The Best Catfish Reel Ever Made

If you fish for catfish, at some point you will be looking for the best catfish reel made. Any fishing reel will catch a catfish, but some catfish fishing reels perform better than others. The catfish reel in this video, the Abu Garcia 6500 CS Rocket is an amazing baitcasting reel. The Abu Garcia round reels are some of the best catfishing reels made, and catfish anglers around the country love their reels. This reel has been super tuned by the reel repair guys at Pipeline Tackle. If you need a reel repaired, Pipeline Tackle is your source and there is a link to their website listed below.
PIPELINE TACKLE: www.pipelinetackle.com/
TO CHECK OUT OR BUY THE GEAR I USE CLICK HERE:
dietermelhornfishing.com/gear
**CONTACT INFORMATION**
MY WEBSITE: www.dietermelhornfishing.com
EMAIL: [e-mail]
If you have products you would like us to demo, or others items you would like to send by mail, you can use the following address. For a street shipping address for larger items please email us.
Dieter Melhorn
PO BOX 172
Cramerton, NC 28032
The Fishing Gear I Use:
ANDE MONSTER MONOFILAMENT FISHING LINE: amzn.to/3NiBoPg
ANDE LEADER MATERIAL: amzn.to/3lb7HU5
GAMAKATSU HOOKS: amzn.to/3FJvC6F
BOONE PLIARS: amzn.to/3PmxvdJ
LOWRANCE SONAR: amzn.to/39ow2mz
BOGA GRIP: amzn.to/3l8RvCL
DEMON DRAGON BLANKS: amzn.to/3ldVQEG
Reels:
ABU GARCIA 6500 C3: amzn.to/3sxvBwX
ABU GARCIA CATFISH SPECIAL REEL: amzn.to/3MeXh1y
PISCIFUN BAITCASTING REEL: amzn.to/3MflLIf
KAST KING BAITCASTING REEL: amzn.to/3L9mTM9
LEWS BAITCASTING REEL: amzn.to/3NgPIYg
Rods:
CATCH THE FEVER: catchthefever.com/?afmc=melhorn
MY CAMERA GEAR
Main Camera: amzn.to/2wQXORR
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Waterproof Case: amzn.to/2MSNzaL
Micro SD Camera Cards: amzn.to/2NmscxH
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MY CLOTHING
Katfish Apparel: katfishclothing.com/?aff=2
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Camo Crocs: amzn.to/2wLM436
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EPIRB: amzn.to/2MX9GwH
#catfishreel
#fishingreel
#bestcatfishreel

[@robertkreachbaum4546]

Can't go wrong with Abu Garcia 6500...I've got one that over 25 years old that I still used today. It still smooth as silk.

[@williammason9789]

Me too, Robert. According the the numbers on the foot, mine was made in 1980. It was gifted to me. Then, last year, I bought another 6500C3. I've also bought several other round baitcasters.

[@CatfishandCrappie]

Been Running rockets for YEARS! I Tune them myself too ;) The 1911 of reels...

[@shawnprivate5322]

Well if there the 1911 of reels 😂 remind me stay away from em,what would be glock of reels

[@spoke6292]

​​@@shawnprivate5322That'd be the Penn Squall series. If you like high priced mediocrity. 👌🏾

[@kcookish]

I sent an email to Pipeline Tackle, to see if they would super tune a reel for me,,,, never heard back from them. So much for that....

[@DieterMelhorn]

I have no clue what is up with them currently…..I’m working on some other options for reel repairs….

[@michaelshaw5481]

WOW MAN that information about PIPELINE TACKLE , I mean seriously if not been told about them I'd never even had known about the super tune .

[@DieterMelhorn]

Hear that Cory Ramsey???? I need a t-shirt….😆😆🤣😜

[@rondoofnightmare775]

I bought 3 7000 C3 catfish specials from Abu Garcia and they are paired with 1 madkatz heavy action rod, and 2 uglystik 10ft catfish special rods. Smooth does not give these reels justice. They cast smooth. The drag is really good, and the anti backlash controls work great once you set them up. My reels are out of the box with no special mods done to the reel. I really like Abu Garcia products. You for sure get your money's worth.

[@texasplumr]

After you interviewed the brothers at the Catfish Conference I looked them up and was going to send 2 of mine to them for a super tune but man, did I pay that much for either of the reels to begin with? Magically, I had somehow pushed that idea to the back of my mind. Then today, you post this video.....See how you are? Now I am obsessed all over again! I like mine but I know that anything can be made better.

[@DieterMelhorn]

LOL!!! I promise I’m not on their sales team!!!

