Catfishing 101: How to cast an Abu Garcia 6500C3 baitcaster reel

Whisker Whippers is also here:
/ whiskerwhipperscatfishing
/ whiskerwhippers
/ whiskerwhippers

[@brasshnkey]

Great video. I forwarded this to a friend as I built him a custom 4600 C4 and intended to show him how to use it this weekend but got rained out.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

brasshnkey thanks for watching!

[@kevinmercer5111]

Perfect explanation man. I just inherited this reel from my father in law. Got new string on her but needed a video to give me some basics. This was perfect. Thanks man!!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Thanks for watching. Glad I could help

[@Inka311]

Hey bro. this video was the key I needed for using my new 6500 Abu.. Thankx a million!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Inka311 I appreciate you watching. Glad I could help

[@ms.annthrope415]

For people just learning to cast with a baitcaster, pull out the length of line you anticipate casting, pull out another 10 more feet, and pull a piece of tap over the real. Clear packing tape is perfect. Wind the line back in so the line covers the tape. So now when you cast, you can work on thumb control and focused on trying to prevent backlash. As your thumb gets more sensitice and muscle control tskes over, you wont need thr tape. Should you get a fish hook up and it's running out on your, the tape will simply peel off if the fish pulls out more line. Don't worry about it. Then when you are experienced, you winr need any tape and yiur thumb got trained. Go get a dental pick or pick set from a tool store. The line is never going to over hand and tie itself into a knot. All tangkes are line crossing over and tightening over each other. Use the pick to pull line knots apart and loosen the spooled line. Soon, you wont fear backlach as you can immediately pull the line out to free the tangle. Lessons i had learned the hard way on my journey to mastering the baitcaster.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Great pointers!

[@msalarigler]

It looks so easy when you do it... but for me... a need practice!!! Thank you so much for this video!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Thanks for watching. It does take practice. But after a good 3-4-5 times you should be good.

[@kingrider75]

As you practice and get better begin to let that brake off and practice using your thumb to control the spool, after all one of the biggest benefits to using a casting reel is it’s ability to cast longer distances if need be.

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

That is a spool tension knob, not a brake. Baitcaster brakes are either centrifugal or magnetic and located on the other side of the reel. This reel has 6 pin centrifugal brakes. The tension knob setting he is using is great for beginners but you would set that knob just tight enough to where you detect the spool moving left/right for max casting distance. You WILL backlash at first but it trains you to master "thumbing the spool."

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Jared Powell lol. I swear I know what I’m talking about most of the time, but for some reason other words or phrases come to mind and I say them instead. On my tackle box video I kept calling it a tool box 😂😂

[@IlMangustaKMRUTEAM]

A little of "wiggling" is essential to avoid premature wearing

[@JamesTKirk-yz5ng]

Thank you sir, your vid was super helpful. I just bought the C4 6600 Abu Garcia

[@sellbros4159]

Very cool my grandpa has the super old vintage one that’s red might help him clean it up a bit

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Post that on my facebook page...that would be cool to see.

[@notsure1872]

I have a bunch of the old red reels. My dad collected old reels.

[@jackhaugh]

I just got an Abu Garcia Ambassador 6500 that I put on an Ugly Stick Striper rod. I had an old Diawa Sealine Great Lakes 47c line counter I was going to put on it, but completely broke it trying to put a new handle on it. I also have a brand new Cabelas Depth Master trolling set up with line counter I was going to use as well to troll for Stripers in the Chesapeake bay. What’s the best method for putting line on the spool? I’ve never personally spooled one of these up before, and every video I’ve found on KZbin is basically about preventing backlash.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Brian Onuscheck I use an arbor knot and mono. If I’m going straight mono I just use that line. If I go braid I start with the arbor knot and mono for about maybe 20yds or so, then I join them with a double uni knot.

[@derekkrause9251]

Good job. When I release I count to two when the weight hits the ground it should be good. 👍

[@j.d.survivoroutdoors4912]

What type of fishing line is that your using and what pound test if you don't mind me asking? Thanks and good informative videos!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

It is Stren Hi Vis 20lb...pretty affordable and great line. I haven't had any major issues with it all. Been using it for about 4 years now on all of my reels.

[@j.d.survivoroutdoors4912]

@@WhiskerWhippers Sounds good Thank you for your reply! Ready to get out there!! Take care. J.D.

[@tonybahama6817]

Came here to ask that 👍🏼💯

[@brucered]

Just picked up my first ever baitcaster, a C4 6600, so this video helped a bunch. Thanks!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Glad I could help

[@rmp608]

Excellent video!! I would buy you a new reel if you sent that sinker into your neighbors window!! LOL

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Lol. Sometimes I would have liked to because their two boys were always throwing things into my yard or at my car.

