Penn Jigmaster vs a Penn 155 reel

[Mark G]

thanks to all that responded I picked up a barely used Jigmaster 500s which should work out great I will look for a 505HS on the different sites Tight Lines to all

[bunker dunker]

i have three of the 505hs i purchased in the early 80's and they are all still going strong.i may be a little biased but the 505hs is the best by far.

[Mark G]

I've been watching a couple 505HS's on ebay if they come down a little or take a lower offer I'am going to grab one looks like a great reel

[Mark G]

Can a 500 or another Jigmaster be converted to a HS by changing out the gearing any one ever done this?

[frugalfisherman]

Originally Posted by Mark G

Can a 500 or another Jigmaster be converted to a HS by changing out the gearing any one ever done this?

The spool on a 505 is different than the 500 for one thing. Anything can be done with enough time and money, but I wouldn't try it. By the time you buy the new gear setup you're at the price of a good used 505.

[bunker dunker]

the 500 and 505 were mfg during the" jigging years"when the ava,spider,bingle
and nordic eels were the thing.they were made to take a licken and keep on ticking.no reel in my opinion moves a ava like the 500 or 505.

[Ol Pedro]

Originally Posted by frugalfisherman

The spool on a 505 is different than the 500 for one thing. Anything can be done with enough time and money, but I wouldn't try it. By the time you buy the new gear setup you're at the price of a good used 505.

I like the 500/501 over the 505. I think that they were made better.
The 505 was Penn's answer to the Newell upgrades for the 500. The one piece sidebars and anodized spool improved the reels performance. A stiffer frame , a light spool that wouldn't separate in the middle of a fight, cast small anchovies , and still burn a Salas jig back to the boat was a West Coast party boaters dream. I Newelled out most of my Penns back in the day.
I have 2 Penn 501's and 2 Squidder jrs that work great for Seabass and Fluke jigging. They cast well and hold plenty of 30lb braid to get the job done. The narrower reel palms better than the standard size and handles easier.