This reel dominated in the 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s. I caught lots of tuna in 20-60 lb class on 40 lb mono. Always used it on long range trips back in the 90’s. Countless barracuda, bonito, bass, rockfish, dorado, yellowtail. Any fish over 40lbs should ideally be landed on a bigger reel but the 500 is very capable. Abused mine since the 80’s and it still works fine. Not a good casting reel. There’s a lot of better reels out there but you can’t beat a classic winner.

For the size fish I am bring in with this real (tunas up to 45, yellow tail to 35 pounds) and usually fishing with 25# Big Game line. I have the option to go to 30# and even 40# with the quick change of the spool. I don't doubt with 30# a fifty to sixty pound tuna would be possible however when the fish start averaging fifty I go to a larger real.

Grandfather left it to me when he passed so i don't use it anymore out of respect, but it is as smooth as the first time i used it as a kid on his boat.

I started with a Jigmaster 500 in the early 80's, this reel, undoubtedly is simply the best reel for the money. It is EASY to maintain, easy to clean rinse and lube after every fishing trip with a (1) spring loaded screw to open and close. I have hooked up with gorilla blue fish, stripers and medium size wahoo, without a doubt, for the $$$, Penn jigmaster simply the best ! Can't go wrong.

this was my first ever conventional reel and still my favorite its very strong and holds a great amout of line

i have had this reel all my life and its great for the price it was one of my first conventianal reels and stills in perfect shape caught me some smoker kings on this reel

This is a classic reel. If use it within its specifications, this reel can last a lifetime. 30 - 40lb test line no problem. I have many reels that I rotate but I always take my Penn Jigmasters out with me. It is a proven reel and the single screw take down makes changing spools super easy. If it breaks, parts are readily available and maintaining it is simple.

It's hard to give a star rating on this reel. In a market with reels like the tld, avet, and so on, it is big, heavy, outdated, and nowhere near as smooth. That said, I still love the classic look and feel, and you will not find a tougher more versatile reel for the money. Penn's drag material is incredible! There is a tremendous amount of aftermarket support for this reel making it one that can be truly customized to your liking. The quick take apart feature is awesome. Turn one screw by hand, then lift and twist and the reel comes apart into 3 main pieces which makes rinsing with freshwater a snap. Another great thing about that, is that if you have multiple spools and your thumb slips on a cast, instead of spending the next hour untangling it, just reel it in, cut the line, and swap in a fresh spool! I own a saltist, an avet, and an accurate...and I still keep 2 of these ready to fish.