VAfishin4me

My Grandad gave me this reel, and I have been having a lot of trouble finding what year this model was made in. When him how old it was when he first gave it to me all he could say was that he had had it a very long time. I know it is an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5000 with an ID number 773904. I am fairly certain it is not what they call a "4 screw" reel. I believe it is either from the early sixties to early seventies, however I cannot be sure. If anyone could help that would be excellent and greatly appreciated especially help from those old Abu enthusiasts. Please look at pics in attachments

How long of a leader do you usually use?

Is a fluorocarbon leader necessary when fishing power pro? Will I really catch less fish if I don't tie on a fluoro leader when using something like the Hi Vis yellow power pro?

Haha, these look so realistic a bass might swallow it before you can find it ;D

Yep, rigging all the way with the Rage Tail. You have to be using the correct side, and T-rig in the same places as the instructions tell you or else it won't work like its supposed to. It doesn't take a fast retrieve to get those things going either.

I would have to agree that Shakespeare doesn't always make the most durable reels, so you might just be better off getting a new reel rather than try to fix one that has just been used too much for its quality level. I've tried looking up this combo, and I have never seen or used it but for 80 dollars (I'm not sure how much you actually paid for it), which is what it looks like it mainly sells for, you could get a much higher quality rod and reel, like a Pflueger President reel.

This is off topic, but if you really want bigger fish and are having trouble using the flappin hog give some of the big grubs from GYCB a try using a screw in bullet weight like the six inch and eight inch grubs, those babies catch monsters. Read up on them at *** if you need to learn how to work them and I'm sure he has an article somewhere about the flappin hog as well. ;D

I have used power pro for a while now, but have not used the phantom red yet, and I was just wondering if it is as invisible as it says, because this would be great news. I often find myself finesse fishing in places where my mono line is not strong enough to tackle the cover. I usually fish with 6lb. mono as finesse. However, if this power pro really works I could obviously use a much stronger line with the same diameter as my mono. What do ya'll think?

You should also take a look at some Shimano reels like the Spirex and Sedona which both go for 60 dollars at Cabelas, they won't be marked down but are both great reels. Personally I like the Sedona better. Although, I have to admit the Quantum Kinetic PTi is a good reel at a bargain.

I have been looking at these rods and was just wondering how they compare to other rods in their price range. From what I've gathered they are great. What do you'll think? BTW-7' M power

If you really feel uncomfortable using that length then send it back, but 7' is a really standard length. Usually rod length just depends on your own height, and can affect how far you cast. Still, almost all of my rods are either 6'6" or 7'. Personally I like to use a 7' rod for a spinning setup and 6'6" using a baitcaster. You should look more into technique specific fishing to better learn what size is best for the main type of fishing you do. Hope this helps

Definitely should take a look at ultra light kits from Rapala, those little baits are fish catching machines (although I feel they are a little overpriced)

It might sound kind of weird but you should try a Gamakatsu split shot hook, every fish I have caught using this has been hooked on the upper lip or side of the mouth.

So, roadwarrior, does this mean that St. Croix rods generally run more powerful or G. Loomis runs lighter power? I had never heard of this before.

I'm looking to buy some of these e2 jigs made by megastrike and I was wondering if anyone else has used them before and how the perform. I also have a couple of cavitron buzzbaits but I was wondering how to fix them if they seem to want to veer off to the right or left whenever reeling them in. It gets really frustrating that they do this (especially when they veer off into brush) and I've tried to find a bend in them or something but I can't. Are they designed to do this? Please help me, even if you haven't use this particular bait. Do most buzzbaits have this problem?

I am looking for a high end rod to pair up with a Shimano Stradic FI 2500 and have been looking closely at the St. Croix legend elite and extreme spining rods as well as G. Loomis IMX spinning rods. I am looking to create a versatile combo to fish plastics (senkos), small crankbaits, etc. Most likely it will be a 7' m power rod with fast action. If you know of any better rods on the market let me know. thanks