[@williammason9789]

"...as much distance..." from the bank. I believe you have this same thing, Dieter. Bank anglers want as much distance from the bank as we can get. Boat anglers usually like to get their bait as close to the bank as possible. I want a Rocket!!! You casted that thing into the next county !!!

[@davidlewis9572]

Beautiful reel for sure , I’ve been fishing ABU Garcia for 40 plus years . My go to rigs are 30 plus yrs old . Cast a country mile. Set the hook brother

[@babymamadrama3305]

I bought 4 7000s at the beginning of the year, transitioned from Okuma spinning reels. Definitely worth the money. Look super awesome , cast a country mile and can yank big boys in like nuthin.

[@Proaman-js2qv]

I've been running 7000's and many other Abu's for nearly 30yrs. They are excellent just as you've described especially compared to many other brands. My gripe, I'm tired of rebuilding them. To be fair, it's when i use them with long river rods. The drag is inadequate for large fish in heavy current. Won't last. The levelwind "paw" and it's "grooved, guide rod" wears prematurely in my opinion (planned obsolescence). I'm switching brands and have a C3 for sale.

[@Proaman-js2qv]

Dear ABU.. lol. make it bullet proof for at least 7yrs, charge more, who cares.. give us a guarantee.

[@Rippinlips513]

That’s all I have are 6500cc and 6500cc rockets, love abu reels

[@railroadtrash09]

Baitcaster = bird nesting. I really want to enjoy fishing, so open face will forever be my jam. All the best.

[@DieterMelhorn]

You’re a smart man!

[@chipsammich2078]

I use to be the same way.. take a summer to learn.. you'll never buy another open face..

[@codyschubert4648]

Awesome video sir. I have my super tuned chrome rockets on 10 footers they peel line off. Keep up the great work sir.

[@lmat3814]

Never used a Rocket but I sure love my ABU 6500CL Big Game Edition!

[@robertberry5321]

I have a 6500 rocket that hasn't been super tuned but still casts great right out of the box.

[@TradIrishHarper]

I just picked up one of these chrome pro rockets and man it is smooth as butter. I cannot even imagine how much better this can perform if tweaked. I am in love with this thing

[@GazPay1977]

Definitely amazing reels, I use 5500 and 6500 Abu rockets for both lakes and ocean fishing.

[@plowboyh6054]

I have 3 old Abu 500- reels I have used in salty water and love them.

[@Plungerscat]

Love all the videos end podcast please keep them coming

[@whystop3388]

Cant wait to see you on the water or a recap of how your fishing trips have been going🤙

[@davidray3558]

For me personally, I now favor the Akios brand of reels. My S-Line 656CTM model is the sweetest reel I've ever casted. Now granted this model does not have a level wind, but does include a quality adjustable magnetic brake in addition to the standard centrifical brake.

[@Mcluvin73]

I have a levelwind ctm. It is a notch above my abu's.

[@Jessica37323]

They guy who developed the Abu 6500 rocket developed the Akios reels. Great reels!

[@Mcluvin73]

@@Jessica37323 need more availability in the US.

[@davidray3558]

@@Mcluvin73 Carolina Cast Pro LLC

[@schaunschuetz955]

That reels looks sweet. I have a penn 309 I definitely will be looking into that real.

[@jeffchaffee1235]

Thank you for the info 👍

[@Retadin]

I sometimes wish I had the patience for a baitcaster, but I do just fine with my cabelas salt striker reels.

[@beep_beep_beep]

I'm too impatient for them also. I don't want to think when I'm fishing

[@CatfishWeekly]

Great review Dieter

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thank you!!

[@JustinFraleyJustCatchFish]

I prefer bait casters for how they sit in the rod holders and compact for storage since some of us use more than 6 rods at a time. Great video, I’ll have to get mine redone

[@Mcluvin73]

That reel has a solid brass frame and side plates. You can feel the difference compared to other models. Notched reel foot is for rod clamps instead of a reel seat for custom surf rods.

[@bigray5873]

Nice I am going to send a couple of mine to them.

[@ErnietheHogSnatcher]

good video champ.. thanks for sharing.

[@bownero]

The Abu Garcia Chrome Rocket is one heck of a great reel! I absolutely love mine! The Abu Garcia 6500 series reels are the best for Catfishing IMO!

[@timd7782]

Absolutely love Abu. And the chrome finish is pretty rare and my fav. Gotta get me one! And then be bold enough to get it dirty.

[@TOPCAT_949]

What a beautiful reel, hopefully you got to use it on big one by now!

