Reel Help!

[tearin' lips]

I am getting rid of my old low-pro ambassadeur this year and would like to get another, but don't want to spend a bunch. I am looking at a ambassadeur 5000. What does everyone think about this reel. I fish primarily with #11 raps, x-raps, poppers, spinners and will also use it to pitch plastics. I like to have a little heavier line on it as well, does anyone have a certain braided line that they prefer that casts well.

On a second note I am also looking at Gander Series reels. How are these? They seem reasonably priced, but I want something that casts and reels smoothly.

Thanks for all your help, Take Care and Good Luck Fishing!!

[Central Bassman]

The Guide Series Reels arnt bad for the prices. Whats nice is that they have a Life time warrenty though Gander. So you just take it to any of there story and they re-place it. There is no sending it in or anything like that.

[Deitz Dittrich]

TL- I am not too familiar with the Abu reels, as I am a Shimano dude... But I do know that Abu makes good stuff. THe Gander Reels I think are made by Daiwa, but I could be wrong.

As for line. The best braid I have found is PowerPro. But a lot of guys like Fireline.

[MattWtech]

i know the gander spinning reels are actually last years pflueger trions, the profile diffrences anyway. all it is is the logo, and a different drag cap. i was talkin to the guy at the counter about the trion, and he said just get the guide series its 10 bucks cheaper(spinning reels were talkin bout) and same thing. pfluger is made by shakespear too so you can pretty much get a good reel for 1/4 the price of a pflueger or shakespear

daiwa makes the cabelas series reels, and im not sure who makes bass pro shops series reels

anyway i picked up the guide series pro select spinning reel and its pretty darn solid, not sure bout the baitcasters.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I have a Gander series baitcaster. I'm not Roland Martin so calling myself a reel expert would be a big fat lie. However, I really like it. I've never had a single problem and the price is tough to beat.

I'll prolly get another one, and a few spinning reels too.

[Central Bassman]

the gander reels are made by pflueger or shakespear depending on how much they are!!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Gander reels and made by a variety of companies but like stated pflueger/shakespeare makes the majority of them. The Guide Series tournament spinning reel is basicly the equivalent of the pflueger president reel. The round bait casters are also the same as the pflueger models. If I were looking for a low-pro I would look to other brands first but thats just my opinion. Unless their are new ones that Im not aware of.

Id recomend a low profile baitcaster reel for bass fishing. Im not sure how much your looking to spend but Abu Garcia has a new line of reels called the Revos starting at $100. They seem like very nice reels. For a few bucks more ($120)you could get a shimano Citica. Shimano has a proven track record of quality reels. If your looking to keep it less than $100 the Pflueger Purist ($80) or Echelon ($60) are decent reels for the money.

[Superduty]

Look for the good old green shimano curado on hsolist. Can't go wrong. The new reels are heavier than the old ones. I would study a cabelas or bass pro catalog and compare the weights of reels from various manufacturers. Expect to pay at least $100 and stick with a reputable name brand reel. Like most outdoor equipment you get what you pay for.

[stumpdaddy1]

I have been looking at a next baitcast reel and found one on clearance at Walmart. They had the Citica 200D on clearance for 79.99. Good buy so I bought it. The only thing I didn't get is the instruction manual. Might need some insight on how to set the VBS.

[Ralph Wiggum]

-VBS-

When you flip the side cover open, you'll notice six little plastic knobs. Each can be placed in the IN (push it towards the center) or OUT (push it towards the outer edge). With the knobs in, you get added casting distance but backlashes will be easier to get. With them all out, you will sacrifice some casting distance, but backlashes will be controlled much more.

It's a matter of finding a balance of what you're most comfortable with. I usually go with all in or just 2 out, but when casting into the wind, I will put 4 or all 6 out.

Hope that makes sense.

[stumpdaddy1]

Thanks Ralph Wiggum. It does make sense and can't wait to string it up and give it a shot.

[Deitz Dittrich]

stumpdaddy, welcome to FishingMinnesota.com and most importantly welcome to the best forum on this site.. the bass forum...

RW- nice job answering the question.. could not have said it better myself!

[cjac]

Welcome Stump!! Don't be afraid to jump forums once in a while!! Great info on here from a lot of great sticks.

Yes, $80 for the Citica is a deal! Despite working for the "Bullseye", I may have to visit Wally World.

With the braking systems......am I the only one that forgets every spring, do I pull them out or push them in?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yeah, a Citica D for $80 is unreal! Reminds me of when Wally World was clearancing out their Curado B series reels for $70...I came home with three and wish I would have bought more

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote:

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With the braking systems......am I the only one that forgets every spring, do I pull them out or push them in?

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I might have a Zebco 33 laying around I could give you if you need something simpler

[stumpdaddy1]

RW, What type of line do you use on your citica 200D? Mono or braided? Any help would be great.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I don't have any Citica Ds. I like Power Pro on my older Curado talk but it really depends on what you're gonna use the reel for. Give us an idea what you want to do with the reel.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Stumpdaddy, as RW said, the line should have very little to do with what reel you are putting it on.. more to do with the rod and the application you are going to be using that rod for.