I have an Abu Garcia 5600CL. The only control knob I see is the one by the handle. When I try to set it, I go from "practice plug won't drop" to "many turns of the spool after touchdown". In other words, there doesn't seem to be any middle ground for the cast control knob. Do I have brakes? Do they need adjusting? I tried reading ReelMech's guide, and got confused where he says " remove the centrifugal brake blocks for now".

You must have a 5600CL Rocket....

Do I have brakes?

Yes you do...

Do they need adjusting?

No they are always on...

I tried reading ReelMech's guide, and got confused where he says " remove the centrifugal brake blocks for now"

Because with that style of blocks they are always on, the only way they don't influence the setting is to remove the blocks (they just slip on and off)..

Your problem with CC adjustments is probably with the plastic keeper that sits at the end of the spool shaft. These keepers lose their grip on the shaft and can cause a lack of, or over adjustments in free spool...

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!