Hello all,

I am looking for a canal reel and I was wondering if anyone prefers the 7000c to the BG 7000cl and what is the difference between the two. I know that Saltheart is a fan of the BG reels. Also, is there a ball bearing levelwind upgrade for these reels?
Thanks in advance.

Steve

I don't Ditch fish much but I've had both a 7000C which I sold and a CL Big Game that someone STOLE :af: and I honestly feel the Big Game was a substantially better caster than the C model. Night & Day difference. But I had not used the C all that often and was told that the bushing model needs a lot of time to break in well to really loosen up. The CL was ready right off the bat.

Between the 2, I would pay the extra dinero and get the CL, no question in my mind :btu: . I was using these mostly with bigger plugs and often on my XRA1205

QUOTE:
"I was using these mostly with bigger plugs"

Just wondering... What size plugs do you folks use?

I spun w/ 1oz floating plugs this year as I was mostly trying for schoolies (from the surf). Will these small plugs take bigger bass or should I go up in size when they move back up in the spring?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Rob

i cast plugs from 1oz up to about 4oz. big bass bite small lures as far as i know. another way to put it is that big bass eat sandeels.:D

..they also swallow WHOLE pogies.....;)




Big Bait = Bigger Fish

I use anything from 1/4 ounce to the biggest for me I think is about 5 ounces... Wooden plugs from 1 ounce to 4-5 ounces - big Beachmaster Cowboy...

Now in this great span of weights I have a whole smorgashboard or rods & reels I use :)

Big Plugs = Big Fish is correct more often that not but it's not in anyway cast in stone... But overall good words to go by.

John,

Do you know why the BG is substantially heavier (according to the website) than the 7000c?

Thanks

The 7000 C is not even in the running anymore. The question should be why a BG7000CL vs a 7000C3. The BG 7000Cl is about $50 more and I don't know why. I like the BG reels cause the frames appear to be stiffer. the whole reel just feels more heavy duty. Supposedly the BG reels have a chrome plated brass frame while the other abu's have a plated white metal frame of somekind. That may account for some of the added weight and stiffness. Some people also say that the end plates on the C3's rust out fastre than the BG end plates. i don't know but i never had any corrosion at all on my BG end plates. Anyway , the BG series is my favorite. Although the Calcutta has a better drag , I think the Ambassaduers cast better. I have the entire line of Calcuttas and still grab my BG 7000 Cl when I go to the canal. Its bigger than the calcutta 400 and smaller than the giant Calcutta with the wooden handle. I think the BG 7000 CL is perfect for the heavy canal line (50 lb Spectron) and conditions. For beach fishing I like the BG6500CL with 35 lb Spectron. The 6500 cs Mag is nice for casting eels into the wind but you got to tape the Mag casting control down or you are skirting with disaster. the BG6500CL tuned wide open will cast just as far but doesn't have the mag control which does help on wind in your face days with light stuff and eels. The nice thing is though that you get used to thumbing it and you don't get surprised by accidently pushing the mag control forward as can happen with the mag Elite. So for the 10.000th time I have to say the BG series are my favorite reels of all at any price.

Steve - what Saltheart said :D ...

They still make a C model know and it's a cheap reel from WalMart. I looked at one and it just isn't the same. The C3 is better than the C but I would still pony up for the Big Game

Guys,

I appreciate your input and you sold me on the BG. Now, is there a bearing levelwind available for it?

Thanks

You can change the levelwind on the 6500 cl to a bearing levelwind from a 6500C4 but i don't think you can do the same with the 7000CL.

The new model 7000B takes place of the old 7000C

the 7000c has bushings and is a solid reel beside that. the bushings do take longer to absorb oil and are a little slower. the 7000c3 is the same as the "c", but w/ bearings. it has 3 instead of none for the "c". the "bg" is the same as the "c3", but it has brass annodized sideplates, thus the extra weight.

get the big game for the canal with 50# spectron and ya wont be sorry . I promise ! Its what I use ( not that that means much ) . Saltheart is correct on the difference btween the 2 abu models . I also have the 7000c3 and about 4 other abu conventionals for the beach .

You might want to think about one of the International 7000's.

This past year they made a 7000CS Pro Rocket Proshop . It has upgraded bearings and drag washers stock.
I have the sister reel(6500 series and once you get used to it it casts awesome).

If your interested I know of a source that you can buy them very very reasonable. Pm me if you want to know!

Russ

I have the Abu 7000BG and I like it. I landed my largest striper at the max current in the canal with it. I bought the Smoothie drag washers for it recently. The stock drag washers left a little to be desired.

I like the 5.3:1 retrieve of the BG for the Ditch---easier to hump a jig up over the face of the ledges, and better for getting a plug in quicker if a school of breaking fish materialize while your plug is halfway in ;)