For Life: The Story of Abu Garcia

From the banks of the Mörrum River in Svängsta, Sweden, a watch maker emerges to develop the world's most sought after reels. (Henning Karlsson, Lennart Borgstöm. Directed by Dustin Hoye, Executive Producer, Chris Derrick. Associate Producer, Paul Davis Copyright 2013)

[@wizzytimeless]

What a fantastic tribute. I purchased a closed face Abu 506 back in the late 70’s and have used it on and off for almost 40 years. The only thing it ever needed was the pick up spring replacing.Unable to find one in the uk in those days before the internet etc, I actually used a spring out of a Biro pen , it’s worked ever since. My son who also fishes calls it “that old coffee grinder” 😀. He can mock all he wants. ABU I salute you. I also had an ambassador multiplier I used for sea fishing which also never let me down. Long may your products be used by future generations of fishermen.

[@TheAudiostud]

I Still Have My Abu Fishing Reel My Father Gave To Me In 1966 When I Was Just 8 Years Old And 50 Years Later I'm Still Using It!

[@williamrichins4908]

I have a 300 from the 50’s. I just recently cleaned and lubricated it and guess what? It still works beautifully and I have 3 extra spools. Made in France.

[@deltahunter2302]

Wow! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@deltahunter2302]

@@williamrichins4908 and even wow!

[@fishingrightnow2369]

@@williamrichins4908 that’s so crazy !!!

[@ponyboy2195]

God dam

[@tphvictims5101]

I’m 65 years old, I still have a bunch of Abu reels that made it through the years. The 6500 was the reel to have when I started fishing for Muskies. I bought a revo inshore two years ago and did some mods, ceramic bearings and carbon fiber handle. FOR LIFE.

[@henryschmidt636]

As a Ambassadeur user for life and a serious collector of all things Abu, Thank You! Mr. Karlsson is a treasure and the love he and Mr. Borgstom still have for Abu can be seen deep in their eyes.

[@Catfishedge]

28:19 was an awesome experience to take part in this project! Just checking it out again after many years!

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Thank you - the song is something the director put together for the film.

[@deltahunter2302]

45:33 "you will use it and keep it for the rest of your life". I bought my first Abu Garcia on the 50th Abu Garcia anniversary with the 50th anniversary stamp on it .. Used it once (a day trip) at sea and till today 12th Aug 2020, stored complete with the box. Love it. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@dcgilleland]

My Daddy gave me an Ambassador 5000 Red at age 10 (1964) Still work GREAT but I retired it with a 5500 last year. Abu Garcia truly produces the BEST level wind reel made!! Keep up the good work!

[@whitetroutchannel]

i know the quality of the reels and nearly everyone has commented on it but i want to say that my angling life wouldnt have been much had it not been for the "ABU TOBY", i caught so many sea-trout with it for the 25 odd years ive been using them, thanks ABU from northern ireland 👍

[@markhoffmier1386]

I absolutely love the versatility of the 6500 C3 series. I use mine to catch everything from pan fish, bass (all species), trout, salmon, catfish, gar as well as use it for light ocean surf fishing. I have nothing but positive things to say about these reels.

[@luap89]

I bought an Abu Garcia Devil today, a geezer in Wales was so helpful and now its on its way to London for me to use with my old man. So glad I'm back into fishing for a million reasons. Can't wait to catch!!! Nice one!

[@adnacraigo6590]

Loved this video. Abu garcia reels are my favorite. I consider them as precision instruments.

[@justforyou8564]

Best documentary I’ve ever watched from the story to the why it was made, truly amazing. Quality complimented by quality once again. Some of those photos are incredible. I love the way he talks & how it was filmed. Watch it all time over & over. Great story. Handcrafted is a word you don’t hear often. Love the transitions & focus. Incredibly professional but hey that’s what you expect from Abu Garcia…better than the rest & always will be because they care. Rare qualities these days…

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Thank you for your support and feedback!

[@Oguum]

Helt underbart charmig film. Tack så jätte jätte mycket!

[@pdbandit1]

I have been using Abu reels since my childhood, I am 62. I bought my first Abu reel when I was around 13, a 1750, a great little reel that served me well. In the 60's they were the Cadillac of fishing reels, a tradition that still has a place today.

