Any of you guys fish with Abu Garcia Ambassadeurs? I was looking at one and wondering how they were to use. I would use it for casting @ 1/2 to 1 1/2 oz lures with about 12 lb test.

Do they cast far? Do they love to backlash?

The model was the 6500 c3.

J

I have that exact model. I love it! I've fished with Abu Garcia reels my whole life. They only problem with them is that they don't last as long as they used to. Seems they have replaced some of the metal parts with plastic ones. But, depending on how much you fish, and what you fish for, they are a pretty dependable reel.

I have a 5600 C5 Mag something or other.

It is VERY nice, and the magnetic brake helps alot with backlash. I don't use it much since I bought my PENN 955. It is a great reel, but I wouldn't want to use it in saltwater. I have it spooled with 20lb test dyneema braid, with a 10lb flouro leader.

I bought it when I first decided to get into baitcasters, and would recommend it to anyone new to these types of reels.

I had a few Abu Garcia reels as a kid and I loved all of them. Great product if you ask me.

But then, I actually prefer an open-face reel to a baitcaster.

Oh Yeah,

It casts a mile.

the only brand I use. The 6500 is a big reel. I'd go with the 4600 series.

yes they will backlash without practice.

I have put many miles on my 5 Abu Garcia reels. Two are the 6500 C3's. Matched with the proper rod they cast a mile. Yes they will backlash but that is mostly because of improper antibacklash settings.

If you buy it here's some tips on adjusting the antibacklash nut.

To adjust the antibacklash tighten the antibacklash nut down so your weight drops slowly from a horizontal position with the spool released. Once you get the hang of it you can take tension off of the spool to cast farther but this is the starting point. Even if just changing to a different lure or weight.

Remember this, less tension on antibacklash nut - bigger birds nest (backlash)!!!

Casting into the wind causes the most backlashes for me. You need to use a tighter antibacklash setting when casting into the wind.

good advice from the red one.

What type of fishing will you be doing? That should help with the 100 series you should get.

I fish with the tension backed all the way off. I can't flip any other way. That's why God gave you a thumb.

I am going to use it with smaller lures for pike. Some of the spinnerbaits and buzzbaits that I use are too small for the Alvey rig I have, so I want something that can give me the distance with the smaller lures.

Got it today and am going to spool it up with 12 lb test. Can never have too much line.

J

I have been using spectra line (or the like), i.e. powerpro, Raptor line, etc on all my baitcasters and a few spinning reels too.

The backlashes are MUCH easier to pick out, the stuff casts for miles, resists UV, and you can put a boatload more on the spool. Learn the Bimini twist/bristol knot combo and you've got a solid leader connection. I LOVE this stuff.

OKay, I get to make youse guys jealous! I inherited an Ambassabeur 5000 (no letters after it) it came with a lether case and a parts kit. I love it, they just don't make 'em like that anymore!

CW, I've got one of those old 5000's. The leather drag washer is not as smooth as the new style teflon. But it still gets used.