5500 C3 Or 4600 C3

[zwhiten12]

I was wondering which reel would be better for mainly bass fishing? I fish for many different species but mostly on have time for bass.  Thanks for the help ya'll!

[retiredbosn]

I've had both, the difference is size, and ultimately come down to which one you like the feel of the best. Personally I would go with the 4600 lighter, narrower and fits my hand. Treat it well and it will last a lifetime.

[Fishwhittler]

The differences are in the width, line capacity, and the clutch lever location.  The 4600 has a thumb bar similar to low-profile reels, but the 5500 has a lever on the handle-side cover that takes the place of the thumb bar.  It's a little less convenient than the thumb bar, that's all.

 

Other than that, the 4600 weighs .6oz less than the 5500 due to the smaller size.  The 4600 holds 160 yards of 30# braid as opposed to 205 yards of 30# braid for the 5500.

 

I've got a 5501C3, which is the LH version of the 5500, and the spool is huge.  You'll probably never need all of the line on your reel if you are fishing for bass, though if you were fishing for carp, stripers, or other large fish that make long, hard runs, I can see where the extra line capacity would be useful.

[BradH]

4600 for bass.  Check the gear ratio/IPT to make sure it suits your application.  Some of my 4000s are 5.3 and some are 6.3 and they will move more line than the typical "5:1" or "6:1" low profile reel due to the larger spool diameter that gives it more inches per turn.  I'm not sure what the new ones are but I've got 4000 series ABUs with both ratios.

 

 

For your viewing pleasure.  4600 in the middle.

 

[new2BC4bass]

I have an old 5001C that came with plastic halves that snap over the metal arbor to limit line capacity.  Haven't used it since getting back into fishing a few years ago.  I'd have to say that personally I wouldn't want to use a physically larger reel for bass fishing.  I can say that I really like my 1600C.     It does an excellent job casting 1/4 oz. lures into the wind.

[0119]

I use 4500C's for bass, channel cats, snook and baby tarpon. Ive never had the narrow spools capacity hamper me.  Even the occasional Jack or little spinner shark doesnt spool me.  Theres no way I could spend a day chunkin' lures with a 5500. It isnt the weight, its the width's affects on comfort.

[Rangerphil]

5500 for me! I love that reel, I use it for cranking and it casts a mile.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Either way - you can't go wrong. They are easy to work on as far as cleaning and they are built like a tank. I have a Record 60 HC that I love and use it for everything from big stipers, tautogs, sheepsheads to bull reds, black drum and large catfish. I can easily remove the current 65lb PP and switch it over to 17lb mono or 15lb flouro and use it as a swimbait or cranking reel. Rule of thumb for me is like FishWhittler said - if it is a species that can make long runs, opt for the larger spool capacity especially if you troll. If you are only casting in a small window with no real chance of a long run, then the smaller 4000 series will do nicely. Either way, you can't lose.

[zwhiten12]

Do any of you guys with the 5500 have any trouble casting some of the smaller lures?

[Rangerphil]

I don't know how small you are talking but I use mine for cranks and it throws a bandit 200 very well!

[zwhiten12]

Thanks for all the help y'all!