OK, so I put some line on mt new Abu 6500C3 last night (50lb Power Pro). I am trying to get the feel of my new toy but I have a couple questions.
1. When using the bait clicker does one put the reel in freespool mode?
2. What is the preferred setting for the drag and mag break? The manual suggests the drag be set at 1/3 the breaking strength of the line and that the mag break be set so that the weighted terminal tackle should slowly descend when the rod tip is jiggled.
Any other suggestions?
Not that I am the pro but,
1) I do not leave my reel in free spool but back the drag off. When I get hit iTighten the drag up before setting the hook.
2) If I understand the question correctly, this setting actually depends on the experience of the user. If a person has become good enough with my thumb then the less the anti lash is needed. This will also make for longer casts when needed. The less familiar a person is with then yes, just before the bait starts to drop in free spool is a good setting.
Yes, you have the reel in freespool when the clicker is on.. you can adjust the tension with the bushing cap/tensioner.
Your reel does not have a magnetic brake, it just has the cap tensioner. Just tigten it downuntil your bait slowly falls in free spool and go from there. Your better off to tight than too loose on the 1st cast.
I’m thinking your not a baitcaster guy? (new to them)
Whatever you do, dont try to make short, wimpy cast…. just rifle that rig out there when getting used to the reel.. smooth casting load throughout the casting swing.
You’ll figure it out, but like I said, set it with more tension than neccessary until you get the feel, it easier to release a little tension at a time. You will have to adjust the amount of tension with different weights/rigs/baits/wind.
Thanks Dave. Maybe you can show me some of the finer points on April 1st?
I have been messing around with it a bit in the basement (fun with an 8′ pole!) and think I have the hang of it for the most part.
I have another baitcaster, a Rhino, but it does not hold a candle to the Abu Garcia. I never really used the older one much.
1) freespool
2)drag toght enough so it just barley slops on a hard hook set (tie to something secure outstde start loose and tighten as you go)
the mag setting varies by weight it shuld be a count of 3-5 from eyelevel to the floor after you push the button and stop with no more than one free spin of the spool afyer the weight hits the floor
good luck
So I have been hosing this up, nothing new 
So in other words Dave, I set my drag to battle stations 
but use the tension devise to keep from getting a back lash during a strike while the reel has the clicker on and set in free spool?
Backlash is more of a concern when casting from what I understand.
I think it would be darn near impossible to get a backlash with the clicker on because the clicker should provide enough tension to keep the spool from over-running.
If you encounter this problem, you’ve either got a faulty clicker or insanely aggressive fish!
See DFresh…….I’m the idiot
But a learning idiot
I am really good at the old birdsnests I have done it so much. I still will do it from time to time. Like they said, keep it slightly tight so the bait/weight barely fall in free spool. As you get used to the reel you’ll be able to rely more on your thumb and loosen it so there is less resistance.
Bret, if yo are using an Abu, the spool will enguage as quickly as you hit the handle.. an immediate transition from free-spool/clicker mode, to proper drag setting in an instant.
The last thing you want to do is be messing around with a loose drag with a fish on the end of the line.. that takes valuable time, and will often be the deciding factor if you catch a fish or not.
Some reels dont automaticly enguage when you hit the handle.. you want to *hit the lever* on these reels to enguage before ever setting the hook.
Setting the hook in free-spool, your asking for trouble. One slip of the finger and you have a birds nest.
There is never a time when you want to back off the drag to less than your line or rod can properly handle while catfishing. If you are using 50#+ power pro… leave it cranked all the time on an abu, those drags dont get that tight.
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See DFresh…….I’m the idiot
But a learning idiot
Welcome to the club! I have a website set up for individuals just like us!
When fishing muskies, the weight of the lures can make this tricky. So far, free spool = clicker is exactly right. You should, under no circumstance, experience backlash when using the clicker.
My reference to muskie lures is that you have to tighten the cap tension quite high to keep that lure where you want it, yet it’s completely impractical at this level for casting. I actually have to loosen the cap tension before driving the hook home or it steals any purpose whatsoever for having a drag setting. 
