I have caught tons of bass with a Penn 155, some big ones too

. It's the reel I learned to fish conventional on, loaded up with Gudebrod #27 squidding line if ya remember that stuff

. Was a wonderful reel to fish with, nice and light, and very durable as far as mechanics. Only thing I recommend is that you change out the drag for some new HT's or Smoothies (I think they make em for the 155?).