Round baitcaster for catfish and big bass lures

[QuirkyCarp2000]

I am looking for a round profile baitcaster that may be used for catfish, and also big lures like Alabama rigs or big swimbaits. Maybe 20 to 30 pound mono on it. I've been looking at the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S in 6500 size. 

 

I haven't really decided yet, and would like to consider other options. Are there any other baitcasters that is similar to the Ambassadeur S?

[crypt]

Ambassadeur 5500-6500 is all you'll ever need. bulletproof, easy to cast ,last forever.

[GreenPig]

I'd skip the S and go with the 6500C3.

[bulldog1935]

Unfortunately, prices in JDM increased by $45 since I bought my 6500CS Rocket.  

https://japantackle.com/casting-reels/abu/abu-ambassadeur-5500cs6500cs-2015.html  

They still make high-grade Ambassadeur for JDM - we don't get them here.  

https://japantackle.com/casting-reels/abu.html  

https://www.digitaka.com/items/6/4/2/Ambassadeur

[gulfcaptain]

Shimano Cardiff 400 wouldn't be a bad option. Used a 300 for a long time with 40lb braid and 25lb leader for my hudds. But the 400 has a clicker option which the 300 does not. 

[Puggz]

Personally I'd go for a Calcutta 400d. I use this for Pike and Musky. There are several of them on the market pre-owned with not much use on them. 

[bulldog1935]

While I would love a Calcutta in 1-4-oz offshore slow-jigging niche (platforms), don't do it enough to justify the cost.  

I settled for a Tica with a handle upgrade, matched the cost of the spiral-wrapped rod (Jigging World), and @Eric 26 likes the color match.   

 

[Bigbox99]

If what you are looking for is an affordable (under $100) high capacity reel for large diameter plastic lines then you have options.  My favorite ultra cheap reel in this class is the Johncoo Ares.  It's a low profile reel but has an aluminum frame and dual aluminum side plates, a conical level wind to let line flow freely and a strong enough braking profile to handle glide baits.  I've got 3 to 4 fishing seasons across two examples of this reel and like it so far. 

 

The ambassadeur is a rugged and simple design with easy access to parts so I would expect it to out live something like the Johncoo Ares if using both for years.  The ambassadeur does have issues with high resistance baits due to the comically small main gear but if you're not working big wakes or super deep cranks you should be fine.  

[Eric 26]

2 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

While I would love a Calcutta in 1-4-oz offshore slow-jigging niche (platforms), don't do it enough to justify the cost.  

I settled for a Tica with a handle upgrade, matched the cost of the spiral-wrapped rod (Jigging World), and @Eric 26 likes the color match.   

 

😜

[QuirkyCarp2000]

I have searched around and discovered the Daiwa Millionaire Classic UTD. It comes in 250 and 300 sizes. I think it might be a better fit and is in within budget. I still have to decide between the 250 and 300 sizes. 

 

I was looking for a reel for my 8 foot medium heavy catfish rod. So I would use it for cats and if I feel like it, throw some A rigs on it. 

[redmeansdistortion]

I would go with an Ambassadeur.  Sure a C3 is $140 new, but I'm sure you can find a decent used one locally for $50 or less.  The current iteration has been in production for 32 years without any very notable changes aside from the carbon drag, 6 pin brake, and bearing supported level wind.  Parts are very easy to get and they are also rather simple to service.  If you haven't serviced one, there are lots of tutorials on YouTube.  A Penn grease/oil combo will set you back $13 and a carbon drag about $10.  The Ambassadeur has been a very popular reel for many decades now.  You're sure to find one at a resale shop, antique store, Facebook Marketplace, a garage sale, or estate sale.  Looking at Marketplace, there are 6 of them near me for $40 to $50 that are in pretty good shape.