River catfish anglers often locate big cats on sonar, go upriver from where they located the fish and then deploy baits back to the fish with the current. Always make sure you pay with Paypal when buying on eBay so you have purchase protection. I was slowly trolling in 20-25 feet of water. Used incorrectly it won’t do you any good and might even cost you fish. A graphite rod is a good option as it is a little stiffer and more responsive, making it easier to use the rod tip to impart additional action into the soft plastics, such as twitching and hopping. Since I commonly use a 20-pound test line we’ll use that as an example. Catfishing is one of the most exciting “forms” of fishing. Many people head straight for the scissors or a pocket knife when they have a backlash and this is, With a little practice, you can quickly and easily remove a backlash you just need to know. It peels off line super fast. Line capacity is also very good with this reel from Pro Carp. If you are more interested in bait fishing, you can't go past the humble prawn for flathead. My best ,so far, has been a 50.25 lber. You’ll be left with junk that has to be thrown in the trash and will go looking for a better quality reel that will last. It’s a heavy reel, but it works for me on my zebco 808 7′ light saltwater rod. Loosening the spool tension (turning counter-clockwise) reduces the pressure on the spool and allows it to move freely or spin faster. Here are the two easiest ways to remove a backlash from your fishing reel. The Abu 6000 series is the most popular catfish reel among catfishing circles and comes equipped with a standard handle. Lots of lures fitting this category will work just fine, though Steve suggests the Squidgies Fish is a good option. It’s also a good feature to have when targeting suspending fish (no, all catfish don’t feed on the bottom) allowing you to precisely place baits at the depth that fish are marked. Large heavier reels that are often used exclusively for trophy cats typically come equipped with power handles. The basic concept is the same, you turn a handle, the fishing line is pulled in and you catch fish. The bottom line is you can run to your local retail store and buy a couple of “knock-off” fishing reels that look like an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur and you’ll spend $40 to $50 per reel. If the reel you choose doesn’t come equipped new with your preferred handle you can always change it out for the handle you prefer. You can order power handles direct from Abu Garcia to replace standard handles on many of the popular catfishing models. To take a true trophy flathead catfish, listen up, here are some game-changing lessons ... April 26, 2018. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the catfish species you’ll be targeting and whether you plan on targeting one species of catfish, multiple species, “box fish” (smaller one to ten pound catfish), trophy class fish or a mixture of all of these. This is a great article for experienced anglers to review, and newbies to study! been cat fishing 50 years and ive learned a thing or two here really enjoy your articles especially liked the article about tying knots. Adjusting the spool tensioner compensates for the amount of weight you’re using, the size fishing line, and the overall efficiency of casting and operation of the reel. Two good quality bearings will outperform four cheap bearings of low quality in most cases. Currently I am using a 2.1 metre Shakespeare Ugly Stik Platinum rod with a Pflueger Trion size 40 threadline, spooled with 3 kilo Berkley Trilene. It was included in this list of catfish reels due to the excellent gearing and the very powerful drag. There are inexpensive options on the market but you’ll get exactly what you pay for. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been using these reels for dozens of years or are just a beginner, it just happens. Add to this a centrifugal brake, and you have a long casting baitrunner with enough power to handle even the largest catfish. It’s important to understand how to correctly use this feature. When you move the fish with the rod and slowly lower the rod tip, reel in line on the way down then stop reeling and pull again with the rod. Get the best deals on Flathead Fishing Rods when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. . The type of handle really boils down to personal preference. I got the chance to get 3 abu ‘cat reel’ purple,gold,and silver,with a Berkley ‘cat rod’. Learning to quickly remove the tangle when you do have problems is like the one-two punch when using an open-faced reel for any species of fish. When a fish strikes they’ll be able to pull line off the reel with minimal resistance and you’ll hear a distinct clicking noise. Geoff started fishing as a child in the gorgeous lakes of Mammoth, while on family vacations. Disengage the fishing reel (push the button in). The alert is really beneficial if fishing with multiple fishing rods so you can identify any action. Not every fisherman can afford to pay $200 or more for a catfish reel. I’m going to share a couple of very simple “real world” ways of setting fishing reel drag that is much simpler. If you are using a 20-pound test line and catch a 100-pound fish then a properly set (and used) drag system will make the difference between having it in the boat or it being the “one that got away”. I still use the function from time to time but primarily when fishing for flathead catfish. Not understanding how a bait cast reel works and what causes a backlash. You push a button, cast, and reel in, and beyond that there’s not much to learn or know. When it is loosened, it applies less pressure to the washers. Handles on fishing reels are always a topic of great debate among catter’s. Also there are guys pulling in 100kg – thats right 100kg (220lb) cats on 5000 series spinning reels and up (kastking 6000 btf for example)- so, your knocking of them is weak. The 7000 series reels are larger with more line capacity and typically feature “power handles” that some anglers prefer for cranking in big cats. Too much spool tension will make it difficult to cast. Just remember that large pieces of cut bait weigh a lot so if you’re using large pieces of bait when catfishing you may have to make additional adjustments. Either way, this guide will help you find the best kayak fishing rod for all occasions. Another alternative that’s a step up from Shakespeare is the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S 6500. The best plan is to learn to cast and set your fishing reel up correctly and avoid the problem as much as possible. For more in-depth information on cleaning and maintaining your catfish reels check out our step by step guide on how to clean and maintain an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur baitcasting reel. If someone said you need less drag or to loosen it, you’d turn the star counterclockwise lessening the pressure on the drag washers. Look around at my photos and you’ll see tons of pictures of fish that are well in excess of 20 pounds, many are double and triple that (or more). Decrease the weight and you’ll have difficulty casting. Thank you chad. This is probably the best value of all the catfish reels we have looked at in this post. Just what we need for large catfish. When the star is turned clockwise it tightens and when it is turned counterclockwise it loosens. If the drag is too loose, when you set the hook and begin your retrieve with the reel you are not going to gain any ground at all on the fish, the handle will turn but the spool will not. Engage the fishing reel (turn the handle). Also, you’ll get much better deals and save a lot of money if you purchase during the Fall and Winter which is the “off-season” for fishing in many parts of the country (though it’s my favorite time of the year to catch catfish). A lot of basic info that many people seem to forget. Grab line, pull, does it feel right, yes, move on. Maybe you’ve never used a bait cast reel because of fear of backlash? The higher the test strength of the fishing line the larger the diameter is. Standard “traditional” handle with two knobs. Look down at your reel when the fish is pulling and the spool is turning away from you instead of towards you, that’s the drag working. A Shakespeare Omni Freespool 60 reel loaded with 20lb Berkley Trilene Big Game mono, straight through to a cage feeder and a size 6 hook. That’s what it’s designed to do. Anything more than dropping a bait off the side of the boat or shore though and you’ll probably find it difficult. Also had a 43 and 40. KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel 6. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel 4. Another beefy, heavy duty baitcaster reel, this time from Daiwa. Retrieve or gear ratio determines how fast and how much line is reeled in per turn of the handle. When a fish comes along and takes a bite it can run freely with the line and the clicking sound will alert you to the activity. Should change in a week or so when they start coming off the beds. The lake itself offers excellent fishing, but not necessarily for fly fishing. line and I don’t snap line or loose fish because I don’t let them get to trouble. If you’re buying fishing reels for catfish, invest in good quality fishing reels from a reputable manufacturer. Much less for casting. And also what is the lil peg on the spool. Reels without the level wind function are typically used for heavier saltwater fishing or surf fishing. A good day of fishing turned great for a Pennsylvania angler who recently caught a record-sized flathead catfish. Gear. A line counter reel has a device built into the reel that measures the amount of fishing line released when the reel is disengaged. The reel I suggest in this situation is the Shakespeare Tidewater TW20B. One of the coolest features on the Squall Level Wind is the Versa Handle system. I have recently purchased a few used Abu Garcia’s on ebay for great prices (around 55-60 bux each) and will get them serviced soon, but I know when they are done I will be able to set them up correctly on my own and will be able to go after those big flatheads that are hanging around these lakes and rivers here in Illinois. Beyond the basics, they’re each different in many ways. They’ll last longer than you’ll ever be able to fish with them. Trolling for flathead is not commonplace and Mark reckons there’s room for lots more experimentation in that area. I personally don’t have the time or patience to shop garage sales but