Conference wahoo::fishing

    
    I've always used open face spinning reels for my fresh water fishin'.
    However, through reading his notes file I've heard good things about
    baitcasters being the best for BASSIN'.  Is this Abu5500GR a good
    model for use in lakes, or is a salt-water rig?  If OK for fresh
    water, what type/size rod is recommended?
    
    Thanks for any additional info.
    
    Gary "the harbor master" Beaudreau of Pascoag Res.
    

    The Abu5500 is one of a series that have been around for a long
    time and are considered "a classic bassin'reel". For many years, 
    according to what I have read, this series has been used by bass
    fisherman. What I am about to state is based on my knowledge of the
    reel. Others contributers to the notes file, I am sure, could add much 
    more knowledge about the reel, and offer their own suggestions.   
    
    The 5500, 5500C and the 5500GR are all similar in looks and size. Each
    has the same basic functions and line capacity. I would therefore
    say the 5500GR is a good bassin' reel. I use my 5500C in cover or
    heavy cover. I have the reel on a 5'6''medium/heavy action graphite
    rod. I plan on putting my GR on a 6'6" or 7' medium/heavy or heavy
    casting rod. I will use it for fresh and light salt water fishing.
    
    For general fishing I use a smaller baitcasting reel and medium action rod.
    Let me make a few comments about baitcasting. The casting accuracy
    and control, plus the sensitvity gained by touching the line(for
    worms and jigs)far outweigh the backlashes that become fewer as
    experience is gained. Also, backlashes are much easier to get out
    than "birdnests". Finally, I am convienced I loose less tackle with
    a baitcaster. I do some ultra light and light spinning but I would
    never be without my baitcasting outfits. One suggestion, look back in 
    the early notes files for some excellent comments on baitcasting.
    
    Fishing tackle is like wine, woman and song. No two people will
    agree on what is best. You really must try it to know what is best
    for you. I doubt that you'll see a better price for a quality reel with
    lifetime warranty. 
    
    Hope I answered your questions. I don't mean to sound sales'ish,
    I guess when I see what I think is a good deal I just want to spread
    the news. This file has been informative to me, just trying to
    reciprocate. 
    

    
    Thanks Sanders.  I'll check out those early notes files for more
    info on baitcastin' rigs.  Presently, I have two Shimono open face
    feels.  One is a TX110 graphite/titanium (smallest they make) on
    a 5 ft. graphite ultralite; one spool has 4# and the other 6# line.
    The other rig is a Custom 2500 on a 6 1/2 ft. graphite rod; onne
    spool has 6# and the other 10# test line for use inn heavy cover.
    
    My best luck this season has been with the ultralight when I landed
    a 4#+ largemouth with 4# test line..... What a fight!!! The Shimono
    TX110 has a programmable rear drag system thats the best I've ever
    used.  I've also got about six 2-3 pounders this year on the same
    set-up using good ol' mr. rubber worm.  Most of my fishin is right
    off my dock in deep open water so I've got plenty of room to play
    with till I get the fish 2-4 ft from my floating docks and the bass
    makes his last run (sometimes under the docks).  I also have a
    10' fiberglass tri-hull with a 5.5 Hp motor; but it takes too long
    to get to the other end of the lake where the big Hawgs hang out.
    
    Anyway, thanks for the info.. I'll see if I can get to Herman's
    soon.  Does anyone know if there is a Herman's in central MA.  I
    work in Littleton and commute from RI and don't get to NH to ofter.
    
    Thanks
    
    Gary "the Harbor Master" 
    

    I'm really surprized to hear that you are happy with the drag system
    
    on your Shimano Reel.  I have the GTX2200 model and the drag sucks.
    
    I wrote to them about it but haven't heard back from them yet. 
    
    The drag sticks constantly.  I have other Shimano reels and love
     
    them ...but they can have this model!
    							John

    
    Hey Legend,
    
    I'm not familiar with the GTX2200 model, but I thought that all
    of the newer Shimono light to mediuum reels had the same basic 
    rear drag design.  Nver had any problems with either the Custom
    2500 or the TX110 with programmable fightin' drag feature.  I've
    landed some good size fish on both rigs with relatively light test
    
    line and have to give partial credit to the excellent drag system
    and lots of patients during the fight!
    
    Maybe you got a lemon,, or it may need a good cleaning, or 
    get it rebuilt/recalibrated at the factory.  If Shimano does the
    work maybe they might just send you a new reel and keep the old
    one.  Send it to them during the off season.
    
    Good luck.
    
