PENNJigmaster Reel

Well first off, I'll admit that I'm relatively new when it comes to conventional reels, having stuck to spinners throughout my freshwater and short saltwater career. Upon the recommendation of my girlfriend's father, I took to this reel because in his experience he expressed that it was simple, durable and easy to use once you got your thumb trained. He was right. This thing has stood up to 3-hrs straight of fishing for Bluefish off of a party boat as well as casting into the surf, so far. The drag is nice and smooth and easy to adjust. The clicker is also loud and easy to switch on/off when you get a bite. Casting is pretty smooth with some practice. Best of all, what I hear from experienced fisherman, is that this thing is better off than comparable reels with a "level-wind" system. Why? Because that's always the first component to go under strain. So, in closing, this reel is a good, versatile and an economical option for the $65 price tag, considering that it'll last you a couple of decades if you take care of it and there are original parts as well as conversion kits available. My girl's dad still has the first one he bought in the 80's still running on the same drag washers, that's saying something as to the quality of this reel considering that he's used for everything from blue-fishing to tile-fishing.

What can you say. Excellent Penn quality and performance.

I have many high priced reels that I fish with, this reel although not high priced is one that I consider the best for the $$. They never fail and can handle almost all of the types of fishing I do. Just does its job every time.

Husband likes this reel. He's very happy with it. Now he can go fishing! Price was good & got here really fast!

No where near as desirable as the Penn 505 HS with its' fast retrieve, but I needed this reel for bottom fishing for catfish and smaller saltwater bay fish from a boat. Sold all my Newell converted 505HS reels with spacer bars, and all the other strengthening accessories Newell offers for the 505HS on eBay for big bucks because I'm 74 and can't handle the larger brutes anymore. Don't try to handle the fish that Amazon says this reel will handle, Cobia, Kingfish, Small Tuna etc.. A large, strong fish will twist the frame due to the weak spacer bars, side plates, reel seat etc. They call this reel the Jigmaster, but don't try jigging with it. It casts like an Abrams tank! I know I've knocked it pretty hard, but I'm used to some damned fine reels.! This is an old, proven design by Penn and is unbeatable for bottom fishing for fish up to about 20lbs. Use 20lb line and up or you risk line getting caught between the spool and side frame. The opening is too wide. Another design flaw!

Great item

Great reel for the money, and its a Penn. i have landed some great fish from the surf with this reel. This is a work truck get it done kind of reel, if you are looking for a lariate with all the bells and whistles you wont be happy with this reel. You have to work it, no level wind, star drag, you have to think. Would buy another!

Retrieve is undeniable slow.