Squadron III
Budget saltwater workhorse covering inshore light tackle and surf/trolling applications.
The Penn Squadron III is a budget-oriented saltwater series that spans three distinct sub-applications: inshore spinning, surf spinning, and surf/boat trolling (conventional). It fits anglers fishing from shoreline, pier, or open boat who need reliable graphite-composite blanks at sub-$80 price points. The inshore spinning models suit light live-bait and lure work for redfish, flounder, and similar nearshore species; the surf and trolling models address heavier sinker or lure loads for channel bass, stripers, and bottom work.
All blanks are graphite composite, not pure graphite, which sacrifices some weight and sensitivity in exchange for durability and lower cost. The inshore variants use modified (more parabolic) actions; the surf and trolling models carry moderate-fast actions suited to absorbing rod-load during a cast or a long fight. Penn's one-piece stainless Dura-Guides are a notable durability feature: no ceramic insert to pop out in cold or rocky conditions. Reel seats are graphite on surf models; cork and EVA grips standard across the line.
The seven-rod batch here mixes inshore spinning (7' L and 7' H), surf spinning (8' M), and trolling/conventional (10'–12' in M, MH, and H). The trolling trio, a 10' medium, 10'/11' medium-heavy, and 12' heavy, are designed for live-lining or heavier bottom rigs from a boat or jetty. The 7' inshore models sit at opposite ends of the power spectrum: the L model covers finesse presentations and the H model handles larger plugs or bait rigs.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 7 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 7 4 trolling · 3 spinning
- Length
- 7'–12' 2.13–3.66 m
- Power
- L–H 4 classes
- Action
- F–MF
- Line
- 4–40 lb
- Lure
- 1/16–10 oz 1.8–283 g
- List price
- $59.99–$119.99
- Released
- 2020
Rods in this series
7 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQDINIII410S70 | 7' | L | $59.99 | |
| SQDINIII1530S70 | 7' | H | $84.99 | |
| SQDSFIII1220S80 | 8' | M | $84.99 | |
| SQDSFIII1220C10 | 10' | M | $94.99 | |
| SQDSFIII1530C10 | 10' | MH | $94.99 | |
| SQDSFIII1530C11 | 11' | MH | $109.99 | |
| SQDSFIII2040C12 | 12' | H | $119.99 |
Model notes
3 of 7 modelsHeavy-power inshore spinning at 7'. Handles larger plugs, live bait, or cut bait rigs for species like bull redfish or stripers. Uncommon power class for this length in the inshore budget category.
11-foot trolling/conventional model, longest in the series. Suited for long-distance live-lining from beach or jetty or slow-trolling heavy rigs from a boat.
Heaviest model at 12'. Handles high-capacity sinker rigs or large swimbaits. Likely doubles as a surf rod for heavy-current or distant-bank fishing.