It looks just fine. Some guys prefer a push-button as opposed to the thumb bar. I personally don’t care either way. You might want to invest in a power handle for it.
I don’t see it specifies that is has a bait-clicker, but all 6000-sized and up Abu’s that I have seen do.
I have a couple 6000 series reels that do not have the bait clicker so look for that. Some of them also have a bait clicker in a weird place (back side of reel) that makes it hard to get to sometimes.
I prefer the thumb bar as Ralph mentioned, but it is not a deal breaker for a reel that see primary use as a live bait rod with only a dozen or two casts most trips.
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I have a couple 6000 series reels that do not have the bait clicker so look for that.
I learn something new everyday 
I still like my Shimono Tekota and Calcutta best.
I think the Abus are pretty good. Not sure about the new ones from China. I have a 5600 C5 Mag from a few years ago that’s very nice. No clicker, but that’s another debate…
The other baitcaster I use is a Cabela’s Salt Striker (Pflueger Trion 66). Cabela’s stopped selling them, but the Pfluegers are still around.
Shawn
I beleave Pug is fishing a SaltStriker bait caster too 
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The other baitcaster I use is a Cabela’s Salt Striker (Pflueger Trion 66). Cabela’s stopped selling them, but the Pfluegers are still around.
I’ve got the Pflueger. Gander Mountain’s got the same reel as a “Guide Series”.
Gander Mtn is still open?
The one in Fridley sure isn’t BK!
Also Silver Fox – Bass Pro Shop is where a younger kid laughed at me when I asked for any frozen suckers. Some old timer had to correct him and tell him I was going after Mr. Whiskers! 
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I beleave Pug is fishing a SaltStriker bait caster too
I do and I love it. Especially now that it is pink from the red line bleeding onto the white casing. I don’t think it is a Pflueger though. I am not a big Pflueger fan. I believe Quantum made them, which would make sense, because I am a Quantum fan.
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I don’t think it is a Pflueger though. I am not a big Pflueger fan. I believe Quantum made them, which would make sense, because I am a Quantum fan.
I think you’re correct on the Quantum part. Now not liking Pflueger takes away any small bit of credibility you’ve ever earned 
The Trion 66 is three times the reel as the Abu 6500 C3s that I have.
thanks guys. this helps a ton. i’m not stuck on abu’s, i’ve just had good luck in the past with them but all 5000 series. the only thing i am stuck on is that it’s a round style with a clicker.
Hmm, I looked that reel up Ralphie and I’d probably like that reel. I might have to check them out. It looks an awful lot like my old Quantum Iron and the Salt Striker. I kind of like those high profile reels even for bass’en. Yeah, I said it, bass’en.
I got turned off to Fluegers when they first hit the market with those spinning reels with the goofy shapes and holes in the spool and wooden knobs. Geh!
Got a new Penn in the mail today. This thing could be the ticket. Can’t wait to try it out!
Call me stuck in my ways…but the ol’ Garcia 7000c3’s are my favorite reel. Two are 4 years old and the other 3 are 3 years old. They’ve been used 6 days a week for 11 weeks each summer with last year as the exception. They were used only 4 nights per week.
I’ve replaced one pawl. With a little clean up each winter they work just like the day they were bought.
The right reel for each person really depends on type of area, type of cat and what you feel most comfortable with. Very likely in that order.
I recall when I bought my first 7000. I was very afraid of each cast ending in the pocket knife coming out to clean out the birds nest in the spool.
I put a 3 oz sinker on the end of the line, followed the directions on setting the reel to just drop the sinker to the ground…they went out to the road to start practicing.
I can’t cast a bait caster with a rap or spinner on it…but give me a 3 oz sinker and a bullhead and I’m deadly. A good friend once told me, “you’ll never have a problem with a bait caster if you stop the line with your thumb once it’s cast.” Works for me!
…still haven’t mastered the whole bass casting thing like pug has.
Great post 
…best to keep things uncomplicated. I struggle with the backlash in the dark sometimes; guess I gotta remember to listen for the bait to hit the water and stop the spool. 
You actually get backlash casting bait out for cats? How far are you chucking it and how tight you adjusting the brakes? I don’t know if I have ever had backlash catting. I take that back, I do if I use my Okuma, but that is because it is a trolling reel 
Not really made for casting.
It’s been a few months, but I am pretty sure I put my thumb on soon after casting and I don’t wait for it to near the water like I do bass fishing. I don’t put a lot of pressure on it if any, but it is enough to keep the spool from over shooting the line going out. You can do that when the weight is over 1.5oz + a big bully as opposed to a texas rigged worm with a 1/4oz bullet sinker. 
I agree. With as much weight as flatheading uses (both lead and bait), you can put your thumb on the spool early if yo have to.
I can’t cast a baitcaster all day with regular old baits on there, I’m guaranteed to get a backlash at least once per 30 casts if I’m using crankbaits or jigs or somtehing. But, when flatheading I never have a problem.
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…still haven’t mastered the whole bass casting thing like pug has.
…nor do I want too.
I’ve have. Not paying attention when casting. More so when sturgeon fishing. I like to place the baits further out with two rods and closer in with the other two. Not paying attention will give me a small birds nest a couple four times per year. Usually I just have to pull the line out to clear this up.
I don’t cast that far (typical maybe 50-100 feet); I do tend to have the spool tension too loose. Maybe a little more time spent practicing would help. On a bad night, I’m usually good for about one backlash (usually I can unwind and respool without any cutting). Most good nights, I’m fine.
If I’m fishing live baits, I use 2-3 oz of lead; cut baits I go as light a 1-1 1/2.
Shawn
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