[@patrickmonk4366]

Just got this same reel except it’s a Rocket II Crome it’s going to pipeline tackle soon. Cory did the super tune on a 6600 that casts great

[@FishinwithSquirrel]

Nice looking reel! Congratulations on 70k Dieter! 🐿

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thank you!!! Glad you told me so I went and looked….LOL

[@bretgeidel613]

I have had good luck with slimecat low profile baitcaster with 30lb sufix braid. with 5oz of lead I can get good results. but I have to say I can get amazing results with piscifun chaos XS reels with the same line.

[@cliff_rogers7919]

I don't have the 6500 CS Rocket, they to rich for my blood. But I do have 3 of the 5500 C3 and I love them.

[@marchansalindo1039]

Wow Very nice catfish reel 🎣

[@DieterMelhorn]

It is really gorgeous!!

[@thefilthybaitfisherman553]

I use 3 lews laser xl 60's and spooled em with 65lb reaction tackle braid and they cast so smooth that I have all but stopped using the casting break and just absolutely send it with very little to no backlash with or without thumbing it

[@Jims_catfishing]

Definitely the smoothest casting reel I ever used. I don't remember if I caught the flatty with it or not .

[@jeffreybabino8161]

I don't fish for catfish but I use a lot of the same rigs that you do I fish in saltwater in Florida great videos thanks

[@keithbartlett6708]

WOW! that is the ultimate dad gift from those year of investment in our kids LOL

[@fredfreiberger7878]

Love the 6500 c3's if you have anything you don't need send it my way Dieter lmao

[@indymac7]

The ABU reel sent to you looks like the Chrome series. I have two of them and they are awesomely smooth.

[@beebop9808]

Love those 6500's. Got a pair of them I bought back in 86 for carp fishing. Still just as good as day one. But I picked up a Shimano TR2000 back in the mid 90's to use surf fishing on the Outer Banks for puppy drum. I tell ya, that thing is ungodly on a 12ft surf rod. It doesn't like as light a weight as the 6500's will handle but if you get a 1 1/2 or 2 ozs on it's a rocket. I put a 6500 on the same rod but it can't keep up I'm afraid. Maybe with a mod but it would have to be a big one. .

[@beeawesome7140]

Time for a bait casting tutorial video Dieter :)

[@922crappiebbq8]

Yall making a crappie guy drool. For some cat action again

[@DieterMelhorn]

Crappie are stacking up good now in deeper water here…

[@hdtrash1]

Gotta question; I'm looking at Kastking Rover 60 and 70 bait casting reels. Do you know how these compare to the Abu Garcia 6500? It appears the Kastking 70 has a bigger power handle, and I can not figure which model is best. Obviously I'd prefer the Abu Garcia, but I want to give the Kast king a try for their prices. You sold me on the Big Cat Fever rods, so I figured I'd reach out. Thanks

[@retiredoldsarge5938]

I am planning on ordering a couple ABU Cat Fish reels, Kinda leaning to a 6500 and a 7000.

[@stevenmcintosh6413]

The 6500cs pro rockets is all I catfish with,the bad thing about the rockets is the price they sell for 200$ to 325$ per a reel even used rockets sell high price I have about 25 , this year I’ve switched to low pro reels like Okuma and abu revo because of the price of the rockets.what I like about the rockets is the up grades u can put on them.Good luck fishing with your rocket they can handle any catfish u can catch.

[@user-mf1nt6rp9z]

I have 2 new ones sitting in the closet in the box. I'll be putting line on them today.

[@zipchtkdn7804]

I've been begging them to come out with a 9'6 to 10ft medium action medium power casting rod with 15 inch handle ...

[@michaelbandeko3519]

Do you think the Rocket is better than a tuned 6500? I have mine converted to Boca bearing and the bearings in the levelwind and my drags converted to carbon fiber. (my 6501's are 25 to 30 years old)

[@edwardallender7749]

Thank you I like those catfish reels but I use zebcos I have not strep or broke a zebcos on a fish

[@RWildekrav66]

When I was a kid ,I purchased 2 Zebco 202’s . This was in 1968 , I STILL have them and they still work great . My kids learned how to fish on them !

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

I have one you would like it's a Shakespeare 1920 wonderreel it works perty well still and I have a Shakespeare marhoff 1964 but it's in ruff shape, i don't get them off the shelf much but they make good conversation pieces i also have a old 30's yoyo fly reel you think they could tune them up lol

[@williamandjacklynnscott5317]

I'm supposed to pick up a 6601 RB? And a 6'6" Musky Rod that will handle 40lb line. Is that a decent setup for Cats?

[@jonweaver2410]

Do they make left-handed Abu Garcia 6500cs rocket? Thanks.