    The Harbor Master
    

    
    After reading some of the earlier notes on baitcasters, I neglected
    to ask one important question about the Abu5500GR reel....
    
    Does it have a left handed handle or right? Or is it changeable
    like most of thee better open face models.  I like to cast with
    my right hand and reel in the line (best with fish on it) with my
    left hand.  This eliminates having to switch hands after casting,
    which is why I now use open face rigs.  I use to use an old baitcaster
    when I was a kid and remembered that this was a pain in the a**.
    
    Please someone fill me in on this feature, a fellow worker will
    pick up the reel for me this weekend (if any are left) and I would
    hate to be dissappointed if it was setup wrong for my preference.
    
    Thanks,
    
    
    The Harbor Master....

    Gary, to the best of my knowledge the reel only comes in a right
    hand model(crank on right side). 
    
    Again, I can only speak for myself as a left hander; no problem with
    adjusting to the right hand crank, although it did seem strange
    at first. 
    
    			Ed
    

    I also have had a problem with my SHimano drags sticking!!  Hay
    John you have to take it apart and clean it... Also It only sticks
    at the first pull.  If you have a big fish on. give it a little
    pull and it will start.
    Bassin BOB

    
    
    
    Just got my AmBASSadeur 5500GR today.  It was the last one left
    at Herman's.  Ed came over today with his new setup and gave me a 
    demo and a few tips on baitcastin'.  Thanks Ed.
    
    So I'll go shopping tonight for a rod and give it a try this weekend.
    Might take a while to get use to and I'm sure it will add a new
    twist to my casual fishin'.
    
    I'll let you all know how I like it.
    
    Thanks for all the advice.
    
    The Harbor Master.                                   
    
    
    
    

<    So I'll go shopping tonight for a rod and give it a try this weekend.
<    Might take a while to get use to and I'm sure it will add a new
<    twist to my casual fishin'.
    
    Harbor Master,

	first it's a new reel, next it's a new rod,

	before you know it, you need a new tacklebox

	then one that floats --- the one otherwise known as a bass boat with
	lots of horses behind you.  The one with a coupon book that has 10
	year's worth of coupons.

	Welcome to the club.  I too started out with one of those new fangled
	bait casters about 2 years ago, and now look at me......ARGHHHHHHH

					Al
    
    
    
    

    
    This looked like an acceptable note to solicit some opinions on
    a reel.  
    
    I bought an ABU 1021 last night.  It was sale priced @ $60.  It
    was kind of an impulse buy.  I have been wanting a reel to match
    with the 5'9" Med/Heavy Quantum rod I bought in April ... trying to create
    a heavier-duty general purpose baitcasting setup than my amBASSadeur 
    Lite+ on the Mitchell 6' Med IM6.  The 1021 is feature-loaded and
    I especially like the easy spool change.  I'm a little disappointed
    with the mag. brake - only 4 settings and a little stiff moving
    past 50%.  I haven't even filled it with line yet ... got a spool
    of 14# ready to roll.
    
    I know we have ABUfanatics out there.  Is there a concensus on this
    reel?
    
    -SSS-
    
    BTW, I don't need to hear that I could have paid less at
    whachamacallits.  I don't give a sh*t.  I'm looking for an opinion
    on the reel: features, dependability, etc.

     I'm not sure what a 1021 is. I've got 2 521's and love 'em! What's
    the difference between these models? Maybe I can give you some more
    info if you fill me in...
    
    --The Skoal Bandit

    SB,
    
    From memory, the features on the 1021:
    
    Right side - Line out alarm
                 Flipping switch
                 Antireverse
                 Brake
                 Drag on handle
                 Somethin' else - I fergit!
    
    Left side -  Mag Brake (25/50/75/100%)
                 Spool change (push button & twist out cap)
    
    Others    -  Button or thumb release
                 holds 110 yd 14#  120 yd 12#  140 yd 10#
                                                         
    I tried it out this weekend.  Everything worked as expected.
    
    -SSS-

     Sounds like a souped up 521 to me. I'm not sure I'd like only 4
    mag settings, but I don't use 'em very often anyway... My guess
    is that you'll really like this unit - and the guarantee is great!!
    
    --The Skoal Bandit

    I was shown the 1021 at Zyla's in Merrimack NH by the Quantum 
    Rep as a two handed baitcaster. I cant recall the exact conversation
    now but I liked the reel. He also said it would make a great
    downrigger reel for a backup. Something I might think about.
    Oh the price was STEEP - your $60 seems great. The reel held a
    lot of line I thought. Sorry for rambling - but I liked it..