Best bait casting reels overall, Abu Garcia C3 and C4

[@Otis010707]

I have one 6501C3 that I bought used about 13 years ago. It's red and has a salmon on the side of it. I love it for it's simplicity and strength! All I use is left handled baitcasters when I'm not using a spinning reel.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

It is definitely the best overall baitcasting reel ever from my vantage point. No reel can do everything, but this is close to it for the larger fish.

[@heathpass3708]

😮I use my c3 6500 for buzz baits, frogs etc.. does great. Best bait caster ever in my book.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

You definitely know how to reel fast. It can be done with enough speed by you, but that tool for the job can wear me out. I have put it to use doing those tasks, but prefer to use faster retrieve speeds and feel many would think poorly of the reel were they using it for those tasks.

[@Briarpatchblades]

Great video! Not sure how I initially missed it, however? Absolutely LOVE Abu's round reels! My wife and I enjoy catfishing and they are pretty much all we use on the river. We use the 6500 C3's, 6600 C4'S, and the 5600 C4's. We have a few Bass Pro Catmaxx reels, and one Shimano Corvallis 400, but the Abu Garcia's are my ABSOLUTE favorites! I grew up with them as they were all my dad used....they just work!!

[@michaeldarby8050]

These reels are special. I bought a c3 5500 from a flea market for 5 bucks, works like a champ. I just ordered a c4 from amazon and looking forward to hooking some big cats this spring. great video and tight lines!

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Thanks for the kind words and congratulations on getting such an incredible deal! Do watch out for the imitators with the name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYomaJnsebmpo

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

Agree about back lash. These round reels are less inclined to get backlash than the low profile ones. As soon as I bought the round abu garcia I hardly use my low profile ones anymore

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I think there are two things that help that. One the wider line capacity spool and the second being the level wind is constantly moving on these. Some of the higher dollar low profiles may have this feature, but I can't see spending those larger sums. Unless I need some speed I'm using these reels for baitcasting.

[@lesrinehart933]

I bought my first Abu Garcia in the early 70s I just purchased a couple of the Original Red 5000 reels from auction and I also own several low profile reels and a few Spinning reels and all in all the Garcia round reels can hold their own with almost any of them I guess it’s the basic way they are set up with one bearing inside of the cog wheel and the new Shimano Low Profile reels are in another class by themselves so ~ tight linesI was talking to my old best friend the other day and he told me he still has the 6500 he bought in 74

[@kentac1911]

Great reels. they are famous for a reason...they work! great review sir!

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Thanks for the kind words. These reels are the best for sure and the ability to replace parts on reels is a rarity these days. I've had some other reels that I have had to throw away with some use and one worn out piece.

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

I'm right-handed but always uses left handed reels don't see the point to cast with my right hand only to switch to reel in

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Pflueger is the only other bait cast reel that I know about that seems to appreciate our money.

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation I have 3 lews low profile left handed baitcasters also and if you go to Amazon you could find other left handed bc.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@QUANTRELLBISHOP I do use some low by Pflueger that I have enjoyed for a number of years. I would consider Lews were I buying today as well. I have some spinning gear by them I have been mostly pleased with.

[@jimmylit]

Best ever made, easy to clean and repair .

[@officialWWM]

“Forgiving on backlashes”…hold my beer…😂😂

[@SmoocheeWallace]

Great video., this is just what I was looking for! I just purchased an Abu Garcia 7000c reel as it was the only 7000 size they have in left-handed as I am also a left retrieve fisherman as I feel more comfortable fighting a big fish with my Dominant hand. Will be getting a 6501 c3 as well after this, thanks!