[@DrFrankensteam]

Nothing makes me feel like I do when I’m fishing with a Abu reel. The “whizzzzzzzz” noise it makes with every cast and the spray of the braided line silhouetted brightly by the sun. The indescribable thrill when you hook a fish, land it, then triumphantly hoist the prize! But mostly the life long memories I’m creating with my 12 year old son and my wife. Who are my best fishing partners. We often sit around and talk about catches we made, or the time I fell in the river trying to help my son land a Bass! Haha! I’m addicted to fishing. And I admit it!

[@jasonlopez4855]

That old factory running like that is just the best I've seen in years. My grandfather and father was a woodworker I just had to do it to just like making something out of nothing fire wood 🪵 to table or chair 🪑 nothing more satisfying. Only one fishing 🎣 with my Dad and son. Stay fishing with ABU Garcia.

[@TopWaterTV69]

Got a C3 5501 for my birthday and I spooled it up that same night and went fishing with it the very next day. From the first cast I could tell that this reel was made to last for life. One day I too will be passing my reel on to my son.

[@AbuGarciaTV]

We are proud to be part of your fishing trips!

[@larrystolzman9337]

I have been fishing for over 50 years with my own equipment. The vast majority of my bait casting reels are ABUs. The oldest and newest work great and are always a pleasure to use. I lubricate them at least annually, once in a while more often. They always put a smile on my face and joy in my heart. I have two grandkids that I’ve taught to fish. If they use them for their lifetimes it will mean 100+ years of fishing enjoyment and about a million smiles! Oh, they catch fish amazingly well too! 😉

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Thanks for your support Larry!

[@mikekarpiak5286]

I have quite a few Abu-Garcia "Made in Sweden" reels, it is so sad how much their quality diminished since they started making them in China

[@dagmortennikolaysen776]

Yes - but many models still are made in Sweden, and relatively few in China, except the large models. It should be easy enough to avoid the China made ones, except for the 7000 and larger sizes (not counting the 7000C Compact, that is made in Sweden).

[@cliffordbryant9841]

I have a 7000 abu Garcia made in Sweden I'm so happy to have it I keep it very clean it will last me all my life and I fish a lot but there the best

[@jackofalltrades5904]

Exactly

[@lesrinehart933]

They still make reels in Sweden as well

[@bobsmith-ru7xp]

@@conqueringlion420 Abu Garcia has never read "Made in America" the originals, and the ones made today that are high quality are made in Sweden.

[@Thundercatfishing1]

This was uploaded in 2013, I can't believe that I haven't seen this until now! I researched this company for months (as I do w all my gear) before I made an investment in them many years ago. I have to say, while I had read the history of the company it's quite another thing to actually hear it from the people who played a part in making it happen. All the stories about fathers handing their old gear down to their kids really impacted me as well. I look forward to handing my ABU reels down to my kids someday. I Love the cinematography in this too. Great history, great company, great product. ABU Garcia for life. #abugarciaforlife

[@billturner2370]

A wonderful story of a wonderful company!

[@TheSavagederek]

I have owned many Abu products over the last 30 or so years . Stand outs were a Gold Max fly rod and Cardinal spinning reel . And the Hi-Lo is one of my all time favourite Pike plug , and obviously the Toby spoons .

[@tonebonetones]

The merger with Garcia - who had already merged before to form Garcia Mitchell in the 70's - was the beginning of the end for the once world renowned ABU company. Pre Garcia connection reels are the ones to collect.

[@Dug159]

I’m a long life Abu boy, my father still has he’s dads old Abu drum reels and uses them to this day, a few years ago I purchased my first Abu product, a 5601 ambassaduer, within the last year I’ve added a Revo inshore, revo rocket, two Roxanis, and then two alx thetas only yesterday. 🤣 Not to mention countless Veritas and Rayrex rods… 🤣

[@Kryptonite357]

I have my grandfather's 6500C Ambassadeur reel that still works to this day. Similar to the story in the film he lost it on the lake one day, and snagged it close to a year later. Cleaned it up and it was good to go. Just picked up a Revo SX recently and got my son his first baitcaster too. Love our Abu Garcias.

[@arnarne]

I had a few cheap, Asian reels as a boy. On the last one the handle kept coming loose as the thread went the wrong way on the screw holding it and one day I dropped it in the water. I wanted a proper reel and borrowed money from my parents to buy an Abumatic 160. it was about ten times the cost of one Asian reel but an absolute pleasure to use! I payed it of for about two years but never regretted it. Caught a lot of fish w. it. I still have it and it works as good as new. As a Swede, it saddened me when Garcia was added to the name ABU and quality just dropped. Once in a while an Ambassadeur turns up at a jumble sale or so and if they are in good condition I buy them just because they are of such outstanding quality. I suspect the quality of the new reels will never be what it once was.

