The Penn 501 is a narrow-spool, conventional reel designed for surf casting, pier fishing, and light offshore trolling. By narrowing the spool width of the 500 model, the 501 gives anglers quicker retrieve speed and easier thumb control while casting.
Penn made a handful of narrow or "Jr." sized reels which were just smaller versions of other reels in their lineup. For example, the 146 Squidder, 506HS Jigmaster (also the 1/0 110 Senator, 100 surfmaster). This was accomplished though the use of the 30-49 stand which is the most narrow stand Penn ever made. Add a matching narrow spool and bars or posts and you have a narrow.
The point being you can easily modify a 140 or 500 to a jr. version by changing the stand, spool, and posts. Everything else on those reels is the same.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Conventional (star drag) |
| Gear Ratio | 4.0:1 |
| Line Capacity | ~200 yds of 30 lb mono |
| Weight | ~20 oz |
| Spool | Narrow chrome or aluminum |
| Frame | Graphite or Bakelite sideplates with metal rings |
| Bearings | 2 bushings (no ball bearings) |
| Handle | Counterbalanced arm w/ torpedo knob |
| Drag System | Star drag w/ multi-disc washers |
| Clicker | Loud mechanical clicker |
| Free Spool Lever | Yes |
Narrow Frame: Makes casting easier and prevents line pile-up; ideal for lures and long casts.
Quick Retrieve: Faster pick-up due to small spool diameter combined with 4.0:1 ratio.
Interchangeable Parts: Shares many parts with the Penn 500, making repair and upgrades easy.
Rebuild-Friendly: One of the easiest reels to take apart and service—great for tinkerers.
Surfcasting for striped bass, bluefish, red drum, halibut, and snook.
Light to medium saltwater trolling.
Pier and jetty fishing.
Popular among SoCal anglers for yo-yo iron jigging and surface iron fishing.
Drag: Upgrade to HT-100 or Carbontex washers for smoother performance.
Sleeve: Swap in a stainless steel gear sleeve for improved durability under load.
Bearings: Some users drill out bushings and install aftermarket ball bearings for smoother freespool.
Spool: Upgrade to an aluminum spool for better casting and corrosion resistance.
| Feature | Penn 500 Jigmaster | Penn 501 Jigmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Spool Width | Wide | Narrow |
| Capacity | ~275 yds / 30 lb | ~200 yds / 30 lb |
| Retrieve Speed | Slower (more line per revolution) | Faster |
| Casting Ease | More prone to overrun | Easier to control |
| Line Lay | More thumb management needed | More uniform due to narrow width |
The Penn HS Jigmaster is a high-speed variant of the legendary Penn Jigmaster series, designed for West Coast saltwater anglers who demand faster line retrieval for casting and working jigs.
Model: Penn 505HS, 506HS
Type: Star Drag Conventional Reel
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1 (High Speed)
Line Capacity: ~275 yards of 20 lb monofilament
Weight: Approx. 19 oz
Frame: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite
Side Plates: Graphite, quick-take-apart (tool-less thumb screw access)
Spool: Chrome-plated brass
Handle: Jig-style counterbalanced handle
High-Speed Retrieve: The 5.3:1 gear ratio enables quick line pickup, ideal for working surface irons and fast-moving lures.
Quick Take-Apart Design: A hallmark of the Jigmaster, allowing anglers to change spools or service the reel easily on the go.
Multi-Disc Star Drag: Smooth and reliable drag system for battling hard-running fish.
Solid Brass Gears & Stainless Steel Pinion: Provides strength and durability under load.
Classic Clicker Switch: Helps control line during trolling or bait soaking.
Perfect for casting surface irons (e.g., Tady 45, Salas 7X) for barracuda, bonito, yellowtail, and schoolie tuna.
Often favored by SoCal anglers fishing from party boats for its speed, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
The 505HS 506HS has been discontinued by Penn but remains a favorite on the secondhand market due to its performance and iconic status. It’s often modded with upgraded drags, aluminum spools, and power handles.