Ordered two C3 4600 baitcasters!

[blbmogul89]

today i ordered two Abu Garcia C3 4600 reels, to replace my two BlackMax baitcasters that i used for bass fishing. The ProMax and BlackMax are great baitcasters, and were fairly easy to get acclimated to. But as a Catfisherman, my setup consists of two Abu Garcia C3 6500 reels, and cork-handled medium-heavy rods. i have completely fallen in love with the round reel baitcasters. I used a coworkers C3 4600 about a month ago and i totally loved it. Who else uses the Abu Garcia round reel c3 or c4 baitcasters? And what size? What made you choose the c3 over the c4? 

[3crows]

I used for decades and still do use a 1973 Abu Garcia 5500C which I have owned from new to this day. Thought it is hotrodded with various upgrades. 

[tholmes]

I've been using  the round Abu Ambassadeurs for most of my bass fishing for more than 40 years. I currently have about 20 of them. My current "starting line-up" includes a Record 40, a Record 50, (2) 5600 C4 Mag-X, a 4600CI, a 5600 C4 and a 5600 CL Rocket. I also have (2) 4600C3, (3) 4600C USA Bass, a Royal Express, a 5500C, a 5500C3, a 5600WS, a Black Max 3600C, a Pro Max 3600C, an old 5000C and a 5000 that I use for catfishing and a 5000 35th Anniversary model. I've added dual ball bearing levelwind and cog wheels and carbontex drags to several of them. 

I like the simple, rugged design, the fact that parts are readily available for any of them, and I can do most of my own service and repair.

 

Tom

[Big-Bass]

4600C reels were a part of me growing up.  I have had both C3, C4, and UltraCast 4600 models.  My dad used them almost exclusively when I was growing up so I was trained to use bait casting reels on them.  I can still see him using the LightCast 4600, Royal 4600, and his C3 reels.  I have a custom Iovino 4600C that is metallic green with chrome/gold parts and pearl white knobs.  Awesome reel and one I don't even use...it's a display model and one-of-a-kind.  Enjoy your fishing with your reels and best wishes on the water!

[blbmogul89]

8 hours ago, tholmes said:

I've been using  the round Abu Ambassadeurs for most of my bass fishing for more than 40 years. I currently have about 20 of them. My current "starting line-up" includes a Record 40, a Record 50, (2) 5600 C4 Mag-X, a 4600CI, a 5600 C4 and a 5600 CL Rocket. I also have (2) 4600C3, (3) 4600C USA Bass, a Royal Express, a 5500C, a 5500C3, a 5600WS, a Black Max 3600C, a Pro Max 3600C, an old 5000C and a 5000 that I use for catfishing and a 5000 35th Anniversary model. I've added dual ball bearing levelwind and cog wheels and carbontex drags to several of them. 

I like the simple, rugged design, the fact that parts are readily available for any of them, and I can do most of my own service and repair.

 

Tom

I feel like slowly I am turning into you, lol. I have two silvermax spinner combos, two black max combos, a Catfish Commando 6500 combo, and two C3 6500 reels with Berkley rods haha. Life is all about upgrading. Just ask my ex-girlfriend hahaha

[new2BC4bass]

I got the yen for a smaller round reel after reading about how well many liked them.  A package deal came up for 3 Black Max 1600C reels.  I jumped on it.  Have only use one of them, but am impressed.  Throws light lures well.  Can cast directly into a strong wind without backlashing.  Since then I've added a Morrum Mag SX 1600C and the 1601 model.

 

My first ever baitcast reel was a 5001C from about 40 years ago.  Some paint missing on the top from riding in the boat while never getting used.  Didn't know a soul that used a baitcast reel...and no computer or Internet.  Needless to say I couldn't cast with it, and didn't try very hard to learn.  Dug it out a couple years ago.  Spooled on 17# mono.  Mounted it on a 6'6" MHF rod rated 12-25 and 3/8-2 oz.  Adjusted spool tension and brakes.  What a difference knowing how to cast makes.  

[blbmogul89]

43 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I got the yen for a smaller round reel after reading about how well many liked them.  A package deal came up for 3 Black Max 1600C reels.  I jumped on it.  Have only use one of them, but am impressed.  Throws light lures well.  Can cast directly into a strong wind without backlashing.  Since then I've added a Morrum Mag SX 1600C and the 1601 model.

 

My first ever baitcast reel was a 5001C from about 40 years ago.  Some paint missing on the top from riding in the boat while never getting used.  Didn't know a soul that used a baitcast reel...and no computer or Internet.  Needless to say I couldn't cast with it, and didn't try very hard to learn.  Dug it out a couple years ago.  Spooled on 17# mono.  Mounted it on a 6'6" MHF rod rated 12-25 and 3/8-2 oz.  Adjusted spool tension and brakes.  What a difference knowing how to cast makes.  

Do you think i will need to adjust my centrifugal brakes once they get here? 

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, blbmogul89 said:

Do you think i will need to adjust my centrifugal brakes once they get here? 

I am not familiar with the 4600 reels.  My 5001 has a dial on the cover side for the brake setting.  The 1600 has no external adjustments.  My understanding on the 1600s is you change the color of the internal brakes to adjust the amount of braking.  I've never taken my reel apart.  If the 4600 has an external adjustment, start in the middle with the brake and adjust spool tension like you normally would and give it a go.  You should be fine.  In my limited experience, the Abu round reels are quite forgiving.