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I'm glad I could help and the 6501 C3 model should do everything you may need short of Marlin I think. With braid, the spool capacity on these is massive. You may wish to consider getting one used on eBay which is where I have gotten most of mine. Just make sure, like in a store, you are getting the made in Sweden C3 and not some knock off Chinese junk Pure Fishing sells with other model numbers after numerics. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYomaJnsebmpo

[@LunkerFishing]

Allen, I am not freaking out. I have several of these in left hand also!. I do not use them much any more because I like the smaller reels for palming but since I still have them I clearly like them. By the way, I am right handed. The very first bait caster I purchased when I was in my teens was a right handed reel. Within two weeks I returned it to Bass Pro Shops for a left handed reel of the same mode and for the next forty years I bought left hand reels. My son used to use left and right reels but I mainly use left handed models and I do not want to tell you how many reels I have! When I was guiding I needed to have left and right hand reels but when it came to showing a guest how to use a bait caster I always did so with a left hand reel. Good video Allen!

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I do have some Plueger and Abu low profiles as well that I enjoy and the extra speed is much needed with some applications. Ergonomically I do not understand how so many prefer to cast right handed and then switch over the rod to their left hand to reel. It amuses me how many find it bizarre that I do things my way just like Frank Sinatra :)

[@LunkerFishing]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation, That is exactly the reason I use a left hand reel even though I am right handed. It makes no sense to me to switch hands after casting, especially when throwing something like a buzz bait. You need to switch hands while the lure is in the air before it hits the water!!!

[@garymurphy6326]

*Got this rod for a frog / jig rod First day using this and hooked up to a 4lb largemouth, hardly any flex, and did it's job very nice!*

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I've had some luck as well with frogs on this setup. I do trick out my frogs to improve the hookup ratio in a way you might be interested in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqWxanqnlpygh7M

[@pabuffa]

Good video. I ordered a C4 4600 but sent it back. Could not get a C4 4601 so I got two C3 4601's. I love quality and these seem to fit the bill.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

You might be able to find some used and part replacement is possible which is one of the things that I live about these reels.

[@independentthinker.273]

Should really do a video on how to cast with a Abu Garcia ambassador. Especially if it has a side button release. I've had to figure this out of my own and if I had the time I do the video myself. When you're casting with one of these reels you have to turn the reel sideways when drawing the rod back so the handles are facing upward. If you don't, you risk the real locking up during your cast because the handle will move and follow the motion of the rod when you're throwing it forward. Causing the clutch to re-engage. The ambassador c4's that used the thumb bar release are not so much of a problem as long as you don't lift your thumb off the release during the cast. You're able to hold it down even if it does try to re-engage it can't because your thumb is still there. With side button round reels you have to do like I previously mentioned. I've had that happen where I almost lost an entire rig or get spun around in a circle because of all the weight I'm throwing on my line. 😬

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

You share a great point that I never really thought about having used them for so long.

[@DV-ol7vt]

I bought most of my c3 and c4 in the 80s and 90s and they have definitely been used and abused but have never failed to not work. I sure wish I would have bought more back then before the prices went crazy. A 6500 paired with a ugly stik is a battle tank that will last a lifetime.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

They are not cheap, but cost less gently used on eBay sometimes.

[@lesrinehart933]

When using braid to mono or flouro use a triple surgeons knot they are very powerful

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I have heard it is an excellent knot, but I typically use uni to uni already knowing it and it works well too based on years of experience. I always fully spool these with braid often going deep bottom fishing as well as long line trolling. I'd hate to get spooled down to some old worn out line that snaps.

[@lesrinehart933]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation The surgeons knot is easier and stronger make a circle with both lines braid and leader into a circle and wrap tag ends three wraps and cinch it

[@joeaguilar196]

Hi .Thank you for your video . And thank you for rescuing me . From buying a Shimano . LoL 😀 I've always been Abu Garcia owner . one of my reels probably about 30 years old . And I was in the market .looking for a Shimano but not anymore.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Glad I could help. I definitely think you should stay with what has worked.

[@lesrinehart933]

I have a bid on a 5000 Red Reel right now I collect them and I do own the Shimano Curado dc and that’s another ballgame and Garcia was my first choice for many years my old Dad rest his soul he never used anything but Penn and Shakespeare he was gone by the time the Garcia really took over and I remember the old timers complaining about the price of the Garcia they were 45 dollars back in the 50s

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Abus are not cheap now or in past. When we look at the quality I can say the price is very reasonable. I still use some of my fathers C3s he splurged on in later 70s.