[@davidmckitrick8331]

im planning on getting an okuma komodo 471, what do yall think about it I want a low profile reel with flathead fishing potential

[@kwalser1970]

After they redo it what’s the drag now? Thanks

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi what is the green one cool looking

[@franciscorubio72]

Final update: this little reel is the little engine that could kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e . It performed flawlessly and was easy to adjust drag in the moment while I was battling a 35lb bat ray behemoth. Mind you, this reel is spooled with only 25 lb braid and 25 mono topshot. It's paired with the kastking telescopic heavy power rod and the two work well together. This has now earned my respect and confidence when traveling and fishing. If you have ever hooked into large rays and sharks, you know they pull extremely hard and can run forever! This thing clamped down on the fish and was easy to adjust during the fight. It has a nice decently fast retrieve as well. Twice the fish went on mad runs and I was able to gain back line quickly to avoid spooling.

[@robbiesmith9786]

I like my penn 50 LW it cranks them in fast

[@calebpartenheimer7636]

Dieter, if I or someone else wanted a pole that I could catch catfish with, but also wanted to catch bait with or any other fish, would it be smart to just buy a level wind real to use for all around fishing needs or should you use other reels for other fish? I would just be trying to avoid having to mess with the complication of getting out different reels and also to avoid having to buy specific reels in the future. I just bought a baitcaster reel to try out. Would that be good enough?

[@zackmurray6107]

Well Dieter I would guess you will get a lot of passionate remarks about this video. Some will agree and some will not. That is a really sexy looking reel for sure!

[@harleydavidson9013]

roll your reel so that the spool is vertical,less resistance on bearings equals more distance

[@jackiegrooms2557]

could you plz get back with me on this whats louder for a clicker the PISCIFUN BAITCASTING REEL or the KAST KING BAITCASTING REE

[@aaronbrown6790]

Do a catch clean cook video

[@DieterMelhorn]

Will do!!

[@timrobinson9193]

What is the model number for the one you used please?

[@pedrocruz4710]

Definitely a nice reel. Can't wait for 50lbs + test

[@zipchtkdn7804]

I put ceramic bearings in the spool in the Sweden made Abu ... I get 20 years more ...I fish off banks

[@buckeyebass]

Hey bud in the market for a new reel I know you have used both for a while but my 2 choices are either ancient mariner 6000 or abu garcia 6500 in your opinion wich would you buy on just performance bud

[@dougwebster8868]

I don't fish much these days but used to fish just about all that I could for salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Have a 6500 made around 1970. Wonderful reel, it served very well for a long time and is still as good as the day it was made. Maybe even a bit better. Put as speed retrieve kit in it long ago. I switched to Penn reels for salt water and found them to be to my liking. I find that those without the level wind cast so beautifully.

[@chipsammich2078]

I've got probably close to 15-20 ABU 6500's I'd never switch to anything else only thing I've used for last 10 years

[@DaddyPimp-gh2iu]

In what situation would you use a 7"6ft cat fishing rod vs 10ft cat fishing rod? going for large flat head catfish is a medium-heavy or heavy rod better?

[@DieterMelhorn]

those longer rods are designed for bank fishing where you need to cast a long way.....

[@sjs1555]

I can’t find that silver reel anywhere. The website has the black version.

[@donaldyates3355]

Ebay has them

[@philiptyler-ug8re]

been fishing for cats since 1967 have fished abus for most of my life and there good, buttttt ive found something that has them beat in performance and cost ive switched to piscifun reals chaos x50 and 60 much smoother and alot easyer to clean and a heck of alot cheaper

[@modracecar8]

So what do you recommend in Abu Garcia reel for catfish tournaments ?

[@DieterMelhorn]

Can’t beat a 6500

[@modracecar8]

I saw your video on the abu Garcia Chrome 6500 CS Rocket I was just wondering if that was still the case today thanks for the reply.

[@chipsammich2078]

Whats the upgrades and rebuilds cost?

[@chrisfuller3277]

Pipeline Tackle and Reel Repair.........BEST IN THE BUSINESS!!!!......and what can they do to an ABU Ebay special???.......I have over 20 ABU 6000's from Ebay and Cory has tuned and upgraded every one of them to "better than brand new" condition. Never had an issue with a single reel he has worked on and they all work as good as the day I got them back. In fact, their upgrades will amaze you on how smooth and strong they are.

[@aaronswaimmarried7447]

Pipeline tackle and reel repair what's your price to rebuild a amateur 6500

[@chucksmith8382]

I can't get them to respond to any emails?

[@williamduckworth305]

6500 rocket or penn fathom 2 ?

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

I need more drag!!!