[islandbass]

Round reels definitely have s coolness factor. I have a 5500 size RH ambassadeur that isn't a C4 or C3 but it is a nice reel. It doesn't have a thumb bar but a button to press on the side that disengages the spool. As a result, there is zero chance of accidentally pressing a thumb bar. Kinda cool. 

 

I also have a shimano 301A Cardiff and pretty much use these two for saltwater fishing. 

 

Congrats on your new additions. 

[scaleface]

I still have three but  havent used them for a few years .At one time thats all I used . I had several original 4600C's the black ones with the red thumb bar .   Several people told me that they coudnt use a baitcaster because of the backlash . i'd grab one of my 4600c's  loosen the tension knob  , cast as far as i could then lay it on the ground while the lure was in mid air , with no backlash .

[3crows]

My 5500C, 1973, $54.00, fish, 5.4 million:

 

[sarge1967 ok]

I am just getting back into bass fishing after a very long break. When I used to bass fish I used 5000, 5500 C3, and 4600 C4 reels mounted to Berkley Lightning Rods almost exclusively. I learned how to cast on them. 

Unfortunately I no longer have any of that equipment and am starting from scratch. I have looked at the current models and cannot believe how much they cost now. I had bought them in the past based on their value and durability. I can now get a REVO X for less money that is just as well made. Heck there are deals right now that allow you to pick up a Daiwa Tatula CT for around $75.00. 

[crypt]

I 4600 c3 & c4's love these reels. use them for everything. the only time I use a low profile reel is for punching/flipping.I also use the older pro max and black max 1600's.round reels are like little winches.

[Poolshark]

I like the 4600s for bass. I like the look and the simplicity of them. Unlike most of my other older reels, parts are easy to find when needed.  I'm too spoiled with newer reels to use the c3s for light/finesse style baits though. I don't think the heavier spool handles them as well. 

The ambassaduers I own are c3s because they offer a 4600 size in left hand. Other wise I'd use a c4 if they offered them that way. 

 

[blbmogul89]

On ‎9‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 8:17 PM, new2BC4bass said:

I am not familiar with the 4600 reels.  My 5001 has a dial on the cover side for the brake setting.  The 1600 has no external adjustments.  My understanding on the 1600s is you change the color of the internal brakes to adjust the amount of braking.  I've never taken my reel apart.  If the 4600 has an external adjustment, start in the middle with the brake and adjust spool tension like you normally would and give it a go.  You should be fine.  In my limited experience, the Abu round reels are quite forgiving.

all of it's adjustments are internal, with the exception of the spool tension. I know on my 6500 i engaged all 4 pins just to not have the hastle of it birds nesting mid-cast. I might have to do it with the 4600 too? 

2 hours ago, Poolshark said:

I like the 4600s for bass. I like the look and the simplicity of them. Unlike most of my other older reels, parts are easy to find when needed.  I'm too spoiled with newer reels to use the c3s for light/finesse style baits though. I don't think the heavier spool handles them as well. 

The ambassaduers I own are c3s because they offer a 4600 size in left hand. Other wise I'd use a c4 if they offered them that way. 

 

Did you adjust your centrifugal brakes? I engaged all 4 pins on my 6500 reels that i use for Catfishing. Basically just the simplicity of not really having to worry about birds nesting mid-cast. Did you have to engage your pins out when you got yours? I tried using a C3-5500 reel for bass fishing and every cast I would birds nest mid-cast. Then i dropped on the bank when trying to pull the pins out and it rolled all the way down into the river and i lost it lol 

[Poolshark]

4 hours ago, blbmogul89 said:

all of it's adjustments are internal, with the exception of the spool tension. I know on my 6500 i engaged all 4 pins just to not have the hastle of it birds nesting mid-cast. I might have to do it with the 4600 too? 

Did you adjust your centrifugal brakes? I engaged all 4 pins on my 6500 reels that i use for Catfishing. Basically just the simplicity of not really having to worry about birds nesting mid-cast. Did you have to engage your pins out when you got yours? I tried using a C3-5500 reel for bass fishing and every cast I would birds nest mid-cast. Then i dropped on the bank when trying to pull the pins out and it rolled all the way down into the river and i lost it lol 

 I Keep three on and three off. Most of my reels I keep only two on. I think that the bird nesting mid cast is the heavier spool gaining more momentum than the lure. 3/8 ounce no prob, I'd be hard pressed to find a reel that casts better. Going lighter than 1/4 ounce on these reels can be done, it just requires a more educated thumb. I prefer the newer casters with lighter spools for that. 

[oldschoolbasser]

I have over 70 Ambassadeurs. I think they're pretty good Reels lol! 

[blbmogul89]

On ‎9‎/‎17‎/‎2017 at 9:00 PM, Poolshark said:

 I Keep three on and three off. Most of my reels I keep only two on. I think that the bird nesting mid cast is the heavier spool gaining more momentum than the lure. 3/8 ounce no prob, I'd be hard pressed to find a reel that casts better. Going lighter than 1/4 ounce on these reels can be done, it just requires a more educated thumb. I prefer the newer casters with lighter spools for that. 

I got to try them out yesterday. Paired them with two St. Croix Triumph rods and were able to cast my 90 whopper plopper really well, so long as i actually casted with some butt behind it. If i casted it lighter, the spool would birds nest. I ended up engaging all 6 pins and I was surprised by how far it still casted. My other reel I threw jigs with and the jigs themself weighed 1/4 ounce and seemed to do well also