Smallie4130 Posted March 13, 2009 Posted March 13, 2009 So I want to buy a setup to get my share of striper this year and also to have something decent for some saltwater fishing and catfishing from time to time. After looking around I think Ive decided on an Abu Garcia C3 6501 and this rod, http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44411_151002000_151000000_151002000_151-2-0, in the 1-4oz model. Is that a pretty good setup to learn on? I dont need anything too fancy. Ive seen everyone suggest suffix or powerpro braided line. What test should I be getting? Would it hurt to run high test, like 50lb? Quote
Super User dodgeguy Posted March 13, 2009 Super User Posted March 13, 2009 buy berkleys new fireline braid.it blows suffix and powerpro into the stone age.use at least 50 lb test on a baitcaster.go by line diaameter and not lb test.50 is 12 diameter. Quote
Smallie4130 Posted March 13, 2009 Author Posted March 13, 2009 The reel is rated at 14lbs so I should go with something like 60lb test? Ive read about putting monofilament on the spool first to prevent slipping. Should I do this? Best knot for line to line? Sorry for the newbness but its my first baitcaster. Quote
SWMIBASSER Posted March 13, 2009 Posted March 13, 2009 IMO unless you are Shaquille O'Neil, skip the 6 series round reels. All my Musky reels are 5500C3/C4/Ultra casts... The extra line capacity isn't needed, the reels are identical inside, and the big reels are heavier and harder to palm. Quote
Smallie4130 Posted March 13, 2009 Author Posted March 13, 2009 I went with the larger model because of the bait clicker. We have some monster cats in the James and Ive always liked using them. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 13, 2009 Super User Posted March 13, 2009 Smallie4130, the 14# line rating you mentioned is not the pound test, its the amount of line in that diameter it will hold. Quote
Smallie4130 Posted March 14, 2009 Author Posted March 14, 2009 I got that but isnt it kind of a suggestion? Like 14lb mono diameter would work best with that reel? Thats a serious question, not being a smartass. I bought some 50lb Suffix braid that was 12lb mono dia, the next size was 65 I think and that was 17lb equivalent. I hope it wont be a problem using 12lb dia line on the largest c3. Anyone else have any experience with the Offshore Angler rods or the C3? Quote
SWMIBASSER Posted March 14, 2009 Posted March 14, 2009 I use 80 and 100lb Stren Super braid, and 30lb Berkley Big game on all my 5500 Musky reels. Quote
Sharkbite Posted March 14, 2009 Posted March 14, 2009 How is using braid compared to mono? I was thinking about trying braid this year but not sure yet. Is is harder to cast since it lighter and thinner then mono? I am still new to BC and I don't want to spoil the fun I'm having since I've gotten better Quote
PondHunter Posted March 14, 2009 Posted March 14, 2009 How is using braid compared to mono? I was thinking about trying braid this year but not sure yet. Is is harder to cast since it lighter and thinner then mono? I am still new to BC and I don't want to spoil the fun I'm having since I've gotten better You will be kicking yourself for not trying it sooner. ;D Quote
Sharkbite Posted March 14, 2009 Posted March 14, 2009 How is using braid compared to mono? I was thinking about trying braid this year but not sure yet. Is is harder to cast since it lighter and thinner then mono? I am still new to BC and I don't want to spoil the fun I'm having since I've gotten better You will be kicking yourself for not trying it sooner. ;D Really so go with a #12 line? Quote
S I G M A Posted March 15, 2009 Posted March 15, 2009 How is using braid compared to mono? I was thinking about trying braid this year but not sure yet. Is is harder to cast since it lighter and thinner then mono? I am still new to BC and I don't want to spoil the fun I'm having since I've gotten better You will be kicking yourself for not trying it sooner. ;D Really so go with a #12 line? I go with a 12lb equivalent diameter. I use 50lb Power pro. It'll be easier to untangle as well if you backlash as you are new with a BC Quote
Big T Posted March 15, 2009 Posted March 15, 2009 I just bought the rod you are looking at. I have not had a chance to use it yet, but I like it so far, I plan on using it for trolling for Spanish Mackerel and bigger Red Drum. I have mine paired w/ Ocean Master 4000. I'm not sure on longevity but it casts like a dream. Hope this helps. Quote
Smallie4130 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Posted March 16, 2009 Thanks man. My reel came in today and I got it all put together and strung up with some Suffix 50lb braid. Just been out getting used to it, casting 2 and 3 oz weights. I'm loving it so far and I think, despite the weather, were going to hunt some big cats tonight. I've actually managed to not backlash it yet which Im happy about. Any suggestions on setting my drag correctly? The book recommends 1/3rd the test(around 15lbs at 50lb test right?) and using a scale. I dont really have the ability to do this. I could always just set it a bit loose and dial it in once I get a fish on but thats not ideal. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 16, 2009 Super User Posted March 16, 2009 Don't worry about the drag setting weight, the reel doesn't have a drag system that will equate to the braid strength. Just set it like you are familiar with. Quote
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