I have an old 5500C3 reel from 1999 with very little use.  Given its size and line capacity I am thinking of using it as swimbait reel and save some money.  

 

I would assume that reel is equivalent to the 300 series size baitcast reels which people use to throw 8oz swimbaits.

 

Would a 5500C3 be adequate?

 

Thanks

 

 

Sure you can use the 5500C3 reel for swimbaits. 

Tom

Thanks Tom.

 

Did you by chance use the 5500C3 reel before?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can use your 5500c3 no problem, I don't see any problem of line capacity, but it just a little inconvenient, I think old 5500c3 come with push button instead of thumb bar release.

I did use mine, Abu 5000 series BPS exclusive with thumb bar release and had my buddy used my 6500c3 before.

8 hours ago, Lefty76 said:

Thanks Tom.

 

Did you by chance use the 5500C3 reel before?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used Abu Garcia Swedish made Ambassadeurs for decades until around 1990, then switched to Shimano Calculta 250 and Daiwa TD reels, stronger frame and state of the art drags.

If you own the 5500C3 then use it, it has enough line capacity for you. 

I believe the second "5" indicates push button spool release and "6" for thumb bar release.

For the same price point you can get a Shimano Cardiff 300.

Tom

How would you compare a Shimano Cardiff 300 vs a 5500C3?

 

Is there a big difference in technology?

 

Also, would a Calcutta 200B be sufficient?  

I knew a lot of people back in the day who fished saltwater and said those little reels were tanks.

 

 

With regards to swimbaits,  at what lure weight is it necessary to switch from a 200 series to a 300 series baitcast?

 

 

Regards,

Lure weight has more to do with the rod, FR795SB is rated 1-5 oz lures.

The 5500C3 line capacity is 240 yds of 12 lb because the spool deep, small arbor dia.

Most swimbait anglers use 20 lb mono or FC line, my guess that is about 150 yds of line on the 5500C3. 

Cardiff 300A is about equal to the 5500C3 reel and better casting with superior drag IMO.

Calcutta 200B is a smaller reel and they don't offer a 300 size, $100 more expensive then the Cardiff or 5500C3.

Tom

Tom,

 

I plan to use some old Arbogast AC Plugs and hope to acquire some MS Slammers.

As far as swimbaits go, I think these swimbait models weigh around 4 oz max.

 

Correct if I am wrong but isn't 4 ounces light in the hard swimbait world?

 

I see that AC Plugs are still being sold.

 

Between the AC Pug & the MS Slammer series, which do you prefer?

 

Otherwise I plan to use soft paddle tail swimbaits that are much lighter.

I can use my spinning tackle for those.

 

I fish in the family farm ponds that are full of dead mesquite trees and are a bit murky. 

Because of that I like to use braid. At least on my spinning tackle.

Though I may put mono on the 5500c3.