I don’t own a smaller casting reel specifically designed for casting lighter tackle such as a curator or bantam (I do have several Tranx for musky 😁), I currently have several Abu C4’s I use for bottom bouncing wallys and have tried using them for casting 1/2oz lures with about a 75% success.  They are spooled with 20# braid.  I really have to ride the thumb to avoid backlash (have adjusted spool tension numerous times with no real difference).

 

I am wondering if I would benefit from a real dedicated casting reel like a curado or bantam (Shimano fan) or is it my technique and I just need more practice?  (No prob casting 2 - 3 oz musky lures on my Tranx)

 

Any positive comments encouraged & welcome 🤗 

 

Rod in Zimm

 

 

I'm guessing the 20lb braid is too light for the reel, lure and rod you're using and is probably digging in. It would be equivalent to 6lb mono in diameter if you are using something like 832. I would try a different line first, maybe 12lb mono or 15lb fluorocarbon. 

The issue with Ambassadors is the level wind doesn’t disengage during the cast creating too much line drag with small diameter braid, plus the spool is too deep for the line. There are shallow spools available or you can simply strip off 50-60 yards of raid and tape over the spooled braid with plumbers Teflon tape to prevent the under line loosening. Wind the 50-60 yards braid back. .012 diameter braid would also help.

Tom