Penn Jigmaster vs a Penn 155 reel

[Mark G]

Putting together a sea bass fishing rod that uses a 3way tackle setup with a weight and uses a bucktail lure will be using 50lb. braid. I'am copying a setup that John Skinner talked about in Fishing the Bucktail, he was using a Jigmaster Penn conv. reel for the spool, I already have a Penn 155 that is ready to go would this be a good alternative instead of the Jigmaster any feedback from the group TIA

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not much of a functional difference between those reels so you should be good to go.

[Ol Pedro]

Not much of a functional difference between those reels so you should be good to go.

I'm with Gerry. I think the 155 is a little slower but it will do the job.

[Tackle guy]

I have a few jigmasters for sale .perfect condition .all have power handles and 50 lb. Power pro line. Toms river.

[Mark G]

Thank you for the replys I was thinking they were pretty close to the same reel

[hammer4reel]

Putting together a sea bass fishing rod that uses a 3way tackle setup with a weight and uses a bucktail lure will be using 50lb. braid. I'am copying a setup that John Skinner talked about in Fishing the Bucktail, he was using a Jigmaster Penn conv. reel for the spool, I already have a Penn 155 that is ready to go would this be a good alternative instead of the Jigmaster any feedback from the group TIA


You have posted about a few rods /reels from reading John’s book .

If you set up a rod to jig fluke with , that same set up is ideal for sea bass .

Example would be a Penn battalion 1220c70 casting rod with a Revo beast Lp 40 reel or a max 4.
20 pound braid .

No need for 50 pound braid and a heavy rod and reel for either species you have asked about .

Lighter rod is just so much more pleasant to fish all day .

[Mark G]

Thanks Capt. Dan I take all the replies from folks seriously I'am still pretty new to this thanks to all

[frugalfisherman]

A regular 500 jigmaster has 4 to 1 retrieve. A 505 jigmaster 5 to 1. A 155 has 2.5 to 1 retrieve. I use the 505. There is no question a jigmaster is better, just don't by a new one. Made in China crap. Get an old one in on ebay or I'm sure someone on this board has a nice one for sale.

[RedBank16]

Have you considered Penn Squidder 140?
Same dimensions as a 155, with a 3 1/3:1 gear ratio and ball bearing.

[frugalfisherman]

Have you considered Penn Squidder 140?
Same dimensions as a 155, with a 3 1/3:1 gear ratio and ball bearing.

I had one. If you accidently hit the extra lever it goes into freespool both directions. Just a pain.

[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]

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]

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.