[@707SonomaComa]

I have been looking into the conventional round bait casting reels, I have many low profile for large mouth bass but never a conventional round. I see some places say various reel manufacturers say made exclusively in Japan or sometimes Sweden. Is there really a big difference with them such as gear material, drag washers, bearings, etc...?

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

There is more consistent quality in the Swedish made Abu reels as well as some of those made with pride in Japan. Parts are also available for these reels to replace worn out parts which will happen if you use them a great deal over time. Most designs expect you to just throw the entire product away when one part has worn out. Pure fishing owns the name of Abu now so most products with Abu name are Chinese manufactured and I did another video doing the comparison on the round reels made elsewhere with the Abu label on them.

[@707SonomaComa]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation hey, do you know where to buy an upgraded rebuild kit to turn them into an ultra cast rocket?

[@barry4fish]

@@allenbmooresharinginformationYes, some recent ones claim Swedish made but might only be assembled there, with Chinese parts. Fortunately, due to decades long popularity in both US and Japan, there are lots of used ones available, and parts and upgrade kits too. Fun to fish and fun to work on too, I am in the process of upgrading my two ABU reels with bearing kits to make them even better. On some models in the 4000, 5000 and 6000 series, it’s amazing how many good ones at least 20 years old are available on the auction site, for not very much money either. I just bought a 5501 made in the 1990’s that was never used, only paid $60 for it, and it will probably last a lifetime.

[@barry4fish]

But, I will say, the Shimano Calcutta reels are awesome too, same popularity in Japan as ABU and excellent quality - yes, maybe not as durable as a boat reel if it’s going to be dropped all the time, but in Japan they don’t fish that way very often like we do.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@barry4fish I actually did another video covering the Pure Fishing buy out and destruction of the reputation of this once fine company. 60 is an impressive find for an as new reel!. I have used www.ereplacementparts.com/ to get the replacement parts for my reels and if you have another solution I'm all ears.

[@chepachii]

I love these reels, there may be some knock offs but IMO imitation is the best form of flattery. I use them for surf casting, river and lake and everything in between. I service mine with inox marine grease, Cals grease, TSi321 for bearings, and lucas reel oil, they get treated like gold and are smooth as silk. For my money a mint made in Sweden ambasadure 7000 red and black is the most beautiful baitcaster ever made, I own 3, one is absolute mint, like new and will be worth a small fortune. When I leave this earth they will get passed down to my sons and maybe their kids as well.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

There are definitely knock offs and the few I have had my hands on are not fit to share even a sentence with the Abu Garcia C3 and C4s. Pure fishing owns Abu Garcia and has slapped the Abu Garcia name on lots of stuff actually made in China to include reels that look like our C3 and C4s and even have the numerical names attached to the C3 and C4s. China may have all the information to make the same reel, but they are not smooth and I'd only want to have one as an emergency spare. Kast King also makes a terrible piece of trash that looks like the C series without the smoothness and can at best cast a third the distance. Last is my one experience with Shimano where the reel guide came out of the reel when I probably had the largest Striped Bass of my life on the other side of a reel. Those C reels definitely have the highest fish catch ratio of any reels in my arsenal in addition to the largest.

[@chepachii]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation for sure Allen. Where I live in South Australia there was a huge following for using them, I can easily access spare parts and upgrades. My 7000s have smooth drag carbontex washers matched up with the metal ground flat washers especially manufactured for these reels and it gives them what could be described as a super drag. I love these reels, I have a 5500 c3, 2x 6500 c3 1 x 7000 c3, 2x red 7000 a 6600 W black max all made in Sweden all made to last a lifetime.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Thanks for the added details. I am planning on working on these myself when I can retire. Thus far I have had all replacements done by a shop here.

[@kthen7162]

Hi abu advice I have 2 abu ambassadeur c 65000 reel 1.clicks but the other one doesn't any clues to set the clicking on the one to be another bait running reel.thanks

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

It sounds like there is a piece that has broken or come loose within that mechanism. Video here that can illustrate repair. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLGZYp_f5Johbc

[@kthen7162]

Thank You

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@kthen7162 best of luck. There are some reputable repair locations should it surpass your ability. I use ereplacementparts.com usually when needing parts for my reels.

