several new sellers reusing other sellers' exact titles and photos, a common scam pattern. Buy from established sellers and pay through eBay.
Originals, conversions and parts reels
Senators are popular with tinkerers, so you will see custom aftermarket frames, spools and handles. Those can be excellent fishing reels, but they are a different product from a vintage original and should be priced as such. At the other end, many 12/0 and 9/0 listings are parts or partial reels, so confirm that the handle, star drag and clamp are included before you bid.
Where to put your money
If you want to fish, buy a complete, working 113H or 114H at the going rate, budget for new drag washers and fresh grease, and you will have a reel that can last decades more. If you collect, look for reels with original finishes, matching parts and boxes, and accept that the big 9/0 and 12/0 sizes are scarce in good condition because most were fished hard.
If you are deciding between a Senator and Penn's other classics, the Squidder is the dedicated surf-casting reel and the Jigmaster 500 is the lighter all-round boat reel. See the full Penn catalogue, or browse offshore and big-game reels.
