has anyone had or used the pro cat round reel combo from acadmey? theyre really cheap, 60 bucks, and they sound good for that price but we all know you get what you pay for. it doesnt have a great line capacity, 130 yds of 20 pound mono, but ill be using 50 pound braid and 12 pound mono for backing. they also have pro cat braided line, 8 bucks a spool for 150 yds. i did the math and i can fill the spool with 44 yds of backing and stll have 150 yds of braid, which worls for me because 90% if the time im fishing close to cover and wenching flathead out from log jams. has a 20 pound max drag and baitclicker. sounds good to me, but if yall have anything negative to say id love to hear because i could save the money i would drop on a couple of these combos and buy something better.

I would get a c3 6500. Bulletproof will last you your lifetime!

Welcome To BR! 

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I would get a c3 6500. Bulletproof will last you your lifetime!

You can find a good  used 6500C or C3 for around $60 on the auction site. Stick with the Swedish-made models and steer clear of the BCX, Kalex, or the new S, SX and STX reels. They're made in China and are a lot different internally than the Swedish reels, and not in a good way.

Mount a 6500C3 on an Ugly Stik and you'll have a catfish combo that will last you your lifetime and then some!

 

Tom