Abu 5600C4?

[Tony 270]

Looking at picking one up at a decent price, but are they good for casting without a whole lot of weight? My issue is that I have my light trout spinning combo and then my 8'6" MH baitcasting setup. Baitcaster is great off the Edmonds pier (where I go for kings a lot) with 2oz jigs, but it is terrible for lightweight stuff. Is a Tica Caiman CT200 and have zero issue with it when used off the pier like I do, it just doesn't do lightweight.

But, for river bank salmon/steelhead fishing I found the 5600C4 with a 9'6" M rod which I will probably pick up, though am hesitant to go with another baitcaster for lighter stuff. Anyone have any trouble with 1/2 oz tackle with their 5600?

[7mmfan]

I've used that reel a lot with a 1/16 oz jig, a small piece of pencil lead and float, so total weight probably 3/4 oz or so and it casted beautifully. I've never really casted anything lighter than that with it though. Abu's typically are not great light weight casting reels but the C4 is fair anyway.

[Tony 270]

What line do you typically use with yours?

[FC]

Buy a Calcutta or Curado if you want a baitcaster that will cast light weight (effortlessly), I have both and a C3, the C3 gets used on a plug rod only as it's inferior to the other reels in every way but one: that C3 holds a lot more and heavier line than either of my two favorite casters. The drag on the C3 blows in comparison to the Shimano reels so it's a good thing that it lends itself well to using heavier line. If I could have just one reel, it would be a Calcutta, they really are worth the money.

[BLKBEARKLR]

I have been using Abu Garcias for at least 15 years.

That reel paired up with that rod on 10 - 12 pound light diameter line, you will not have a problem with a 1/2 ounce of weight or lure.   You have the right length for that rod to really be able to get it out there.


Joe

[Tony 270]

Is a situation where I'll just buy it since it is a good deal and if I don't like it, sell it for what I bought it for and move on to something else. Doubt I'll use anything less than 1/2oz anyway.

That calcutta seems really nice, but really doesn't hold a lot of line.

[7mmfan]

You can buy a calcutta in any size that you need for line capacity, and they are nice reels. I used my C4 strictly for float fishing so I ran 30# Power Pro and never had a problem tossing light weights, especially if you are using a 9'6" rod or longer.

[BigGoonTuna]

for the most part if you're drift fishing, you usually aren't using less than 3/8-1/2oz of lead anyway.  the abu will do fine if you pair it up with the right rod.

not many people seem to understand that your rod has more effect on casting performance than your reel does.

[fishcrazy]

Buy a Calcutta or Curado if you want a baitcaster that will cast light weight (effortlessly),

or a spining reel. I am going spinning more and more for chucking light baits with little or no lead. And they are cheaper.

Abu suck!! I have like 6 on my plug rods that I really want to get rid of.  They cast like a 10k warn winch comparee to a Curado.

Kris

[BigGoonTuna]

must not know how to tune them and keep them in good working shape.  i've got one in particular that i'd put up against any shimano, or daiwa...

[Tony 270]

Was looking for a larger spinning setup than my trout rig, but then found a deal on this combo used, but in great shape. From the responses here it seems like it should work fine. If not, I can always to go the Shimano or something else without taking any real hit in the sale.

Thanks for the replies

[fishcrazy]

must not know how to tune them and keep them in good working shape. 

I have messed around with them and they just don't compare to my curado. much less effort to make it work nice. They work allright for what I paid for them as long as they stay on the plug rods. I'm going to order up some smoothie drags for them and see how I like like them. They don't have anywhere close to the number of fish my Curado reels do and the drags are shot.

For casting small baits nothing will out cast a good spining reel

Kris

[Blacklab]

Been fishing with the 5600 & 6600 C4 for I don't know how long. Never really had any issue's except wore out the worm gear guide pin on the 5600 after 15yrs or so. They sit on 8'6 lammi salmon moocher with maxium ultra green 17lb test. IMO clean and oil them once a year and your good. 

[cohoho]

I've got 5 6501's and used the heck out of them, haven't had any issues except replacement of drag system and a sticking release every now and then.  I haven't thrown light weight too much but the 5500 series should be perfect for Steelhead.  I will state my buddy has the high end Shimano's and very smooth and nice but at $250+ a pop, my Abu Garcia's work fine...

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

I don't work for any of the companies and i am not being paid to tell you my opinion, i am not going to argue with others that have a different opinion than i do either, that is just plain stupid.

I have a 5501 C3 for casting plugs for fall coho from the bank. I will put that reel up against any curado. I also have a Pflueger president that I use that can out cast my 5501, but i like the 5501 for line capacity.
Change the drag washers and get better bearings and in my opinion nothing stands up to the abu's for the money.
If you take care of your reels they will take care of you.
I can cast 1/2 oz easily with my 5501.