04-25-2007, 02:44 AM
well.. sort of depends on what you'll be doing presentation wise.
First off, concerning Abu's round baitcasters, I need to recommend purchasing a model with the thumb-bar spool release vs. the push-button release. There's a big difference in control and comfort.
Here are two different series Abu reels I use often..
![[Image: 2hf2mj6.jpg]](http://i19.tinypic.com/2hf2mj6.jpg)
4600C3 on the left / 6600C5 MAG-X on the right - I've never had a whim of trouble with either series and I have a handfull of each series reel set-up on different rods. Only problem is they discontinued the 6600C5 MAG-X this past year.. [
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I usually use the 4600 for smaller baits and the MAG-X for larger lumber. Folks like my brother think I'm nuts for using the 4600 on Esox but, I've yet to be spooled by anything using Power-Pro or Fireline. The drag can handle 'em just fine but, since I'm hard on things and I push things a bit I upgraded the discs with some aftermarkets. The originals will be fine for your first few seasons if you use 'em off and on and remember to release the drag tension after you get off the water.
No big need to get too crazy out of the gate with rods either.. St. Croix is right up the road from me (basically) so I've kept a few sheckles in-state here by buying some of their stuff. I prefer my G-Loomis Esox rods though. You can find some decent med-heavy / heavy esox rods for under $100 .. actually St Croix has a rod series out called "Triumph" they're reeeeeeel nice for @ $100 but you can go a bit cheaper. Gander Mountain's pro-series/pro-select Esox rods are a GREAT value - hands down.. there are others out there just be cautious of what and where you buy 'em from.
I seem to be rambling on here - hope this helps.
[signature]
First off, concerning Abu's round baitcasters, I need to recommend purchasing a model with the thumb-bar spool release vs. the push-button release. There's a big difference in control and comfort.
Here are two different series Abu reels I use often..
4600C3 on the left / 6600C5 MAG-X on the right - I've never had a whim of trouble with either series and I have a handfull of each series reel set-up on different rods. Only problem is they discontinued the 6600C5 MAG-X this past year.. [
] I usually use the 4600 for smaller baits and the MAG-X for larger lumber. Folks like my brother think I'm nuts for using the 4600 on Esox but, I've yet to be spooled by anything using Power-Pro or Fireline. The drag can handle 'em just fine but, since I'm hard on things and I push things a bit I upgraded the discs with some aftermarkets. The originals will be fine for your first few seasons if you use 'em off and on and remember to release the drag tension after you get off the water.
No big need to get too crazy out of the gate with rods either.. St. Croix is right up the road from me (basically) so I've kept a few sheckles in-state here by buying some of their stuff. I prefer my G-Loomis Esox rods though. You can find some decent med-heavy / heavy esox rods for under $100 .. actually St Croix has a rod series out called "Triumph" they're reeeeeeel nice for @ $100 but you can go a bit cheaper. Gander Mountain's pro-series/pro-select Esox rods are a GREAT value - hands down.. there are others out there just be cautious of what and where you buy 'em from.
I seem to be rambling on here - hope this helps.
[signature]