Anyone have any info on Abu Garcia baitcasters? I was wondering how they are for casting plugs and bucktails? I am looking to get a rod about 10 feet for casting in the canal. And want to match it with a abu garcia if i get some positive feedback. I was hearing good things about the 7000 and 6500. The 7000 looks pretty big would it be overkill for my application? Also, i want a level wind, its what i am used too. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Can you believe this weather, its almost 70 and its only 1 oclock. THEY ARE COMING.

Hi Rob I use a 7000 Big Game Cl (levelwind).

The only thing I did to modify it was put in Extreme Smoothies Drag Washers. The stock washers :yak:
Mike CC here on this site is a sponser, he sells to alot of canal people, Cape Cod Tackle is his website, and M&D's in Wareham is his store. I am sure he will chime in, he has the knowledge,and stuff you seek.

For big stuff the 7000C3 is my favorite. Below an ounce or ounce and a half, the 6500 is easier to cast. I can throw a 2 1/2 popper farther with the 7000. play with one in a shop. See which fits your hands better. Either will be sweet with 30 lb Fireline or power pro. The 7000 can hold a few miles of it. If you buy a 6500, get one with dual cast control(spool tension knob on the left side plate) Also if you buy a 6500,throw away the drag washers and replace them with HT100's or smoothies. The stock ones will have a hard time stopping a 30 inch bluefish.

The 7000CL Big Games and 7000CS Rockets are a great reel for jigging the Canal.. If your looking for a pluging reel, the 6500 Mag Elites are sweet.... Their a bit more expensive then the 6500C3 reels, but more then worth the extra $$. Just do as the others said and change out the drag washers for Smoothie Drag washers....

IMO the abu 6500TCST is the best bang for the buck. 4 bearings and power handle . for just a couple bucks more than a C3

in the 7000 size the SSC3 is the best valur same exact reel as the C3 but has a cranberry housing and is about $20 cheaper

I got in a 6500CS Mag in today with a 9' Sabre 1088 looks brand new. the guy wants $225. for the combo

in the 7000 size the SSC3 is the best valur same exact reel as the C3 but has a cranberry housing and is about $20 cheaper




Can't wait ta break mine in. This reel is makin me so hon--knee.:D

The only problem with a 6500 size Abu is you'll be using a reel with gears, a frame and a drag that were designed to handle 14# mono. If you're going to use one to fish the Canal with 50# braid, just remember--it ain't a winch ;)

The 7000 size was meant to handle 20-30# mono.

No winching?! Rats! There goes my Florida Surf Special idea. But you can still buy me one, DJ. :D Thanks for the ABU schooling, yesterday. Hey, I tried to give Mrs.P the eye during the Massbasster seminar. Was hoping that I could get her to part with that nice surf stick. And what gem di yah buy? Couldn't make it out from where I was sitting. Looked sweet!

I got a 7000HSN from Mike at CC and I think it's a great size. Holds 300 yds of 65lb braid like a 6500 but has the guts of a 7000 in a lighter weight

I use both the 7000C3 and CL models, and I have nothing but good things to say for this class of reel. The C3 has a 4.1:1 and the CL has 5.3:1 so the CL is definitely the better choice for plugging applications in the canal (or wherever) when you need that extra retrieve speed to work the plug properly.

I've not notice any difficulty with the CL being a bit heavier and having less "power" than the C3. Smoothy drag washers are always a nice addition. But spending another $30 on ceramic bearings to really get out into the middle of the canal where the fish are busting may also be worth the investment. Just a tiny drop of "rocket fuel" oil and you're in business.

--Tight Lines!

Originally posted by Chunker of Death
No winching?! Rats! There goes my Florida Surf Special idea. But you can still buy me one, DJ. :D Thanks for the ABU schooling, yesterday. Hey, I tried to give Mrs.P the eye during the Massbasster seminar. Was hoping that I could get her to part with that nice surf stick. And what gem di yah buy? Couldn't make it out from where I was sitting. Looked sweet!

9' custom from CMS. Not 100% sure whether it's an All Star or a Batson blank, but I'm leaning towards the latter. Feels like a 1088 to me. She picked it out herself ;)

Thanks for all the info guys. I am lookin at the offshore angler catalog from bass pro and they dont have many of the same models. They have the same sizes like ambassador 6500 and 7000, they are all the C3 models. What does the SS stand for on the 7000-ssc3? That is a sweet lookin reel. I wish i lived closer to the cape so i could stop by your shop Mike. Also, the 7000 weighs 7 ounces more than the 6500 is the added weight worth it when it comes to tossin bucktails 2-4 oz? That seems like a pretty hefty reel. Thanks again guys.

Tony, is it just me or is that reel on backwards? :laughs:

Hey WW don't tell him, he won't know the difference!

So what. I hold my spinners the same way:hee:

...he even walks backwards....:rolleyes: ...so NO-ONE finds his spots.