[@koreywilliams4570]

I have a 40 dollar Shakespeare round baitcaster. I'm not a huge fan. The handle has a habit of moving and setting the gear during a cast. My slim profile abu Garcia black max works perfectly tho. I can cast that thing damn clear to the other bank. I have to be careful because I actually got hung up a couple times doing that 😂

[@eugenegress5896]

DIETER...Most people ," Right handed" Grew up cranking a spinning Reel with their Left hand, and it never felt awkward. It feels awkward to holf Rrod in left hand and crank with Right Hand. The Open Face Reel industry , Subbornly Refuses to offer Left hand crank; OKUMA, an Exception to name one. Many Viewers would Love a Ambassador 5000 or Diawa LC 27 line counter, in left hand Crank. Really Ticks me off. I have called; pressured them to no Avail.

[@matthewelsholtz2026]

Has anyone been able to get ahold of Pipeline Tackle since this video came out? I have tried email, Facebook, and by phone but have not been able to reach them. I have (2) recent Abu 6500C3’s where the reel broke off the reel seat and need new reel frames.

[@DieterMelhorn]

I was gonna update everyone in a video and a podcast, but it appears they are actually going out of business.

[@chucksmith8382]

Question answered! Oh well....

[@ix_d3monzz_xi135]

bass pro shops catmaxx all day

[@nauticaladventurer4460]

Looks like the only downside to this particular reel is youre going to be cranking and fighting the fish a long time. I love fighting fish to the the boat. Its definitely part of the fun of fishing. That turns the downside of the reel into an upside. The reel imust be flawless

[@quentinnailsare.2024]

I like open face reels.

[@DieterMelhorn]

They work great!!

[@ericb1486]

I bought 8 catfish pro rod and reel combos and 4 more rods that I put other reels on.i will say my very first experience with the catfish pro reel was not a good one .I casted the bait and set it in the rod holder engaged the clicker and after awile I had a blue cat which I landed that was almost 45lbs smoke the bait tearing drag making the clicker sing. I flipped off the clicker engaged the reel set the hook and reeled in the fish. I re baited and re cast sat back in rod holder flipped on the clicker and all the reel would do is free spool.i contacted catfish pro wondering if it was a defect or what and I will tell u from what I have experienced their customer service is not good and they must not stand behind their product .I have been catfishing for over 25 years using big reels going after big catfish and I am just disappointed not only in the first reel I used from them but also how their customer service is.after dropping alot of money on their product and repping their brand I would have figured I would have gotten a little bit of help but after going back and forth with their people with them being kinda hateful it is at this time I am removing all their decals from my boat and vehicle and will be looking to swap to a different brand so if any of u guys who reads this has any good success with other brands shoot a fellow catfisher some suggestions .

[@adamstreetboyzz]

I’m confused abu Garcia 6500 max is 17lb mono at 224 yards. At 30lb It’s probably barley any line on there

[@geraldbaxter321]

dang. it does let sime line out

[@mr.gadgetfishing2134]

Yep they are great reels, You need to spend a lot of money before you get to the point you get better than a good old ABU.

[@budking4547]

I would have to say i bought a new 6500 from academy and it does not compare to the older 6500s

[@Jessica37323]

Abus are not the reels they used to be 20 years ago. They ok but I think Akios, Avet, Accurate are way better reels in my opinion.

[@Mr4twitch]

Spinning casts farther

[@Travs_Outdoors]

Until abu garcia acknowledges the defect in the welds on the reel foot and figures out a better way to attach them. I will never have another on my rods.

[@DieterMelhorn]

I’ve never broken one, but I don’t use anything bigger than 30# line…

[@leroyjantz9717]

I went with a Penn and a 10 foot ugly stick

[@aaronswaimmarried7447]

On average I don't cast more than 20 yards

[@sidneyvalmain9997]

Never could get the hang of bait cast, just takes practice. After buying an Abu found out it's Chinese knockoff. If it does not say made in Sweden and the lettering is not embossed, it's a knockoff Chinese reel.

[@raymondamoroso2049]

I don't know why I can't find 6500's in left hand retrieve. It drives me bonkers

[@pabell7219]

I cannot not backlash so I do not use them.

[@daviddiehl197]

For $250 I'll stick with what I have.

[@sjs1555]

That reel is ridiculously expensive.

[@Mcluvin73]

I just picked up a 2nd just over 200$ shipped. Seeing how I can replace any part on the reel after a quick call to abu out a search on ebay makes it an amazing deal. That's why they say abu for life.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes sir, they ain’t cheap….

[@danielobriot3116]

Don't get it dirty ,and you better wax it .