[@martinhvam1031]

Great film! I got my first Abu reel, an AbuMatic 20 for Christmas as a 12 year old in 1964. It still works perfectly! Since I have got Cardinals, Ambassadeurs (all made in Sweden) and also a Mitchell (made in France) and a couple of (made in Japan) Shimanos. All great reels, but Abu will always hold a special place for me!

[@texasbassfreak3549]

Thanks for making a brand of fishing reels that are PURE QUALITY!!!

[@TheRousler]

Been a fan of ABU since a 12yr old in 1967. Saved up and bought my faithful ABU 505. Still going strong - like new!!!! And of course every year I waited with baited breath for the ABU annual and read each copy over and over again..

[@davegerner5812]

I love Aubo Garcia reels I still have my first Michael Garcia 300 when I was 4 years old I'm 58 now they are my favorite reels I wish I had one for every occasion

[@seeitpickitbinit2510]

I genuinely loved that, thank you. I had an Abu Eon 3600, it was a thing of beauty. I sold it, because I felt that I couldn’t do it justice. Great company.

[@EdHCNg]

Great video. Knowing the history behind the reels, I'm appreciating my Record even more.

[@philbaker7389]

Phenomenal video. Love my Abu reels. Now know the back story of this fabulous company

[@357magnole8]

Wow. Really well done video. I was given a Abu Ambassador by my grand father about 15 years ago, to me it was an old piece of junk. What a shame it is that I could not tell anyone where that reel is today. Lessons learned, don't pass things down to unappreciative children that do not understand the gift entirely. One of my biggest regrets

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Glad you enjoyed it...have a great weekend!

[@ImDembe]

MR. MAGNOLE I found my granpas old Amba 6500CA, did service it myself and tried it and it works very good still and now im hooked, gonna stop using my spinning reel for pike and go all out Amba baitcaster :D

[@TomsFishinAdventures]

+Abu Garcia Sub for a sub?

[@sauvageaux]

Gracias

[@forbiddenlake]

Just AMBASSADEUR.. The great reels on this planet!

[@Vulcaneer900]

My Dad has passed and he left me 2 Abu Garcia reels. I've always known that the brand was very reputable, but I have never used a casting reel before. (I tend to choose a spinner) After watching this video I have decided to learn how to use my casters. This was a very good video. I am sold.!!

[@CristiNeagu]

So how are you getting along with all those bird nests, then?

[@rainrain8161]

@@CristiNeagu lol

[@dekadj73]

Thank you for great video

[@keijo4dee]

Lovable documentary

[@bryandiaz5714]

Muy buen video gracias a esos señores emprendores inquietos podemos disfrutar de la pesca en la actualidad. 2019 gracias Abu Garcia. Thanks. Saludos desde Sinaloa México.

[@afjazid4033]

Own an Abu 6500 for years it still cast like a beauty..tq Abu Garcia

[@linseyrae118]

I love Abu Garcia's it's what my dad taught me to fish with when I was young. Thank you for an amazing product and for this awesome video! 💙

[@discount8508]

I have so many old abus that have been left to me because their original owners never opened them up to service them ......they are an absolute delight to service ...good materials and simple mechanisms .....all they needed was a clean , some fresh oil and maybe a new drag washer .........and now they function better than the new stuff that I thought were as good .........abusolute casting legends

[@christopherblessing3868]

Awesome, I have a new respect for ABU fishing reels!

[@TackleWarehouse]

Great Video, very cool story!

[@theatlantafisherman6913]

As someone who has just gotten into fishing recently, I have to say I'm LOVING my Revo SX and MaxX combos!

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Great to hear!

[@BigT27295]

One of the best videos i have seen in a long time...And one of the best damn reels ever made bar none.

[@kingklabe]

Really really enjoyed that video. I love to see the passion that went into the entire production from it's infancy and continuing today. "Made in Sweden" doesn't conjure any images of Chinese children working for a pittance on a mediocre product. I bought a new Ambassadeur 5500c3 the other day and I bought it without reading any reviews. I literally bought it because of how it felt in my hands. I showed a picture to my friends at work and they all said it was a "badass" reel. Haven't used it yet because of the weather but after watching this documentary I'm even more excited to get out and use it. Come on, sunshine! (and permission from the wife)

[@BagsRivaRaet]

Watching now from Philippines

[@cstarsfly]

Great Reels!

