Baitcasting reels for freshwater?

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
4,562
Anyone use em? I have a Diawa and a quantum accurist pt. Haven't had em out much this season, the accurist is on a 6'6" ugly stik and the diawa is on a zebco 2 piece.
 
I have a Shimano Citica 200E, and love it. Unfortunately I had to return the first two I got cause the tension adjustment knob couldn't hold enough weight (both from the same store) . I'm not terribly proficient with it, but am comfortable casting 3/8 and above weighted jigs, bullet weight 7 inch worms, and up to 1 ounce needle eel lure (took off all the brakes, lure travelled about a half a spools worth). It is a highly recommended model on tackletour.com and has most of the features of its higher end sister, the Curado. Really impressed with the HEG drag system, up to 11-12 lbs max drag, and certainly enough to handle the 4ish lb largemouth its seen so far.

D
 
I haven't fished for many years, but I recall saving my money as a teenager to buy the "best" baitcasting reel available at the time, the Ambassador 5000. (or so I believed, anyway)
It was actually very nice... I have no idea what's available now.

I'll take you back a bit... My very first baitcasting reel was one of those old, solid brass numbers with the spool about two inches wide. Direct drive, of course, everything spun...
I tried manfully to cast with the thing, and got backlash after backlash. Had no idea what I was doing. Then, I read a little article in Sports afield about proper technique, using your thumb to modulate the spool. Viola! I could actually work the thing!
 
The ambassador 5000 is a legend! I wish i could handle you one. As for the citica, i hear if you change the bushings out for bearings you can turn it into a curado. Nice reel, on par with the quantum i have.
 
Have you tried any of the Revos from Abu Garcia? I suggest the SX or STX series. They are really good with decent line cap. A bit on the heavy side but they give good casting distance if you twiddle with the mag brakes properly.
 
Loneriderz said:
Have you tried any of the Revos from Abu Garcia? I suggest the SX or STX series. They are really good with decent line cap. A bit on the heavy side but they give good casting distance if you twiddle with the mag brakes properly.
Click to expand...

i keep my brakes off and only set the tension adjustment knob, as per any reel.
 
I'm not a expert on this but I'll tell you what my brother said. He was told by a pro fishermen that unless you use it everyday its better not to have it. They take a long time to perfect their use and can become more of a pain than relaxation.
 
I still fish with an Ambasador 5000 I bought in 1975, have it on a Boron worm rod. Still ne of the best rigs I have ever used . Couple years ago I got a fancy rig at Bass Pro, Its nice and all that, but its no better than my old Amb
 
knifenut1013 said:
I'm not a expert on this but I'll tell you what my brother said. He was told by a pro fishermen that unless you use it everyday its better not to have it. They take a long time to perfect their use and can become more of a pain than relaxation.
Click to expand...

BS, if you LEARN how to use one you will always know. It might take a few casts if it has been a while, or if your useing an unfamiliar rig, but it comes back fast.
 
I have 4 different Team Diawa reels. None of them were cheap $200+, but I haven't had to buy any other reels since. Great for everything from senko worms up to heavy spinner baits. I use braided line up to 30 lb test (lots of heavy weeds/lily pads. The only thing I have any trouble with, but am improving at, is skipping soft baits under docks.

I'll rarely have a backlash, usually only in heavy wind after I switch to a lighter lure. If you spend the money on a better reel, invest in a quality rod, I've had good results with St. Croix. You'll be amazed how many soft hits you were missing with the two piece/fiberglass rig.

When I bought my first higher end rig I was skeptical, but found that you get what you pay for especially when it comes to reels.

Andy
 
SIXFOOTER said:
BS, if you LEARN how to use one you will always know. It might take a few casts if it has been a while, or if your useing an unfamiliar rig, but it comes back fast.
Click to expand...

True. I hadn't picked up a baitcasting setup in 2 years due to my rod being too big for the tight places i was fishing in and didn't have the money to replace it. Got a 2 piece rod that was shorter the other day for my diawa reel, and went out, put 5 brakes on, then 2, then none. Only took 4 casts to get back to no brakes. Its all in the tension adjustment knob. That is a false statement though knifenut. I learned how to cast mine in my backyard in one day at the age of 15.
 
Man I LOVE my Abu Garcia's!!!!

I was actually thinking about picking another one up...
 
SIXFOOTER said:
I still fish with an Ambasador 5000 I bought in 1975, have it on a Boron worm rod. Still ne of the best rigs I have ever used . Couple years ago I got a fancy rig at Bass Pro, Its nice and all that, but its no better than my old Amb
Click to expand...

i have seen many ambasadors still being used that are as old or close to as old as i am.. amazing reels.. they do not make them to last that long anymore:jerkit:
 
I used to stay summers in florida when I was a kid with my Uncle. He had an Ambasador 5000. That was back late 60s early 70s. I still have dreams of that reel.
 
knifenut1013 said:
I'm not a expert on this but I'll tell you what my brother said. He was told by a pro fishermen that unless you use it everyday its better not to have it. They take a long time to perfect their use and can become more of a pain than relaxation.
Click to expand...

So this is hearsay of hearsay. :p

They're not that hard to use, especially newer models that have anti-backlash brakes on them. You *do* need to set the reel for whatever weight you're throwing. But using them is not akin to rocket science.

hung-solo said:
i have seen many ambasadors still being used that are as old or close to as old as i am.. amazing reels..
Click to expand...

I have a 5500 C I bought 20+ years ago. It is still going strong.

For striper fishing, I have added a couple of 6600 C4's to the collection. I also own one of the newfangled Eons. All are good reels.
 
knifenut1013 said:
I'm not a expert on this but I'll tell you what my brother said. He was told by a pro fishermen that unless you use it everyday its better not to have it. They take a long time to perfect their use and can become more of a pain than relaxation.
Click to expand...

It's not really that hard to learn a baitcaster. It always helps to have someone who can show you what to do but you can teach yourself. I taught myself how to use one when I was 13.

There's soooooooo many advantages to baitcasters its worth it.
 
Of course the anti-backlash brakes do reduce your casting distance, because they are magnets that automatically slow down the rotation of the spool. I've never used a baitcaster myself, but my brother had one and he loved it. It was a beautiful piece of equipment, he just always had trouble using it. Eventually he moved over to spinning reels. Its like the argument over fixed vs folder! Which is the best? The one you use!
 
I think it really depends. My dad had me fishing at a young age with a spinning reel, he skipped the spin casting reels (thank god) and i always loved fishing but didnt take an interest in it until i was like 14 and around 16 i think i got my first cheap baitcaster, got the hang of that and realized i liked them so i stepped up to a way more expensive reel and havent looked back yet. Now, i have it on a 6'6" ugly stik so its not like i can bring it anywhere, but i try to use it when i can.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top