Drag setting on an Ambassadeur reel should always be set for the expected fight because it has nothing to do with lure weight/tension. Spool tension (adjustable by cap) is key for lure casting.
Clear as mud……… right? 
Still a kid… Dont cast with your clicker on, your going to ruin it!
If you cant get enough tension for casting baits, there is something worn in your reel.
Dave – is the same true for reeling with your clicker on?
Yes, you will wear your clicker out faster if you reel with it on. No, your not going to destroy it if you just set the hook with it still on and start the fight with the fish. Many night trolling guys leave th clicker on to hear the reel sound off when a fish bites… but you want to turn off the clicker when its a *good time*.
So much to remember!
Anyone want to trade me straight up for a Snoopy pole? 
I have one of them around the house somewhere
Bret, your description was almost perfict for a bass reel!
The only thing I can think of to add from the above is if the cast is hard enough and the cast is always stopped with the thumb, there will never be a backlash.
Dfresh? How the heck are you casting that in your basement?!
Here I am trying to learn and you go swearing at me like that Brian
Besides access wear…… The sound of a clicker being reeled in, is just Horrendous!!!!!
But it’s the Sweetest sound on the way out.
BTW, You don’t plan on fishing Flats with the 50PP do ya?
Dfresh, I have the same reel. And it was my first baitcaster. You’ll dig it. A lot. It takes some practice, definitely, like when you learn to drive stick after driving an automatic for years.
The only thing I have to add to the above posts is this: learn how to deal wih birds nests, so that you aren’t afraid of them, and start casting. It takes a little work, but I got the hang of it pretty quick. The thumb becomes automatic after a while.
Ben
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The only thing I have to add to the above posts is this: learn how to deal wih birds nests, so that you aren’t afraid of them, and start casting. It takes a little work, but I got the hang of it pretty quick. The thumb becomes automatic after a while.
Ben
VERY good tips 
Birds nest are not difficult to remove once you figure them out.. dont just start cutting!
Hey Mr. Special – I have never broken 50 # PP on a fish before, so I am not worried. My biggest cat ever topped out at about 17-18 lbs 
Once I break 50 # PP on a fish, I’ll consider upgrading to the bigger stuff.
As far as bird’s nets go – I have that older Rhino baitcaster. That thing is the king of the nest, especially when spooling mono. As soon as it was put into freespool mode, the line just jumped uff the reel.
Dfresh.. Hanson managed to get broke off twice in probably 15 minutes with 50#.. Back off the drag, all I can say
Although, it is slightly amusing watching a grown man stand there with his knees shaking
I caught one of the fish on a later date and that one was 35#, who knows on the other
Dave – Was Hanson’s line dangling from her mouth?
Also – you can call me Doug.
Dougie,
It’s not the tensile strenght of 50lb PP that is a problem. It’s the fact the PP has practically no abrasion resistance when campared to mono. If 50lb PP rubs on anything, it will break. 80lb PP is a bit more abrasion resistant. It all depends on you fishing conditions. If the water is fairly clear of obstructions, 50lb is fine.
Maybe we should have a birds-nest contest on April one. I happen to think there isn’t a birds-nest I can’t get untangled.
A challenge! I shall bring by Rhino!
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Dougie,
It’s not the tensile strenght of 50lb PP that is a problem. It’s the fact the PP has practically no abrasion resistance when campared to mono. If 50lb PP rubs on anything, it will break. 80lb PP is a bit more abrasion resistant. It all depends on you fishing conditions. If the water is fairly clear of obstructions, 50lb is fine.
Good point Wiggs,
As good practice I use a mono leader for a couple of reasons. shock absorber, and abrasion resistance.
I used 50lb all last year. Never had the PP fail on me.
As far as Hanson’s break offs. Wasn’t that determined to be a bad batch of line. We know it would never be due to operator error.
Just teasing Hanson. This sore spot will never go away will it. 
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