just bought a power handle for my abu 6500

[AndreFishes]

how many of yall use power handles on your abu bait casters. How do you like them. How easy to put on the reel?

[rushing]

Just unscrew the nut holding the other handle on put the power handle on. For me a power handle is alot more comfortable than the tiny regular handle.

[katchaser]

I have a power handle on a trophy 6500 and love it.

[honky kong]

it's really the only way to go.

[peder]

Where do you get a power handle?

[honky kong]

got mine at cabela's. i'm sure you can find one somewhere.

[ChemE]

They have them at the fleet farm quite often too. Usually next to the locked cabinet of reels.

[hanson]

Power Handles rock!!

I've got 3 6500s that I need to switch over because it feels like I'm cranking open a tuna can.

[bgreen82]

well guys just got it in today. rigged it up with 20 lb. mono backing, then 65 lb. power pro, a 3 oz. sinker and bead, 20 lb. leader and 3/O ultra point mustad hook

now i need to get out and use it, see if i need to get that power handle. is my first baitcaster, and never used one before. took it out into the yard, not too bad, one little backlash but not a big deal. easier than i thought to thumb the line. just had to engage reel a little quicker.

[Ralph Wiggum]

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Just had to engage reel a little quicker.

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Never engage the reel while the spool is still turning. That is a quick way to ruin the reel, especially with 3+ ounces on the line!!! Make sure you stop it with your thumb, then engage the reel.

[hanson]

Thats a nice looking setup you got there! She'll do just fine on most flatheads you'll encounter. There is always going to be the occasional "Moby Dick" that you won't be able to stop no matter what you do, or at least we all hope to tie into a fish like that someday.

I'll echo what Ryan just said, you should stop the spool with your thumb. Actually, once you get on the water, you'll put the pieces together pretty easily. About the time your bait is hitting the water, your cast is slowing already. I slowly push my thumb onto the spool until it stops, right about the time the bait hits the water. Then take your thumb off and let your bait fall to the bottom while allowing line to come off the reel. You don't need to do this but your bait will "swing" back towards the boat like a pendulum so you negated some distance on your cast. Leave it in freespool and let the bait drop straight down. I hope that makes sense.

[katchaser]

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She'll do just fine on most flatheads you'll encounter.

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Hanson

I had my 6500 trophy loaded with 20 lb Big Game when a big flathead took the bait. Me and my trusty net girl Kayla landed it.

A little over 52 pounds. A little luck, a little skill, and lots of patience.

[bgreen82]

thanks guys, hanson that makes good sense. by the way, that is i great fish you got there.