Blk69

Do not understand why backing is needed for the braid. Probable over 1/2 of the line never leaves my spool, any backing would never be used. Thank you for explaining the clock. Have to do some tests on when I am releasing the spool. I have some Pline ultra thin low memory 8lb mono. Is this any good? Better or worse the the Trilene I have?

Using Berkley Trilene big Game mono, .14" dia. This line seams to have a lot of memory to it, backlashes little easier to get out with the braided 20#. Setting tension like you described, seams give the max casting distance. Almost went with the SLX but thought the mags were an upgrade vs the plastic brakes. Plus taking the reel apart to access the brakes of the SLX concerned me....didn't want anything to fall into the water. Thank you for explaining. I have re-read this a couple of times now and still trying to get the concept. Going to take the reels apart to see the difference.

Not familiar with the CT vs SV. Sounds like you got great deal. Unfamiliar with the "BC" term, is that a combo? Agree should not expect max results as a novice, was hoping for better results thou at this point.

40 lb braid? I was thinking about going with a smaller diameter braid (15 lb) to gain more distance. How will the larger diameter assist? The 12lb mono I have on my cc80, seams like it dose not lay as nice on the spool as the the braid. Someone did say it may lay to well (digging in) causing some of the issues I am having. Well, guess you get what you pay for. While I am not seeing it now, should I expect better performance from my Tatula vs the CC80?

Wait, thought they had the same brake systems. The Magforce Z magnetic casting and braking system. If they are different, getting similar results so issue is defiantly my casting form.

I am casting in the front yard and using a measuring wheel for distances. Seeing Youtubers doing similar and outperforming me. Yes, an angler fishing on the water and saying they cast 40 to 50 yards is basically a best guess for them. As I am only casting 25 yards, seeing a big difference. I would be happy hitting 75 feet with a weightless setup.

1/2 oz jig with a trailer, no idea what trailer wgt. Rod selection and braid wgt from my niece's boyfriends suggestion. He recommended the 13 fishing rod and my Brother the Tatula. I went to Cabela's (Bass Pro shop) for a second pole and was planning on getting the Daiwa CC80 combo. They had an AridX rod and really like it. It was so light. Unfortunately they didn't have any CC80 reels so ordered everything from Tackle Warehouse. Stuck with with the MH rods as seamed like a good all purpose rating. I am currently shore fishing, also have a kayak. Have the 20 lb braid because was recommended. This is my first experience with braided line. Have brake setting around 4 typically. The reason I switched from spinning reels to baitcasters was to gain casting distance. Oh ya, I also picked up some waders and plan on doing some creek fishing for small mouth.

Tensioner is set to no side to side play, lure falls freely when spool released (gravity fall). Brakes are usually set low around 4 and using my thumb to slow the spool when needed. I am taking large sweeping motions with the casts, Not fast quick ones. Will thru extending my follow thru as you suggest. The spool blowing up when you stop the forward movement to early I have observed. Using my thumb to control this currently. Thank you for the advice.

Took the reels out of the box and put on the rods. To be honest, little apprehensive about taking them apart. Was hoping would be good for the first season without getting into them. Start brakes at max and then back off slowly after a few casts. I have my thumb in the spool as seams to have the brakes too loose and get some wicked over spin mid cast. Usually the lure will take care of this toward the end of the cast, but have had some bird nests. The braid and the mono line act differently so still figuring that out also. When casting overhead, any wind at all (toward me) really messes with the line. Probable I am making to large of an arch. No mono backing. Brakes set 4 or less. Using thumb to limit spool over spinning. Have seen on YouTube anglers casting with no thumb, have never been successful that way. Probably not using my brakes correctly. Sometimes they seam to lock up mid cast and have broken off a lure. Not familiar with braid digging in reference. This is the first time I have ever used braid, went with the 20 lb as was recommended (also the Jbraid brand). Did notice the green die on the line does come off on anything in rubs against. Seams like birds nests are easier to get undone with the braid but that might just be my imagination.

Hello all. New to using bait casting reels. On recommendations selected these two combos, #1 a Daiwa Tatula CT100HS, Daiwa AirdX 7' MHFA rod, 20 lb Jbraid line. Rod #2 a Daiwa CC80HS, 13 fishing 7' MH rod, Berkley Trilene mono12lb line. Using a 1/2 oz jig best casting distances I can obtain are rod #1 75', rod #2 85'. Spools are adjusted to minimize play and brakes adjusted to lightest possible before major backlashes. Watching YouTube, seeing anglers getting much better casting distances then what I am able to do. Was hoping to hit casting distances around 120' with each combo. Where should I start to try improvements. Is my line or rods selected my major cause for poor performance? Suspect some of the issue maybe my form as getting similar casting distance when casting overhead or from the side. The Tatula was twice the price as the CC80 and casts 10' less. Thank you in advance for any guidance.

How heavy of a Lure would I require for the Ambassadeur to be effective? I'm not used to larger lures.

One more question, after doing some on line research on this 5500C looks like it was made for many years. Are they all the same or did Garcia make some changes. Lot of videos on Youtube on this model, while they differ slightly in paint and stickers are guts the same?

