Problems with Ambassadeur and Power Pro.

[leftylucky]

I JUST got an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5500 C3. Im fairly new to fishing and BRAND new to baitcasting so sorry for the huge lack of knowledge.   My explanation is long but I think its best to give all the details that could contribute to my problem.

After finding out that the Power Pro 15 lb test (4 lb diameter) is slick and needs masking tape around the spool, I wrapped the tape a couple times around and it was a little bumpy, but I figured it wouldnt cause problems. I threaded the power pro through all the rod guides then tied a knot onto the spool. Had someone hold the lines spool perpendicular to the floor and i used my thumb and index to pinch line for resistance so it wouldnt get all kinky. I filled it up until I could just barely see the rotating sides of the reel, and when I pushed the release spool button the line just went nuts. I didn't even cast it once before everything was kinked and twisted and knots deep inside the layers of line. I heard that lighter lines don't work well with baitcasters but I figured even though Power Pro was small in diameter the 15 lb test rating would be sufficient for my reel. So basically what Im asking is a multi-part question. Did I get the wrong line for my reel? Did I fill it up too much; I don't want to fill it up too much or too little because I heard both will cause problems.  Does the uneven masking tape have something to do with it? It seems impossible to get all the line off without cutting at all the knots and chopping up my line which I really don't want to do. I spent 25 dollars on it and itd be a shame if its a waste. Anyway sorry for all the complaining but there seems to be so many little things that could be causing the problem and I don't know where to start. If anyone took the time to actually read all this, thanks. And for anyone nice enough to help me out, Thanks alot.

[cart7t]

First, you've got way too much line on the spool. The line should be spooled about an 1/4 inch or so from the edge of the spool. In fact, on a 5500, I'd fill it just a shade below where the spool ends flange outwards.  I've never spooled line that small of diameter on a 5500 in all my years.  I'm not sure how well that reel will handle it.  Anyway, try removing some line first and see how things go.

[Alpster]

OK lefty,

First of all, always hold your thumb on the spool when you release it. There is a little knob inside of the crank on the axis of the spool, tighten it down untill the spool isn't quite so free. If you take your time and work at it you can get the line untangled. Unfortunately you need to put that line on a light spinning reel. If you must use power pro, get 50 lb test, especially if you are new to baitcasters. You may be better off using 12 or 15 lb Berkley Big Game mono until you have a little more experience with a baitcasting reel, then switch to braid if you want. The 5500C is a great reel and will serve you well. Take a look at this thread and start over. It will be well worth your trouble. I hope this helps you. Hang in there, the best is yet to come.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1151590913  

Ronnie

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Hey Ron thats good advice i should have spoken to you when i first started with the baitcaster at the end of the summer. I bought some Suffix ( It was expensive too) and couldnt control it I have since put 15# Cableas Pro Line Mono on and have been practicing with it about once a week and my casting( I shouldnt even call what i do casting) has been improving steadily. For begginers I think a 15 to 20 # mono is the way to go

[leftylucky]

Thanks alot Ronnie. You gave me what I needed to know and you can bet that I'm puttin my trust in ya and gettin that Berkley Big Game Mono. Way to look out for the beginners. Thanks again.

[justfishin]

Alpster set you straight. In time you will get that " educated thumb " and it will become a breeze. Practice,practice,practice.

[Guest DavidGreen]

So basically what Im asking is a multi-part question. Did I get the wrong line for my reel? Did I fill it up too much; I don't want to fill it up too much or too little because I heard both will cause problems.  Does the uneven masking tape have something to do with it?

Not the wrong line. You over filled the spool normally filled 1/8" from the spools edge. Tape has nothing to do with it. Alpster has you going in the right direction remove the braid and save it if you can. Read the article he linked to, then re spool with a 15# line find an open area (no obstacles) and practice, practice, practice.

Tight Lines!!!