Should I Be Using This Reel?

[NoviceFishingDad]

I have an older Abu Ambassadeur 5000 reel that is in perfect (like out of the box) condition that I have had sitting in my tackle box since about 1982 or maybe even a few years earlier.

I got it from my dad as a kid and it stayed in a padded case in the box until last year. I just got into fishing last year so this reel has really never been used.

I went in to Gander to match a rod for it and was told that I should find an antigue rod and hang this on the wall given the condition. Well I have decided to use it as it casts great and works great (at least to the novice). It has 'Built by Abu Sweden' stamped on the side.

My question(s) to the group are as follows:

1.) Would you use it: a. is it a good reel for trolling and using for heavy cover bass fishing?; b. Is this something that may be worth some money in a few more years if kept in its current condition?

2.) Anyone know what the gear ratio may be?

3.) I have set it up with a Guide Series Pro Select IM8 Rod (6 ft med heavy) and 30 lb spiderwire stealth. Is this a reasonable setup for trolling for pike and going after bass in heavy cover?

Sorry for the long post but any feedback would be appreciated.

[Ufatz]

These reels are popular, but not to the point where you should not use it. Sure, you could sell it on hsolist for maybe $35-$55 but then you'd have to turn around and spend that to buy another reel. And you are right, its a good dependable reel and will work fine on the rod you have selected. The downside to them is the "button" you gotta push rather than the more natural thumb bar on newer reels. If you like the reel use it.Or lay it away for another 20 years. It'll probably appreciate a little more.

[Kab Dreamin]

I still have and use the Ambassadeur 5000 that I got as a Christmas present in 1976 when I was a kid. I have had to take it in once to get the drag rebuilt but I still use it all the time. I have it on a medium heavy, 7' Cabela's graphite rod and have it spooled with 20lb power pro line. I have caught a ton of bass with it on Lake Minnetonka, use it for fall night trolling on Mille Lacs and cast for northerns with it on Lake Kabetogama every summer. It has outlasted everything else I have ever purchased. My brother has the same reel and will not part with it.

I have come to prefer the longer rods (6.5'-7') for casting and trolling, especially using the superlines. The longer rods are a little more forgiving when the fish take off on a run and the hooks don't tear out if you have the drag too tight. My buddy has a 5.5' rod he uses for trolling and casting that is so stiff that you could shoot pool with it. He also has the reel spooled with 30 lb power pro and the drag is tightened down with a pliers. He believes that that allows him to winch the fish in and not loose it. He still hasn't made the connection between the stiff rod and the lack of stretch in the line and all of the fish I have seen him loose at the side of the boat at night on Mille Lacs when they tear loose. Maybe some day the light will go on.

[NoviceFishingDad]

Thanks for the input:

After I spoke to the gentleman who said don't use it I checked hsolist and found quite a few out there at prices lower than new. So I got to the same conclusion - use it as it is very functional - why spend the extra $.

I am a little concerned with the shorter rod. I have two 6 1/2 ft rods so I thought a little shorter rod would be a good addition to the arsenal. I have found myself wanting to fish the heavy slop but am a little leary getting one out of it. I also thought the six foot could be good for vertical jigging - just not sure if it is too stiff for Walleye jigging.

I hope I do not regret going with the shorter rod.

Anyone know the ratio on this reel?

[fiskyknut]

5.0 or 5.3 to 1 most likely.