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Posts: 20
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Hey all,
I found a TI XH on craigslist and I need to pair it up with a reel.
Don't see myself at this stage in the game going out more than a handful of times for muskie, so I don't want to spend a ton on a reel.
Is there anything stupid about this reel here?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/ABU-GARCIA-AMBASSADEUR-S-ROUND-REEL/...
Really trying to stick to under $80 for the reel here for this rig.
Appreciate your help! |
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Posts: 261
| The ambassadeur s is a very cheaply made reel that is arguably overpriced, from what I understand.
You are much better off if you finde a second hand abu C3 or C4. |
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Posts: 32959
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The reel is entry level and well made for the price point, not 'cheaply made'. That comment should, by our posting guidelines, be deleted, but we've been getting a bunch of that stuff lately, so it's time for a refesher for the new folks and those who should know better. Read this, please: http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=66...
It certainly isn't 'overpriced' at $60 new, it simply is not a Muskie reel. If you are throwing bass sized spinnerbaits, jigs, or cranks with 14 to 17# line (the intended use for the reel), it will do a great job and with proper maintenance, last a very long time.
Point is, you need a reel designed for heavier use, which is the next step up...the C3. That one is $30 to $40 more. |
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Posts: 20
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Thank you for the response. I think you sold me.
Another stupid question then: I reel my spincast with my left hand. My left hand is my dominant hand, even though I'm right-handed. What should I choose for a baitcaster then? Right or Left hand retrieve?
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Posts: 19
| I would say a right hand crank reel. |
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Location: Ontario | MillennialSportsman - 6/2/2016 11:45 AM
Thank you for the response. I think you sold me.
Another stupid question then: I reel my spincast with my left hand. My left hand is my dominant hand, even though I'm right-handed. What should I choose for a baitcaster then? Right or Left hand retrieve?
If you don't want to be frustrated get Lefty reel.
I'm European, and was raised to use spinning reels like you.
It's unthinkable for me to use right handed reel.
I tried to learn to switch, since I wanted to have more options like a Tranx,
but it never panned out, and it spoiled the fishing enjoyment for me.
Another lefty benefit is I don't have to swap hands when casting like most
people cranking with right hand.
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Posts: 20
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin | I don't mean spincast, I mean spinning reel. My Pflueger President. |
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Posts: 1828
| Do you cast with your right hand on the reel seat and your left hand on the butt of the rod (when casting two-handed)? If so, it would make sense to get a left-handed baitcaster so you're never switching hands, like "lifeisfun" pointed out.
Many people, maybe most, reel with their opposite hand with baitcasters as with spinning reels. A "normal" right-handed person reels left on spinning gear and reels right on baitcast gear. But if you can reel left with both, you should. |
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Posts: 163
| Definitely go with a left hand reel if that is what your used to. I never can understand why people cast and then switch hands to reel. Makes no sense to me. |
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Posts: 337
Location: Watersmeet, Michigan | The Shimano Corvalus comes in a left hand version, CVL 401, and that may be worth checking. http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-r...
Fr. K |
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Posts: 427
| The best luck out of a low priced reel I have seen is the bass pro muskie reel. My dad bought on when we first started muskie fishing about six or seven years ago and still has it on a backup rod. It does not get used much but to my knowledge it has never been professionally serviced and is still in good working order. It is not near as smooth as a better made reel but has held up very good for a 100 dollar reel. |
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Posts: 20
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
So what would I be missing from the Abu C3 if I save 20 bucks to get the Corvalus?
Thanks so much for the help Yoop, and everyone else. |
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Posts: 337
Location: Watersmeet, Michigan | Not sure how to answer that since I've never used a C3. I've always had excellent experiences with Shimano products, expensive as well as less expensive. |
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Posts: 1425
Location: St. Lawrence River | A good entry level reel that is made decent in my opinion is the Okuma Akena. Hundred dollar bill which is very cheap for a musky reel. |
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Location: Ontario | JakeStCroixSkis - 6/3/2016 8:09 PM
A good entry level reel that is made decent in my opinion is the Okuma Akena. Hundred dollar bill which is very cheap for a musky reel.
I don't believe they make lefty. |
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Location: Ontario | You should be able to find Shimano Cardiff 401A on eBay like new close to your budget.
I know many people who use them for years without problems. |
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Posts: 20
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Thanks everyone.
I ended up buying a new C3. I think I'm gonna be real happy with my choice. ...
As happy as I was to score a never-used Tackle Industries XH 8'6" for $80 on CL! |
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