Was reading this post and mine is stamped 84-4 88-89. Just so I don't get my hopes up to high....will my Tatula just purchased really outperform these two? My Ambassadeur 5 stamped 87-0 87-88

So I was cleaning out my garage and found a second baitcaster rod/reel. Forgot I had this one. Its another Garcia ambassadeur, but labeled 5500C on a Lew's Speed Stick #6-158HOBB, worm rod. Reel has stickers saying SS ball bearings and high speed (assuming this is the gear ratio). Appears to have +20 years old 20 lb test line that is coiled very tight. This poles performance is actually worse then my other pole already mentioned. Assuming the old monofilament line on it is hurting performance. Will try string on some 8 lb mono line to see if things improve. Is this reel a better platform to rebuild or about the same as my Ambassadeur 5? Reel says made in Sweden on it.

Great, thank you all for your input. Will keep the 7.1.1.

Regarding ratios I'm in a little over my head. Sure after a few months of use will know exactly what I prefer.

Thank you for your thoughts. Maybe this a fortunate ordering mistake on my part.

Thank you for sharing. Will be sure my spool is centered before string my new Tatula. I just found out I ordered the wrong ratio, 7.1.1 vs the 6.3.1. As I am new to these type of reels just looking for a good all around reel to learn on. Do you think I should correct my mistake or just leave it. Reel is on backorder for several weeks so do have some time to correct. Ratios look very close to me, assume someone with some experience could tell the difference. Not sure I could.

Hello all. New to baitcasting reels. Purchased a Daiwa Tatula will be delivered in a month or so. Checked my order, thought I ordered a 6.3.1 but ordered a 7.1.1. Planning on doing some dumb things new anglers do with their bait casters till I figure things out. Going use shallow crankbaits, worms, jigs, frogs, etc. Question, will I even notice a difference between these two ratios? Assume someone with more experience would. Should a contact my vendor and correct my error or just leave it? Looking for a good all around reel to start with.

That looks like my spool. Will reach to the parts suppliers you recommended. That is impressive you do not have to relevel you line. When I strung my Garcia, load heavy to one side. Was kinda a pain dealing with all that line on the ground. Sure they make something to make this easier. I do have a dremel and paste. My reel was just performing so poorly realised something was off. Set the spool tension to a med to fast fall. When I cast, the lure often pulls to the left (right handed reel). Thinking this is due the spool not spinning freely enough. I just used motor oil, for greasing everything up. maybe 30W...whatever was in my oil dispenser. Probable will need the oil you referenced for oiling my Tutula so no harm in trying it on my Garcia. I got the same performance from my reel as unoiled with 20 lb monofilament as when oiled with 20 lb J-braid line.

Thank you for the diagrams. Believe I have a 87-2 version, has a very simple spool, does have the little plastic rollers on the right end of it. As my bearings are in the housing and not the spool (not and Ultracast) you would recommend not rebuilding it? Just out of curiosity, how did these non Ultracast reels perform when new? Those are some very nice reels you have customized, I'm a little jealous.

Hello all, new member. Getting more serious this year about fishing. Wanting to step up to a baitcaster reel (used to open face (spinning) reels). Have an old Abu Garcia that's been sitting around for 20 to 25 years. This Spring, cleaned it up, oiled it. Replaced line with J-Brand 20' braided...poor performance. Maybe 20' cast distance. Poor accuracy (that maybe me). Took it apart again and everything looked ok. After spending another 1/2 day messing with it gave up.....brought a Daiwa Tutula CT and new 13Fishing Med Heavy action rod. Feel most would agree this was the best course of action. Now have to wait a month for it to ship (back ordered). Not sure what to do with this old Abu Garcia reel. I'm handy and fairly confident could replace the bearings, spool, etc. Looking for some advice on the following 1) How do I determine what model reel do I have? Is the Ambassador 5 the model? Where do you get parts? 2) How do the costs to fix it compare to purchasing a budget Daiwi? Can get a new CC80 for $60 or a used Fuego for close to that. I'm up to fixing it, trying to avoid having more in the repair then cost for a new/replacement that would outperform it. 3) In my discussion over the years, not to many anglers in my neck of the woods speak highly of Garcia. Assume its like Ford and Chevy thing, everyone has their opinions. See Garcia is still in business so assume they make a decent product. Was this model I have a good one for them? Just trying to determine if worth the time, effort and expense to attempt to repair it. Thank you in advance for any guidance on this subject. Sure opinions will vary, new to these types of reels. Additional: Why did I chose the Tutula? My brother has a Daiwi and said he liked it. I was leaning toward a SLX XT, then decided on a Fuego CT do to comments on it being easier to use (hope it is). Pricing on the Fuego has increased and was only $20 US more for the Tutula at Tackle Warehouse. Figured what the heck, bought the Tutula. It was the Z-Mag brakes that sold me on the Daiwa. For the Shimboma you have to remove the cover to access the pins and fear the cover would end up at the bottom of the lake. The pins maybe a better system and do plan on getting a SLX XT some day.