TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 Might have an opportunity to purchase a line of All Star rods and Abu Garcia reels. Not really interested in the reels as I think they're more on the vintage side but maybe someone can offer me some info on them as well as an opinion on the rods themselves. Rods: BCM-6 (Bait Cast Medium 6') Line Wt: 10-20lb WR-1 (Worm Rod 1) Lure Wt: 1/4-1 1/4 oz, Line Wt: 10-20lb TWS (Top Water Special) Line Wt: 8-17lb GT2 Composite Graphic/Glass for Medium to Deep Running Crankbaits, Lure Wt: 1/4-1 1/2 oz, Line Wt: 8-17lb FRH (Flipping Rod Heavy) Lure Wt: 3/8-2 oz, Line Wt: 12-30lb Reels: AG 4600-CL3AG 4600-CAG 5500-C3AG 6500-C3AG 6500-C3 Now I have been thinking of upgrading my upper echelon Wal-Mart gear with more specialized, quality gear such as what I am perceiving this to be, so please correct me if I'm wrong. Again, I may be wrong, but I'm really not caring too much for the reels, I'll probably either sell them or do something with them but I'll get my own reels for the rods. This person tried switching to baitcasters from spinning gear and spent more time picking birds nests so he's just selling it all. Everything is $225. Any input would be appreciated. What do you folks think? Quote
papajoe222 Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 There isn't a big demand among bass fishermen for the Abu Garcia round baitcasters. When I fell in love with baitcasting gear, round reels were all that was available and I owned four of them. The trend, since the introduction of low profile reels. is toward smaller and lighter reels that have tighter tolerances. That does not mean that these reels are worthless. There is still a market for round reels and the C-3 design is still a popular one. If you break the price down assuming you can unload the reels for $20 each, that leaves you holding five All Star rods at an average cost to you of $25. They aren't the lightest, or close to it, but an above average rod considering your purchase price. Quote
Zimobass Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 A good buy for the price. You need to try them out. The All Stars are quality, especially the TWS. Would choose this over newer rods for spook and popper's any day. The reels may not be ideal for some bass fisher persons, but they are far better than some of the cheap stuff being sold. Sure you could try them, and off load for at least the same price if you are not happy. Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 I appreciate your input fellas. I understand that the reels aren't the most ideal but at the same time aren't anything to scoff at either. They're just not for me. I'm a low profile and left handed model guy. As for the rods themselves, I appreciate that knowledge. The funny thing is Papajoe, I've never really taken notice to the weight of a rod. That probably means I'm using heavy rods now as it is. I probably wouldn't know what to do with a high end rod in my hand. I do appreciate the info. Quote
rangerjockey Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 If they are the older models that were made in Houston they are still a good rod. I have both the BCM6 and the zell rowland TWS and still use them both for Topwater and smaller crankbait rods.. The BCM6 makes a nice 1/4 -3/8 oz spinnerbait rod. I would guess I bought mine about 25 years ago. Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 Yea, even into the late 90's they were a solid rod, Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 An excellent buy! Regardless of trends toward low profile reels and split handled rods, the Ambassadeurs can still do anything any other reel can do. 1 Quote
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 The model all stars sound like the originals..grab them and the abus grab them also .its worth what they want .if i had this oppurtunity it be a no brainer .id be all over it like flys on a fresh pile of crap Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 I'd buy them all for that. The two bigger round reels would make great catfish reels. Those All Star rods are all great rods. They compare very well to current mid-range priced rods currently available. I still use my TWS all the time. My WR1's are currently retired - but if I got back into fishing as a co-angler I'd bust them out because they are 6'6" and the slightly shorter rods worked better for me fishing as a co=angler. I'm thinking, that Flipping rod, is that the telescopic one? If so, I've got that rod also. That was my bubba drop shot rod for a number of years, currently it is in the category of dependable back up. I found a 7' 5" Kistler with a very simlar action that is at least an ounce and a half lighter. Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 Thanks fellas, love the input. Just an affirmation on why I love coming here and asking questions, one can get great responses. I have to go look at everything but I pretty much know in my mind that the deal is all but done on my end. If there's anyone else who has any input, keep it coming. When I talked to the man he did say that he believes the rods were bought in the late 90's early 00's but you know how that goes. That was 14 years ago, who can really remember. I'm thinking, as well as hoping, that they were made during the good period. I'm thinking, that Flipping rod, is that the telescopic one? If so, I've got that rod also. That was my bubba drop shot rod for a number of years, currently it is in the category of dependable back up. I found a 7' 5" Kistler with a very simlar action that is at least an ounce and a half lighter. I honestly don't know, I guess this is something I'm going to have to look for when I go see everything. I'm fairly new and learning about everything myself. So you used the flipping rod as a drop shot rod? Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 Yea, the time frame of mid to late 90's WR1and 2 were burgundy colored blanks, some were raw carbon with a clear coat , also a rod builder in the know said many of those rods were built by Loomis, sold to All-Star, as well as other rod co. (Talking about Rod Blanks) All-Star built them of course... Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 Yea, the time frame of mid to late 90's WR1and 2 were burgundy colored blanks, some were raw carbon with a clear coat , also a rod builder in the know said many of those rods were built by Loomis, sold to All-Star, as well as other rod co.(Talking about Rod Blanks) All-Star built them of course... If I'm not mistaken that looks like a burgundy colored blank to me right? Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 Now, they did wrap the bases of the Raw Carbon/ clear coat with burgundy wrap too... On WR1 and 2 the blank was painted Burgundy/ so that rod pic. May indeed be a raw carbon model.. Lot of pro sig. Models, that flip stick may be a Tom Mann model, they are good sticks... Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 Good, the WR-1, TWS and FRH all look like that. The BCM-6 and GT2 have a red "A", a blue "S" and an all blue "All Star" label on them. Quote
rangerjockey Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 The Houston made rods, at least the ones I have, have a charcoal colored blank with maroon colored wraps..They will be labeled Houston TX. . I believe Trey Kistlers Dad was one of the owners of the original company.. They were sold to shakespeare , I believe, sometime in the 90's.. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 Actually the Houston made rods, at least the ones I have have a charcoal colored blank with maroon colored wraps..They will be labeled Houston TX. . I believe Trey Kistlers Dad was one of the owners of the original company.. They were sold to shakespeare , I believe, sometime in the early 90's.. This is correct, although they also made maroon cranking blanks and matte black IM10 blanks. All will say "Houston TX" on them if they are originals. Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 This is correct, although they also made maroon cranking blanks and matte black IM10 blanks. All will say "Houston TX" on them if they are originals. Actually the Houston made rods, at least the ones I have, have a charcoal colored blank with maroon colored wraps..They will be labeled Houston TX. . I believe Trey Kistlers Dad was one of the owners of the original company.. They were sold to shakespeare , I believe, sometime in the 90's.. This is great information to have and walk in there knowing. Thank you gentlemen! Quote
rangerjockey Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 If I had to guess from the picture those aren't Houston models, the foregrip looks newer to me .. But still worth a look .. Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 If I had to guess from the picture those aren't Houston models, the foregrip looks newer to me .. But still worth a look .. Even if they're not are they still decent rods and worth the price? Quote
rangerjockey Posted August 30, 2014 Posted August 30, 2014 I would say they're worth 25 bucks or so each, Still not a bad rod but they just don't carry the value of the Houston Rods.. But it's a nice group that you could do most anything with.... The TWS actually makes a nice wiggle wart / bandit 300 rod as well.. If they get you on the water and you enjoy it then I would say they are worth it. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted August 30, 2014 Super User Posted August 30, 2014 Even if they're not are they still decent rods and worth the price? I agree with rangerjockey, they are still good rods and worth the money. If any of them happen to be Houston rods, even better. Quote
TheBig1 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Posted August 30, 2014 As always thank you very much guys, the help and advice is greatly appreciated. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted August 31, 2014 Super User Posted August 31, 2014 No problem bud, good luck with the new rods and reels. Quote
timsford Posted August 31, 2014 Posted August 31, 2014 If you decide to let go of the reels definitely let me know. Round reels arent fir everyone but with a little cleaning and a few upgrades they are awesome for swimbaits, a-rigs, deep cranks, and live or cut bait for stripers and catfish Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.