[@KayakChris]

Great video, very interesting and inspirational. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Kayak Chris worth the watch bud thanks

[@MrDimonist]

Отличная работа по съёмки фильма 🤟🏻👍🏻

[@HunterGrayBASSASSASSINZTV]

Y'all, i'm a tournament angler and love everything abu garcia! I have lots of your products and will never get rid of them. EVER!

[@rickycollins4633]

I was raised on these fishing reels and own and rescue them wherever I can find them. I bleed ABU red and will always use even my oldest ones. Thank you fellows for the best fishing reel in the world.

[@MrChugge]

One of the best movies i´ve been watching. I will always buy ABU stuffs now.

[@danielsanchezfelix2048]

Excelente historia de personas y compañías dedicadas a la creación y fabricación de artículos deportivos, un ejemplo a seguir para los que somos deportistas pescadores, ánimo, sigan adelante.

[@Georgeolddrones]

2019 and still excellent 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣👍 Just the best in the world. George in England uk

[@Fernando671000]

simply fantastic

[@MarcosMVlures]

Nothing to add. Excellent video and excellent company.

[@joseformigal7649]

Fantastic and it was amazing to watch the Abu Garcia story.... i like to fish and i have a Abu Garcia Rod and a Abu Garcia Reel Black Max 7 and i love them...

[@thegreatga]

I truely love my Abu Garcia MGX, and can't wait for the opportunity to have the need for other Abu Garcia products. Glad to see some of the production returning to its home origin. ~A proud owner for life

[@lars81965]

Greatings from Holland!

[@mikebledsoe2315]

*Very informative documentary.*

[@muskiedave7197]

Interesting. I have used ABU reels for Muskie fishing since 1960. They work great.

[@AlergicToSnow]

Just bought my first Abu Garcia. Didn’t know the history. Fascinating.

[@normanrea4509]

Very good. I am strong fan. I have five " Abu' s". Bought my first one in 1973.

[@franciscoandrade1184]

Bought my 6500 C3 in July 1994, it's been 28 years of Joy, and she still like New. I am sure my grandkids Will fish with her in decades to come

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Outstanding!

[@ChuugyGolf]

Abu Garcia never has disappointe me! I will remain with AG for life! Thanks for everything Abu Garcai

[@joebrown1382]

When I started Bass fishing over 40 years ago I bought a Garcia 3000 then went to the black 5000. I still have 2 of each & still use them. I won several Bass tournaments with the 5000 back in the day.

[@spunkie2010]

Just had 49 minutes of enjoyment and education. Fabulous insight into how Abu reel evolved. Big Abu fan but try to stick to the older what I consider to be the better reel they made. Love to buy these old reels and with the help of Abu spares Mr Peter Coogan I try to bring them back to life. Great company great video into the history of Abu.

[@esoxiste]

Génial, merci

[@chevelle6985]

I bought four ABU Garcia reels in the past year. Three of those reels have broken at the bail arm. I will never buy another Garcia reel.

[@thepassionateangler4559]

This is a must see for every Abu fan and bass angler

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis7302]

When I was a child all good sports shops would give out free,an Abu catalog,which was a thick publication ,in colour,of all Abu products.I would devour it.There was also a competition for the angler who caught the largest fish in the country using Abu tackle.They would win and Ambassadeur reel and rod! My Ambassadeur reels are my favorites.

[@jamese4463]

awesome!

[@sorush93]

Abu Garcia is an awesome Company without any flaws. Yesterday i cought my first Salmon ever and it was a fresh run fish on 8 kilos ( 16 Pounds) And it was on an Ambassadeur Salmon Special that i cought it on. It worked like a Dream through the whole fight, the break, the capacity of line and so on was simply perfect. ABU 4 Life!

[@rektalmort]

Eyes wet... Bravo bravo!

[@pagisubuh]

nice documentary.

[@GRAFIKproductions]

I am an Abu Garcia fan! Great reels and rods. I have been using the Vendetta for 2 years now and have put that thing through more abuse and it continues to hold up. They make quality equipment and for the prices you can't beat it.

[@dyingslowly666]

I have an old ambassador that i need to get repaired and this video makes me cherish that reel even more knowing the history of the company

[@wtchmen]

Thank you I'm glad I watched this video

[@mikehamm007]

Well done!