[@gleiberrabelo4496]

Very good videos, explain very well , congrats

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Thank you for watching!

[@ticobraid6977]

Hi, normally how long the cast with 1oz might be ? Do you know that distance? On the catfish special

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Tbh I have no idea. It really depends on a lot of things as to how far it COULD cast...as for an average though I dont know...sorry.

[@gleiberrabelo4496]

Did you explain once how you give service and lub in Abu Garcia 7000 CL big game Colletion?

[@philipholman1713]

What length and action of rod is best for this reel. I trash picked mine it's in pretty good shape just looks like and old model. I thought it was a salt water drop reel but now I'm excited. Thanks for this video.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Philip Holman I normally use 7’’6” or 8’ rods, but any length will do. It’s a very versatile reel

[@BigDave71]

I set mine by having the break tight then losen until it starts to drop and set. But I still get birds nests here and there. It will keep happening. But hopefully not often

[@ms.annthrope415]

Get a dental pick or a pick set from a tool store. If you get a tangle yiu can finger pick apart, use the pick to pull the lines loose and it will untangle. Just keep the pick in your tackle box.

[@LorenzoJ0]

How do those rods hold up? They as good as everyone says?

[@WhiskerWhippers]

The WST is more like an Ugly Stik…lighter, thinner, but has been my go to rod. The TWC is a solid rod, but thicker and heavier and not very fun with lighter fish.

[@LorenzoJ0]

@@WhiskerWhippers I ordered y'alls Catfish and Carp rod yesterday. Going to have to order a longer one here soon if I like it. Can't beat those prices

[@rfdsrd]

That's not a spool "brake" yer adjusting, it's the spool side-to-side slop adjustment. Using it as a spool brake will only put wear on the spool spindle and end caps. Pulling off the end cap and removing the spool, on one the side of the spool are a pair of centrifugal brakes - make sure both are loose so they'll rub against brake race that's set into the side plate when the spool is spun during casting. For more more braking action, a neodymium rare earth magnet, or group of magnets, can be added inside the clicker side plate end. A magnet acts to slow down the aluminum spool by creating eddy currents as the metal spool increases rpm speed. I added a single neo mag on an adjustable screw to the side plate of one of my 6501 c3 reels, as well as taking off the level wind mechanism in order to increase casting distance. This reel will routinely cast beyond 80 yards with the reel loaded with 14# mono and a 3 to 4 ounce payload on a 30# floro shock leader, with the reel mounted on an 8'6" Shimano Scimitar steelhead rod, and over 100 yards with a 10' CPS surf rod. i.imgur.com/qEJd8Zt.jpg ... i.imgur.com/eNoDcuw.jpg

[@WhiskerWhippers]

You’re absolutely right, it’s the spool adjustment. Called it the break for some reason. In one video I kept calling my tackle box my tool box lol

[@iamthundermug]

Page 4 of the manual that came with my 6500 C3 says that is the mechanical brake adjuster. Whisker whippers is adjusting it just as the manual says.

[@rfdsrd]

@@iamthundermug No. The only spool brake(s) on a C3 are the centrifugal brakes (either a pair for the older models and six on the new ones). As WW alluded to in his post above, the end cap adjustment is NOT a brake, it's to adjust the centering of the spool within the reel's frame. YES, it's true if tightened too much it will slow down the spool's spin via pure friction and that is NOT a good thing for the spool's shaft, nor was it meant to be any manner of spool brake, no matter what any manual says. Friction braking is a reel SPINDLE no-no. Use the centrifugal brakes instead, which are a form of friction braking, but against the side of the spool. Or better yet, add a mono mag screw-in brake to the side cap and remove the entire level wind. That will make for a good loooong distance casting reel that with a proper rod will reach out to 100yards or lots more for river or shore fishing. Here it is on an Abu 6501 lefty reel ... i.imgur.com/qEJd8Zt.jpg i.imgur.com/eNoDcuw.jpg

[@iamthundermug]

@@rfdsrd Well, I guess you know more about the abu garcia 6500 C3 than the people who make it...

[@rfdsrd]

@@iamthundermug In the matter of spool spindle adjustments for any reel, I guess I do, ain't I the lucky one? LOL!🙃

[@Inka311]

So if i wanna cast out a 10 oz. I do the same steps?? It is quite a bit heavier so do I change how I cast?

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Inka311 yeah, just cast it with plenty of room between the rod tip and the sinker, otherwise it could snap the line. Otherwise with the reel no difference, just make sure the rod is rated for that heavy of lead

[@charleshill2774]

Quick question! What would make my Abu Garcia Ambassaduer not reel in any line when I am fighting a catfish? I have had this happen to me on one or more occassions and it is extremley annoying. I don't know if I had my drag too loose or too tight. Please help me with this. Thanks for the videos!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Charles Hill could be the drag or brake, but could also be the knot on your spool attaching your line to the spool. I use an arbor knot for that one.