[@lesrinehart933]

True brother and I have used them since the early 70s and I haven’t caught no bigger fish on of the nee low profile than these

[@geoffroimarcil8173]

A have the abu garcia ambassadeur and very good reel for musky for troling ans casting.😉😉😉😉

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Consider sharing some love with other fish too. These reels are awesome for anything I want to hook into over a few pounds. C4 managed to help me get in a 39 inch Blue cat this weekend. Best I've ever seen for Striped Bass was a 43 incher my dad managed to bring in on a C3 with 17lb mono (I should get an assist for getting us in pursuit of it with trolling motor :) ).

[@donaldhensley1625]

It took me for ever to figure out that 6500 did not make a lefty but found that 6501 was the lefty

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Abu is not great about sharing information under the helm of Pure Fishing corporation now. Customer service is poor now though you can find information elsewhere as you have done my friend.

[@trttopringtunes1242]

How about an abu ambassadeur power 4

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I've never had the privilege of trying one out firsthand. This would be a quality product actually made in Sweden by Abu Garcia as well. Most newer stuff with the Abu label is just Pure Fishing Corporation mass-produced in China out of the same factories producing other name brand products.

[@pipsqueak87]

thanks for this video! Any issues with pitching/flipping with these reels? I've only used low-pro baitcasters but am curious about these Abus

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

No issues, but if you are trying to get the lure back quickly it isn't the best option with the slower retrieve speeds. I've recently started using the low-profile Six Gill Hamarr for situations where speed matters and I've been pleased with it thus far. I'll probably end up doing an overview video on it in the future.

[@pipsqueak87]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation thanks for the info!

[@jonlejcar5306]

"just wanna go over reeel quick" I hope that was a pun

[@turtlezilla7371]

I don’t know what happen with that shimano from the but my father uses a 2000 size from the 80s-90s with a quick fire with 8 lb mono and caught a 30-40 lb carp and he had a berkley lighting rod for trout he mostly uses it for crappie fishing but there’s time where he catches pike and carp I personally like shimano and Abu Garcia but I only use the 4600 c3 most of the time

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I am not hating on others that have had nothing but good fortune with Shimano. I just choose not to ever repeat that disaster personally when I have had nothing but good experiences with the Abu C3 and C4 models.

[@barclaysauers255]

I pronounces it "AhaaBuuuuuuu....!" All I have to say!

[@robertveith2255]

I always used c3 5500 but I use the Shimano Calcutta 200gtb it's a lot smoother it will cast a lot of different types of baits !!!!!!!

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I wish you luck. As stated, I only had one miserable failure ever with Shimano costing me a fish of a lifetime. Shimano will not get a second chance at sharing my life. Not hating on owners of equipment, but can never trust Shimano personally.

[@Matspyropowerhouse]

Would this be good for bottom fishing ? I seen in other reviews people say not to go over 3-4 oz of lead but sometime I’m dropping 8 oz just to hold bottom for fluke

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Reel works great for all my bottom fishing and as long as you have rods that can handle the weight you should not have an issue.

[@Matspyropowerhouse]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation okay thank you

[@zae73604]

Cs rocket my favorite

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I think I know some of those reasons for that friend. Tight lines to you in your fishing pursuits.

[@zae73604]

I have tons soon with baitcasting reels ! Only in Vietnam

[@steelhead1414]

Staple in westcoast rivers for salmon and steelhead.

[@slowandcurious9455]

What type of rod do you run these reels on? Med, med-heavy??? How do they do in salt water ?

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

It really depends on the type of lure, or rig I'm using. I use MH for live bait applications, frogs, single hook lures like jigs and spinners. I use Medium action for multiple hooks points excluding frogs.

[@slowandcurious9455]

Nice, I only use mine for catfish maybe ill change that up

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@slowandcurious9455 They are my choice for catfish as well as Striped Bass when fishing in current on bottom.

