Another reel/gear ratio question

[stayman79]

I know this has been talked about a lot, but even with checking old posts I can't make up my mind. So here goes.

I have one muskie rod/reel. The rod is not heavy enough to throw the heavier baits like a magnum bulldawg, reef hawg, etc. The reel is a Browning Midas (no it's not a shotgun, a reel)which is nothing I've ever seen recommended but I got it as a gift and it has worked so far. The gear ratio is 5.3:1.

I just bought a heavier rod to handle the magnum bulldawg and other heavy lures. My plan was to buy a 6.3:1 Abu (C4?, the blue one) since I've heard that the high gear ratio is good for the jerk baits, but does it handle the bulldawg well? My other option is to upgrade the reel on the older rod I tend to use more often for throwing bucktails and switch the Midas to the stout rod since it's often taking up slack on jerkbaits.

Oh, and I'd like to spend around $100.

What do the experienced guys say?

[Rebel9921]

DO NOT get the 6600C4... I had one and I took it back to Gander Mountain and exchanged it for a 6600C3... Now, C4 may be good for walleye fishing but its definitely a no-no for muskie fishing... especially if you're gonna throw out a bulldawg... Been there done that... no power at all.. felt like I was reeling in a 20lb deadweight instead of a dbl cowgirl... get a C3, or any other reels that has gear ratio thats 5.3:1 or lower... then when all's done, just put on a powerhandle... you'll be good to go!

[stayman79]

That's what I was worried about with the C4. I'm leaning towards a lower gear ratio and your advice helps confirm that.

Thanks!

PS What about the C5? I never hear anything about it but the have more bearings than the rest of them and a low gear ratio. Also, Cabelas has them on sale Any thoughts?

[Rebel9921]

Yes I have seen those C5's at Cabela... and apparently those are made exclusively for Cabela, just like the 6600CB's... C5 is basically the same as C3, same gear ratio but with 2 more bearings... basically... bushings last longer than bearings but bearings are much more quieter than bushings... There are 6600C3's but its only made for Gander Mountain... and I have three... last one I bought took some work, calling different Gander Mountain locations... I am thinking of buying one C5 to see how well it works... but frankly, Im HAPPY with my 6600C3's

[chief]

Stayman,

I have extensive experience with the 5600C5. I've used them for the past three seasons for throwing smaller bucktails and cranks for 'Ski's, and one of them is also my standard pike and slop bass reel. No major complaints, here, whatsoever, and I recommend them as a strong value oriented purchase. Smoother, and quieter than the C3, and they can be had for about the same price. A minor complaint is the poor location of the mag brake slide adjustment. It's on top of the reel's palm side housing, about where the meat of your palm typically rests while reeling. As a result, you're always inadvertently adjusting the mag brakes. A minor complaint, to be sure, but still irksome. Cabelas does have them, and I see them from time to time in independent bait shops and stores. An affordable, reliable addition to a growing muskie toolbox.

[Capt.Blaine]

Does anyone have information on a Shimano Cardiff 400? Or has anyone here used one before.

Thanks

[Scoot]

stayman, take the advice of those telling you to go with the lower gear ratio- lower gear ratio = larger teeth in the gears and less easily worn down parts. Ask virtually any of the guys who have been fishing a long time and this is what you'll hear.

Given what you said, I'd go with a Abu 7000 HSN. RK turned me onto this reel and I've been really happy with mine. It's about $30 over your price range, but I believe it's worth every penny.

[WalleyeGod]

Stayman:

On a side note, if you are ever interested in selling the Midas, let me know. I have one and love it, looking to add one more.

Thanks,

WG

[cjac]

Hi Capt,

Cardiff's are nice reels for the money, some call them the "poor man's Calcutta". I have a 300 on my flippin' stick that I use for small baits and I really like it. It's reel mount is recessed a bit, so it sits nicely on the rod.

Advantage of the 400 is the non-disengaging spool and higher line capacity.

Hope that helps,

Chris

[stayman79]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I went to Cabela's and picked up a C5 last night. For anyone interested, the reel normally costs $99 in the store, but I told the guy that it was on sale on their internet site in the bargain cave for $79 (which it is) and he said "No problem, we'll match it."

I did notice the mag brake was in an odd location, but haven't used it yet to see how often I "accidentally" adjust that. Nice to have 2 ways to adjust the casting brake like on some of the "bass-sized" baitcasters. Good to adjust for the wind.

Funny thing: at both Gander and Cabela's the "kids" (20-25 yrs old) working there were saying that the 6.3:1 was just fine for muskie baits. One even said that's what you need to burn a Cowgirl! I didn't waste my time and argue with them, but I did mention to the other guy there trying to pick out his first muskie reel that the lower gear ratio was the way to go. Hopefully he listened.

WalleyeGod: I'm going to keep the Midas on my other muskie rod. So far I haven't had trouble with it either, only thing is it gets a little noisy after casting with it for over a couple hours. Have you had that? Another nice thing, if I remember right, it was on clearance for $40 when my buddy bought it for me. I think it has about 5 bearings in it as well.

[Capt.Blaine]

cjac

Thanks for the reply, I picked one up on sale and was hoping it would work out okay.

[Rebel9921]

Please do let me know how that C5 works for you, especially when you're burning Cowgirls or Bulldawgs... C5 does have me intrigued... and guess they're not on sale in the store anymore... I went down before July 4th and they were going for $79.95 but didnt get one... Hopefully that other guy did listen to you, but if he didnt, guess he wants to learn things the hard way... Good luck with the C5 and keep us posted!

[stayman79]

Used it yesterday and was pleased with the smooth casting and 2 ways to adjust for backlash control. I don't actually own a Double Cowgirl but I was burning other bucktails without a problem. I switched my other reel to the heavy rod and used it for the bulldawg.

So only one day, but happy with how it worked (minus catching a muskie which I did not). Time will tell, but it has the same gear ratio as the C3 so it should handle big baits fine.

Check cabelas internet bargain cave and see if it's on sale there, the store will match it.

[WalleyeGod]

Stay:

I have mine on a walleye livebait rig, so don't cast with it that much. Have not noticed the sound you are referring to as of yet. Later,

WG

[tonkapat]

if your looking for a high speed reel that is light weight and tough the shimano curado cu 3000 dsv is a great choice. Will cast all the big baits and super small baits as the left side of the reel comes off in seconds, which allows u to adjust weight positions in seconds. The reel will cast small bass baits up to mag dawgs. No don't use it for double cowgirls, u could but it just isn't practical.

after using it for a while I noticed a lot less fatigue over the big clunker slow ratio reels. also has 15lbs of drag which is more than plenty good luck

[8-Ball]

Ok- Now I have a 5500 C3 with a lighter action muskie pole I throw Bucktails/Spinners with. My heavier trolling rod has a 5600-C4 (not 6600). It has the 6.3:1 gear ratio. Am I using too high a gear ratio for this trolling rod? Should I switch and put the 5500 on my trolling pole and put the 5600 C4 on my lighter action casting rod? Your thoughts?