An overview of a timeless classic Penn reel.
The Penn Jigmaster 500: if do not already own one, go get one. Every fisherman should have one these in their collection. Clean it, don’t clean it; service it or don’t. It does not matter. These reels can take a beating. The Jigmaster will just keep working.
Based on Penn’s legendary line of conventional reels which date back to the 1930s, the Jigmaster, introduced in 1958, was designed just for its namesake, jigging. At the time gear ratios were low. A “high speed” reel had a 3:1 gear ratio, while larger reels like senators were 2:1. The Jigmaster was made with a 4:1 gear ratio. Now newer reels come standard with 5:1 or 7:1, some even as high as 9:1. But this doesn’t displace the Jigmaster as a great versatile reel. By today’s standards, it is not exactly a jigging reel anymore but an all-around, “take anywhere, fish anything” kind of reel.
A well-trained thumb and any fisherman can launch bait deep in the surf with ease. There’s a special feeling when using a “classic” reel and chucking a bunker head 100 yards. Take the reel out on a boat into the bay, and it can outmatch any fish down there.
The quick-change side plate is a bonus. Originally designed to quickly change out a spool, the side plate can be removed by turning a thumb screw and rotating the plate counterclockwise. A few different spool options are available; chrome plated bronze, aluminum, or plastic. The chrome spool is heavy and durable. It can be loaded up with just about any line and hold up to some heavy fish. The downside of this spool was when it was used for casting. The spool, being so heavy, carried a lot of momentum when casted causing a bird’s nest. This is not always the case, but there is a better option, the aluminum spool. The aluminum spool, while being tough, also helped anglers maintain control of the spool while casting due to its lighter weight, making it the more sought-after spool. The final option is the plastic one. Not as durable as the others, or the best at casting, the plastic spool maintains one thing over the rest, it’s the cheapest replacement. Being able to quickly change the spool out has other advantages as well. It is very helpful when you would like to change the line. Other than spooling new line on, the angler could have a spool already filled and ready to go. Just undo the side plate, put the new spool in, and get back to fishing. Not to mention, this made servicing a breeze. With the side plate off, some of the components can easily be cleaned and greased. You will not be able to service everything, such as the drag, without some more disassembly but most items can be taken care of.
For the technical details, the drag is rated at a max of 15 pounds with the ht-100 carbon fiber drag washers. A little bit of drag grease on the washers will make the drag feel as smooth as any high-end conventional reel. The Jigmaster 500 comes with bushings opposed to ball bearings like its cousin, the Penn Squidder. Bushings, while not sounding as fancy as stainless steel ball bearings, have their advantages. For one, they’re cheaper. But the main advantage is they’re easier to keep clean. While they might not cast as far as a reel with bearings, keeping the sand and salt out of the bearing system is crucial. With a bushing, it’s as easy as removing the bushing from the side plate, rinsing it out with freshwater, add some grease, and re-install them. Bearings are a little more labor intensive depending on how grimy they are. After years of heavy use, a bushing can wear out just like any component but is easily replaceable.
The Penn 500 has a little brother, the Jigmaster 501. The 501 is the narrow version of the 500. Its narrowed spool and frame helps to shave a few ounces of weight. The 501 is popular with surfcasters who like to the thumb the spool to chuck lures and bait into the drink. All the other components remain the same. Penn keeping to tradition of making a reel for all occasions, upgraded the Jigmaster and designed the 505HS. The “HS” standing for high speed. With a slightly higher gear ratio, 5:1, the 505HS is slightly faster. It also equipped with stainless steel ball bearings, essentially making this a larger, faster Squidder. The 505HS was also available in a narrow version dubbed the 506HS. While all these versions can still hold their own, only the 500 is still being made, making the other versions harder to find, and cost a little more on the used market.
From the surf to the ocean, from large stripers to small tuna; the Penn Jigmaster can manage almost all your fishing needs. A tough reel that is easy to work on, at a very affordable price. Parts are easy to come by and will be available forever. Pick one up and add it to your arsenal. You will not be disappointed.
