Big-Bass

In 1952 with the introduction of the Abu Ambassadeur 5000 (red reel), the modern baitcasting reel was using a 3.8:1 gear ratio. It had bushings and I have some from the 1950s and 1960s that I collect that can still launch a bait but are very slow in retrieve by modern standards. In about 1966, Abu released the 5000C (black reel) that just featured bearings instead of bushings. In 1972, Abu launched the high speed 5500C in at 4.7:1 with the circular right plate sticker that said "High Speed" and it was the quickest reel at the time. Even the first Lew's made by Shimano in the late 70s had a 3.8:1 gear ratio until Lew Childre moved production to Ryobi in the early 1980s and they upped the gears to 4.7:1. They made BB1, then BB1N, then BB1NG (gold), then BB1NGH (gold high which came in 5.3:1). With the narrow "V" spool of the Lew's, the IPT increased even though the gear ratio didn't. Throughout the 1980s, Daiwa, Shimano, and then later Abu used 5.3:1 reels in their lineup as their speedier models. One exception was made in 1987/88. Daiwa introduced the PT33SH which was 7.1:1 and stayed in production until 2015/2016. It was fast but didn't have alot of power in the gearing. 6.3:1 became a mainstay in the early 1990s with Daiwa's TD1Hi and TD1Hi Tournament reels. Abu had the Pro Max, Black Max, SM round reels in 1600, 3600, 5600, and 6600 that all "caught up" with 6.3:1. Shimano had the Chronarch, Curado, Coriolis, etc. In the early 2000s, 7:1 reels were the new hot thing until they became "average speed in the early 2010s with 8, 9, and now 10:1 reels. Sorry for the history lesson but anything in the 5.3:1 - 8:1 will cover all most all bases for all baits. Best wishes on the water!

I am curious to see how opinions may have changed and/or stayed the same in the last five years? What are your thoughts? Thanks and best wishes on the water!

2500CDL

Excellent reel. Welcome to the realm of Abu round reels!

Looks like BPS in Harrisburg.

Did you order one? I am sure if you did it isn't here yet but I held one at a local Cabela's and it was nice. Let me know your thoughts when it arrives. Looks like it's the JDM 3000SH (US 30) at The Hook Up. What's the difference between the JDM 3000SH and 3000MSH? Thanks!

I picked up a Fenwick 505 5' Medium pistol grip casting rod. Combine that with an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 1500C or 2500C and it's a fun little outfit. Or even add a Black Max or Pro Max 1600C in the mix! Not going to replace 7'+ rods by any means, for for a local farm pond and finesse bass stuff, it should be fun.

Looks like TW has a few colors back in stock before they are all out again...

I have a 5'6" Lamiglass G1000 pistol grip that has a Daiwa Procaster SM1A on it. Makes a great topwater rod. But for me, it is just a pond outfit. My dad used to fish 5'6" and 6' Berkley Phazer and Independence pistol grip rods with Ambassadeur Royals and Light Cast 4600CB reels and I thought he was the king of bass! My first "good" rod was an All Star 6' casting rod I got to go with my Ambassadeur SM 3600C when I was about 13. I made the jump in about 2000-2001 to a Lowrider 6'6" MH "Herm Special." When I got my Shimano Chronarch SF, my dad got me a G. Loomis IMX 783C as a gift. I also still have a Falcon Expert 6' rod that I will occasionally use but it just has a nostalgic value to it. Nowadays almost all of my rods are 7' or over and that sweet spot is like 7'2" - 7'5" range.

I would exchange it for another and for the peace of mind. If the second one makes a noise, them maybe consider maintenance on the reel.

Dobyns Fury. Customer service is good too.

The SV103 reels are still holding a good value and not many seem to show up on market. It looks like they may be the last of the "old school" Zillion/TD-Z style reels made in Japan.

Flatworms. I love them and am stocked up. About 45-50 bags here purchased within the last year or so at or less than retail. Goby, GP, Natural Shad, and Smoke Purple.

I am actually thinking the 7'2" might be the better of the two rods. I am sure all of the BLX line is excellent and for the price we paid an outstanding value.

So the 7' never shipped but I do have a 7'2" on the way. Sierra told me they either didn't have the stock or something happened in the warehouse before the 7' rod went out so they credited me.

How do you like the rod?

Picked up a BLX on Sierra in 7' MH XF. Hopefully it is a nice rod. For the price, I thought what the heck. Anyone have this model?

^^ This!

I usually use 1/2-5/8 but I have some 3/4-1oz. if I need them. In the main current, I wouldn't go under 1/2oz.

The 1000 Islands region is a great waterway. Take a look at the maps and plan according because the opportunities are endless.

Great area to fish. Fish from Narrowsburg to 10 Mile Access and you will catch 100s of smallmouth. The river is pretty low right now but the bass should be biting. Trout might be tough with the water being so low. The Lackawaxen area and Minisink area are also very nice.

Memorial Day weekend 2007. Fishing a senko on one rod I back casted and caught my Team Daiwa S (greenie) 6'6" rod with a Team Daiwa-X TDX103HSD and it flipped out of the boat into the water. I watched it sink for a split second while dumping the contents of my pockets. I then jumped into the cold water to get it but it was down about 12-15 in murky water. I swam to shore and proceeded to knock on a few cottage doors dripping wet in jeans asking for goggles. Boy they must have thought I was crazy. Never got it back and didn't fish that lake for some time after that. I have been back since but I always think of it when I am there.

Too many to list LOL.

Midway had 1000 yards of Tatsu 6lb. for $105 with free shipping but that didn't last long!

Had the opportunity on one of these. For $29 I figured whatever. It casts really well but tends to backlash if you really zing it and I don't think there is a cast control knob on it to control the cast. The one I have is just the Eon 3600, not the Pro or SE.