[@MIKETAYLOR3]

Awesome story!

[@BaretnewswireOrg]

Awesome..

[@patrickmcmeekan8107]

So..I was a dedicated Shakespeare user user until I got my Abu Garcia spinning reel this weekend so smooth clean and pretty got some good catches and no not a one mess up thank you for being around great reels

[@MINIMOTOMADNESS]

they make some great stuff,i have a mitchell match reel in the box with the spare spool and guarantee from 1966...still works great too..

[@isaiahmunoz4811]

I loved this video

[@alexfee2658]

I’ve been fishing from year to year and I love the most good looking and high quality fishing gear like Shimano and Daiwa but from the bottom of my heart I respect the Abu garcia history the most ❤️ The legend Abu 🙏🏼🤙🏻

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Thank you for your support Alex!

[@alexfee2658]

@@AbuGarciaTV Honestly, because it’s hard to find Abu products here in Cambodia too that’s what set me a bit off from using this legendary brand 🙏🏼

[@NameOfMyChannel]

Grym film!

[@DannyBFishing]

Love the story! I'm glad he chose to make fishing reels! It was cool to see Galveston featured in the story.

[@proscapedesigns]

I'm here in galveston. And I too am a svangsta for life

[@hykeletdjkel3433]

i have 1 abu garcia. spin well oceanfield 5000 . For the sea .. is a very good tool!! 💪 love it ...

[@kidus.fishing]

Style amazing

[@NightOfTheLiving8bit]

Extremely interesting story. My Grandfather has used Garcia set ups since I was a kid in the 80's and now that I'm older, I also use Garcia set ups too. Between them and Penn, there is nothing like the quality Garcia puts out. My open face Orra reel that I bought last year for around $60 has been beaten, rained on and put through it's paces big time in the past year and it still works like brand new. Quality at a great price.

[@dougvaldivia3395]

very pleasing to use the old 5000 series variants of reels....have had for a long time and they do not quit just maintain em

[@pamanthanos9742]

angelholm really some magical place.

[@garykay7418]

started using Ambassadors as a kid back in the early 60s. they came in those leather cases. great reels. smooth drags, precise. a real pleasure to fish with.

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Excellent! They sure have proven to be fantastic reels over the years. Thanks for your feedback and support Gary.

[@Dylan9z9]

I just bought an Abu Garcia Reel used it for a week and it just cracked where the reel attaches to the rod....so much for Abu Garcia!

[@pedromonti7227]

Had a black max for four years and the drag doesn’t work and the reel screams like he’ll

[@AbuGarciaTV]

Hi Dylan, Thank you for contacting Abu Garcia regarding your damaged reel. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We will be glad to assist you in the warranty process. To move forward with the warranty process, simply email us at: [e-mail] and provide the following information/documentation: • Daytime telephone number • Physical address (unable to ship to PO Box) • Copy of original receipt or proof of purchase (if not available let us when purchased) • 3 Pictures 1 A clear picture of the damaged area/part 2 A clear picture of the model number 3 A clear picture showing the date code on the reel (if available example 02C12CM) • A brief description of the damage/issue and how it occurred Once we receive the above information, we would process your claim for warranty replacement consideration. To replace a reel under warranty we do request a $9.95 (US) $10.55 (CAN) processing fee. If the reel is not under warranty will be able to offer you a substantial discount towards the purchase of a new reel. You may reach us at 800-228-4272 Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm (EST) and one of our Service Experience Coordinators will be glad to assist you.

[@Dylan9z9]

@@AbuGarciaTV Thanks for the offer but I'll pass....just bought a Shimano reel in the same price range and I'm happy with that.🙂

[@johngriffin5446]

I have my grandfathers Red Abu ambassador 5000B on a 12 surf casting ugly stick. Works just like the day he purchased it. I hope someday to upgrade the plastic gears on the non crank side of the reel to metal gears. I can see the reel lasting till after Im long dead...hope my grand kids take care of it, it will serve them well

[@megasif]

nice intro words of wisdom to start the movie about the profession....

[@c.shoefish]

Awesome video. I still use my grandfathers ambassador reels from the 50s and 60s, they still work great. In fact my personal best striped bass (48 lbs.) Was caught on one from the 60s.

[@AbuGarciaTV]

That's great, Chris! Thanks for sharing that with us.