Am I the only one???

[WRB]

Legacy Abu Ambassaduer 5000, 4500/4600 reels were 3.8:1, 4.7:1 and 5.3:1 depending what year period. "High Speed" C series were 5:3.1 with 26" IPT a I recall and someone more familiar will correct me! I did check the IPT before I knew what IPT was. Keep in mind the older Ambassaduers have a fairly larger diameter spool, the 5000 have a wider diameter spool, the 4500/4600 a narrower spool.

What matters to me is the IPT after making a cast and I keep my spools as full as possible without interfering with casting. A 40 yard cast with my 4500C reels the IPT dropped about 25% around 20-21" IPT. My 100 size Daiwa TD's with 6.3:1 had 26" IPT dropping to 16" IPT at 40 yards. When Daiwa came out with Tatula R with 8:1, 33" IPT about 5 years ago I bought them. The 8:1 ratio reels had 21" IPT at 40 yards, my confort zone very close to the old 4500C the distances I normally fish at.

Gear ratios and IPT should be what you are comfortable using at the distances you cast.

Moving lures you use the reel, bottom lures you use the rod to move lures and the reel to keep line tight to control bass.

Tom

PS, Shimano Calcutta/Cardiff 250/300 is about the same size reel spool as the legacy 5000C, the reason I like them for swimbaits/crankbaits.

 

[boostr]

I use 7:1s only if I'm punching mats, pitching cover or grass, and throwing a frog. Cranks, spinners I use lower gear ratios, and never had an issue.