[@augustinearanda6690]

Can you use 30 lb test line on a casting reel

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Berkley big game is some bulk line in 30lb test monofilament I have been using on one of these larger spools. Typically I have them spooled with a 40 to 60 pound Power Pro braided line. They can handle monofilament low as 12 without issue and I never knew my father to use a line higher than 17-pound test monofilament.

[@samcole2381]

Fished with them all my life.Will handle big fish.Sup smoothe and trouble free.The 6500s are my favorite

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

6501 C3 and C4s are mine being a lefty. I have several of the 5501 models too that work great too when not fishing deep or long-line trolling.

[@kimberlycarpenter2397]

They are great reels. In comparison if you have a 10 year old Shimano Calcutta you are totally screwed when the fragile set plate is broken. If you drop the reel it can suffer from breakages , however for a C3 you can buy parts easily for a 70 year old reel. Screw Shimano

[@roygaribay7331]

What line is that on your left Rod?

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

The original Power Pro on alll of these reels, 40lb test. I do tie on leaders at times with swivel or uni to unii knot when it makes sense to alter from heavy braid.

[@yupyupp9729]

I prefer left handed also. It’s just how I fish, but I’m right hand dominate.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

We are becoming less odd over time reeling as we do. Casting with my right hand and reeling with my left just makes ergonomic sense and always has. Watching other people constantly doing the transfer back and forth seems impractical and I know it will result in the loss of fish over time with transition time taken.

[@barry4fish]

@@allenbmooresharinginformationI agree. Especially many of us that fish with spinning and fly rods, much easier to just reel in with the same hand on all of them. Back in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, nobody making any bait casters with left retrieve, my dad was lucky being left handed, he casted with left arm and was the only one in our boat that didn’t have to switch hands.

[@lesrinehart933]

Im a short drive from the Galveston coast

[@kennethfriedl3428]

5 to 1 for crankbaits, and 6 to 1 for jigin and wormin.

[@zae73604]

Välkommen till sverige

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I've been enjoying them for decades now.

[@independentthinker.273]

Destroying a myth. To the right-handers out there, it's not sacrilege to use a left-hand baitcaster. 😁

[@luckycharms1254]

I remember those ..... now all I see people throwing is the Shimano

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

This is superior in my opinion. The level wind failed on the first big fish bite I had with a similar design Shimano so you will never see me even touching one of those reels.

[@luckycharms1254]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation I personally use the abu toro beast on the all white abu rod

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@luckycharms1254 white rods make lots of sense fishing during the dark and low light periods. The darker colors are harder to see and detect bites on when in rod holders.

[@timkincade9763]

I've used Shimano for years the old baitrunners fantastic the new ones ok not like the old ones and they just seem to lost quality. Bought a new Abu Garcia 6600cr classic love it built like a blue tank just solid like old school craftsmanship . I like my Shimano 6000 baitrunner but my Ambassadeur its just so nice. For Life .

[@niceone1swe]

Reel quick ;)

[@lesrinehart933]

It seems to me that back in the day the Shimano and Daiwa reels were just ugly and not really dependable and now they and Garcia are in the low profile market and they all look alike now and even though they are way better than back then I still stand behind the Garcia from the 70s they were far ahead of their time and are basically the same now ... well the made in Sweden that is I don’t own or won’t buy one made in China the quality is not the same

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Sadly Abu Garcia is now owned by Pure Fishing Corporation along with most other reels you may buy. China clones hold Abu name and the number designation of the C series. Classic reels are great for sure and the quality, even in Sweden, could go down. I have enough of these reels that some would say I have a problem.

[@lesrinehart933]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation pure fishing owns Berkley Penn and lots of stuff they have the second largest financial holdings and they are number 2 behind Daiwa who is much wealthier and Shimano is 3rd behind Pure Fishing and the C3 abd C4 are still made in Sweden and IMO the only ones to buy

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@lesrinehart933 we are in full agreement. I am hoping that the true work done by actual Abu Garcia employees can continue. I hate that the name has been sullied with fake products with the label on. I have several Chinese low profile reels with Abu name and they are not the same quality.

[@HanSoloxcs]

This is me in the future.