Line On Ambassadeur 5500C

[Bass_N_Brewskis]

So I just recently found my grandfathers old ambassadeur 5500c in the garage. It's in real good shape for its age. Has been sitting in a drawer in the garage for at least 15 years. I have now taken it apart to clean and re lube.

It was set up on a 7' mh fenwick inshore rod. Not sure what my grandfather used it for but I was hoping to spool it up and take it out a time or two to see how it works. I have seen people use these reels for LM bass, and striper and other saltwater species which might be what I set this up for.

Was just wondering if anyone has this same reel and still uses it. If so what do you find it most useful for and what size/type of line would you recommend I try.

[tholmes]

I don't have that exact model, but I have several round Ambassadeurs that I still use regularly. That would be a good reel for deep cranks, A-rigs, swimbaits, etc. Depending on how old it is, it will have either a 4.7:1 or 5.3:1 gear ratio. I'd spool it up with 12 lb. mono and give it a whirl. If you decide to go with a different typew of line, you can leave about a half spool of the mono on it for backing.

 

Tom

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That reel is perfectly fishable. It has a large line capacity isn't going to cast light baits well anyway so don't be afraid to spool up some 65-80# braid for and A-rig/swimbait/musky-pike spinners etc.

[Bass_N_Brewskis]

Thanks guys! I think ill rig it up for my cranks then. I'm trying to save some money and not have to buy a bunch a new set ups but I wanna expand my fishing. also with this rod and reel I'd really like to get out and catch a fish or two with it being my grandfathers. He was the fisherman and that is who my first memory with a fish came from so it would really be awesome.

Any way I can find out how old this reel is? I have seen the Abu Garcia site where I found the schematics but not the year

[tholmes]

There should be a number stamper on the bottom of the reel foot. If it was made after 1972 (likely) the first two digits are the year of manufacture. For earlier reels, check out this site http://www.lurelore.com/freds/abu.html#section4

 

Tom

[Bass_N_Brewskis]

Ok I was wondering if that was the year but haven't found anything saying it was. Thanks! So the reel I have is from 81.

[0119]

I fish the smaller version of that reel everyday, old and all. It can handle just about anything you can think of. Check the Ambassadeur sub forum on alantani.com, there is a post that explains deciphering the reelfoot number. Its a sticky. Lots of tutorials that can walk you through cleaning it too. You can jazz up the innards and make it cast like a demon. I prefer the narrow spool model myself but the 5000/5500's are great multi species reels and much better made than todays version.

[mikeeasttn]

The Ambasedurs are great reels specially for swimbait fising.  I use the 4500's, 5500's, and the 6600's for throwing all my heavy swimbaits.  I have them tuned and new bearings installed and they are as smooth and cast as far as my more expensive big reels from Shimano and others.

 

I use P-Line CXX 17 to 30# on these reels and they handle the big line with ease.  I had many people tell me they would lock up or stick if a large fish was on the line but I have caught stripers up to 37# and never had the reels stick or freeze up.  The stripers put alot more stress on a reel than any LM bass ever could.

 

I even have some of the 5000's from the early sixties and do use them on occasion.  Someone else used this term but they are really bullet proof and a quality reel.

[Hyrule Bass]

i have a 5501 ambassadeur BCX(made in china) that has held up well for 4 seasons now. the 01 just means left hand retrieve. i spooled it with 17lb fc and it casts great. i use it for some bass applications, but mostly for catfish. its a blast with catfish.

 

i also have a 6601 ambassadeur c4 that i love. i have 25lb big game mono on it and use it for stripers and catfish. i love it...never thought about throwing swimbaits on it, great idea...

[new2BC4bass]

I fish the smaller version of that reel everyday, old and all. It can handle just about anything you can think of. Check the Ambassadeur sub forum on alantani.com, there is a post that explains deciphering the reelfoot number. Its a sticky. Lots of tutorials that can walk you through cleaning it too. You can jazz up the innards and make it cast like a demon. I prefer the narrow spool model myself but the 5000/5500's are great multi species reels and much better made than todays version.

 

Thanks an awful lot for the link.  I bought Carbontex drags for my 1600Cs and a set of bearings to try in one of them.  That link should be a big help.

 

This post has me thinking it is about time to spool up my 5001 purchased many, many moons ago.  Back before I knew about LP reels....if there were any back then!  Didn't know anyone who fished a baitcast reel, and didn't know of the Internet...provided it even existed at that time.  Quickly gave up on it.  I have high hopes for it given how well the 1600s cast.

[Rangerphil]

12 lb mono. I use it for my squarebill fishing in heavy cover. Love it use it everyday I fish!

[.RM.]

I don't have that exact model, but I have several round Ambassadeurs that I still use regularly. That would be a good reel for deep cranks, A-rigs, swimbaits, etc. Depending on how old it is, it will have either a 4.7:1 or 5.3:1 gear ratio. I'd spool it up with 12 lb. mono and give it a whirl. If you decide to go with a different typew of line, you can leave about a half spool of the mono on it for backing.

 

Tom

Besides all those BIG Cats, carp, drum all on heavy lines come to mind...