Penn Jigmaster Conventional Reel, 500L, 30 lb, 275 Yards

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Item weight: 0.5 Kilograms
Product dimensions: 7.87"L x 7.87"W x 5.91"H

Quick take

A compact conventional reel for saltwater jigging with quick spool swap and star drag.

The Jigmaster 500L is a classic star drag conventional reel with a 4:1 gear ratio and a drag that tops out around 15 pounds. Its quick take-apart frame lets you swap spools and line classes on the water, which suits boat anglers jigging for albacore, kingfish, cobia or stripers. A machined aluminum spool and an oversized handle with paddle knobs keep long fights comfortable.

Best for

Albacore and kingfish from day boats
Bottom and vertical jigging in saltwater
Situations where quick tackle changes matter

Skip if

You need distance casting for lighter applications
You fish freshwater lakes

Strengths

Quick take-apart feature allows rapid spool and line class changes
Machined aluminum spool and brass gears resist corrosion and flex
Counter-balanced handle and oversized knobs reduce hand fatigue
HT-100 Versa drag system provides smooth drag under heavy loads

Trade-offs

4.0:1 gear ratio is slow for rapid retrieval
Larger size and weight than modern reels
Star drag takes practice to adjust correctly under pressure

Fishing fit

Species: Offshore pelagics
Bottom fish
Water: Saltwater
Techniques: Jigging
Bottom fishing
Skill level: Intermediate

Specifications

Specifications
Type	conventional reel
Model	500L
Line capacity	275 yards 30 pound
Gear ratio	4.0:1
Max drag	13.61 kg (30 lbs)

Facts

This version's specifications
Reel size	500L

Updated 17 October 2026