[@charleshill2774]

I would have never guess the knot! Thanks for the fast reply. @@WhiskerWhippers

[@WhiskerWhippers]

@@charleshill2774 Ever get it figured out?

[@charleshill2774]

I just needed my reels clean, I had dirt and grime inside my reels. I took them to my local tackle store and he took care of me. Thanks for the help!@@WhiskerWhippers

[@WhiskerWhippers]

BoxingFanAZ M.O.B I appreciate that. Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@andrewbrown5369]

*takes a puff of cigar* “I’m gonna make this look so easy you’ll never need to practice after this”

[@timothymcvay7286]

How do you like them orange reels

[@WhiskerWhippers]

I actually think the casting is worse than a normal 6500C3, but maybe I haven't broken them in enough yet. They work fine though.

[@brasshnkey]

Break it down, clean, and relube it, it'll be woken right up. Abu likes to use peanut butter on everything inside. Grease the gears, oil the bearings, and it should make a noticeable difference. I did this to a brand new 4600 C3, night and day.

[@Fargosportsmassage]

Is these for casting long distance salt water? Thanks

[@WhiskerWhippers]

You can use them for salt water. I’d upgrade the bearings though, maybe a few other small adjustments for longer casts.

[@Fargosportsmassage]

@@WhiskerWhippers yes i was thinking Like that..thanks

[@jamescannon4917]

What if your fishing at night you can't see your bait hit the water.

[@stephenrobinson7323]

Hey. I really enjoy your videos, love to see more sometime!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Thank you! I hope to have an ice fishing video soon pulling up some cats.

[@marcatkinson75]

Thanks that did help .

[@risalation]

Thanks for video was helpful.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Thanks for watching!

[@80srockedguitar]

My pro rocket has a brake adjuster on both sides?

[@brasshnkey]

A Pro Rocket is a little different. On a Pro Rocket, you use both knobs to center the spool. Set the reel handle side down and ensure the spool is resting on the crank side, then slowly turn the knob on the handle side until the spool is centered in the frame. From there, tighten the other knob until there's a tiny bit of side to side play in the spool. From there, use the marker (ring around the knob opposite of handle with numbers) and turn it so it lines up with the open end of the arrow engraved on the knob. Now your spool should be centered. When casting, use the knob opposite of the crank to adjust spool tension. The Pro Rocket makes it easier to adjust since 0 on the ring will be your reference point. Harder to set up, but easier to use because you can visually see the spool tension. www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/537438-center-my-spool-on-6500cs-pro-rocket/

[@philipholman1713]

Geez mine looks ancient, anyway to tell how old they are?

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Philip Holman stay tuned

[@jimcatanzaro7808]

I have the 6500 cs chrome rocket heavy powerful reel caught some big blue fish on them in the ocean

[@jacihelmer515]

What kind of line you got

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Jaci Helmer stren 20lb mono hi vis orange

[@jacihelmer515]

Whisker whippers thank you for the info great vid

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Jaci Helmer always happy to help if I can. Thanks for watching!

[@jr3206]

@@WhiskerWhippers can you use up to 50lb mono on that catfish special? My dumb ass bought it from whisker seekers without paying attention to my reels. catfish fever gets the best of you

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Jeffery Ritchey should be able to, you probably just won’t be able to hold a ton of line

[@slottygw2wvw842]

ALWAYS BETTER TO BE TOO TIGHT THAN TOO LOOSE -KZbin Fisherman-

[@WhiskerWhippers]

@@slottygw2wvw842 amen 😂

[@timothymcvay7286]

And rods great videos

[@alejandrolozano8573]

Can you imagine if there was a cat close by and saw you reeling that hook

[@thejim3501]

Practice, practice, practice !

[@WhiskerWhippers]

That too!

[@heavyschevys7333]

I think abu sent me a dude. 4 oz weight regardless of settings can't get it to hold the weight up. Always just falls down. Both knobs are tight. It adjust but weight won't hold

[@wasup9439]

What kind of bait do you use on then circle hooks

[@WhiskerWhippers]

The answer is in the video

[@shawnbrown182]

That's not a brake. That's the spool tensions knob. The brake is under the right side cover. There are 6 pins you can adjust. If your reel feels like it's too tight open the right side and push 2 pins down. This will free the reel up. Now you adjust the spool tensions as say d in this video. That's how you properly setup a bait caster.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Yeah, someone already mentioned that. I swear I know what I’m talking about most of the time, but for some reason other words or phrases come to mind and I say them instead. On my tackle box video I kept calling it a tool box. Such is life

[@shawnbrown182]

@@WhiskerWhippers I get it man. A good video would be an actual brake adjustment and how it affects the reel. Regardless of terms you make great vids.