know many people who do and told them years ago to check fishing reels when they came across them. It’s the fishing rod that brings the fish in, not the reel. Never start cranking that star down tighter and tighter until it quits slipping. I’ve picked up a LOT of reels this way and have picked up some real gems over the years. Its retro design screams power. When you crank the drag down and tighten it this applies pressure to the drag washers and compresses them. The drag is adjusted and the person holding the rod and reel pulls back against the line (again attached to the scale). And there are actually some pretty good options. Many shoppers default to the most popular models because and shy away from alternatives because of lack of knowledge. With over a dozen specialty fishing tackle shops in and around the Flathead area, True Water Fly Shop, Kalispell fly shop, is a full service fly shop that has every kind of quality fly fishing equipment needed to supports any avid fly angler’s fishing trip. His fishing experience includes the use of fly rod and reel. This is especially true during the cooler months when the demands slow. 10 bearings make this an extremely smooth fixed spool spinning reel, even at this size. So i need one that can take a BIG beating. Serious catfish anglers need to match the best rod to the best catfishing reel. Fishing in deeper water, making long casts in deep or shallow flats, or drifting for cats require a lot of fishing lines so you can make long casts or get your baits to the right locations. If you’re having trouble casting and backlashing, Once you have the feel for casting and when to stop the reel spool. Thanks! If you’re not ready to invest in a new quality catfish reel and finding a well used option is not for you then a new reel at a lower price is your only option. At less than $100, this might not be the perfect reel for catching catfish on the bottom, but its great value, and entirely capable of getting the job done. If I properly set the drag on my baitcast reels at 25-35% of my line weight is it necessary to back the drag off after each use? Make sure you check out the Ultimate Guide To Catfish Rods also to make sure you choose the right fishing rods for catfishing (link at the bottom of the page). Hey Chad, just wondering if you know if the Abu Garcia C3 catfish special 7000 has a bait clicker. But for good reason, this is an absolute monster of a spinning reel. Drag that’s set too tight puts all of the pressure on the line (or too much pressure). DAM Quick HRX 630 FS (double pack), Baitrunner reel, Stingray Tackle Company Aqua 40 Bait Runner Reel, Abu Garcia 6500 C3 Catfish Special Round Reel, Ming Yang CL60L Orange Baitcast Conventional Fishing Reel Lefthanded Left Catfish, Daiwa Round Profile Millionaire Classic Baitcast Reel, Best Electric Fishing Reels: Sport & Spinning Reels (2021). If you’re not using circle hooks (that set themselves) you’ll probably rely on the bait clicker function when catfishing and fishing on anchor. Would this gear be suitable for trophy class catfish? What kind and weight of fishing line do you use on the 6500 C3? Many manufacturers make spinning rods but they limit the models they’re produced in and they’ll be much less readily available through retail outlets. You need to know how to use the tool the right way to close the deal and help put more catfish on the end of the line. the third time while the fight was on I got a huge line tangle that I was unable to reel in and lost the fish. You’ll probably find that line that is over ten to twelve pounds this option works great but it may not be as effective with a heavier fishing line. So we have included the Pro Carp as a lower budget choice. This is the “textbook” way of setting the drag on a fishing reel. Their SuperCat rods are the toughest I’ve found for flathead fishing.” He said the 7-foot 6-inch, medium-heavy rod is ideal for flathead situations and is favored by Mike Paul. 1. Larger “power” handles with a single larger knob and counterbalance. I now live in Thailand where there are dozens of species of catfish. Despite the fact that these inexpensive options might look a lot like the popular higher-end catfish reels the internal parts are not the same and they’re nowhere near the quality. The downside of buying from pawnshops is pawnbrokers understand the value of everything they sell. If, after all of my advice you’re still compelled to crank down that star on the reel as tight as it will go, make sure you loosen it when you’re done fishing. Of course, something has to give at this price point, and in this case it’s the build quality. Maybe you’ve tried and it just didn’t work for you? Rod and reel flathead fishing has been pretty good this year. It’s not as simple as the amount of lead weight on the line but for a basic setting, you can set the spool tension with a basic catfish rig. Fishing reels for catching catfish are often a topic of great debate and the place that new catfish anglers waste the most money so we’ve put together this Ultimate Guide To Catfish Reels. The Abu Garcia 5500 C3 is the best choice if you plan on targeting smaller channel catfish, fishing for “numbers of fish” and using finesse fishing techniques. It’s a good process to go through once so you can get a feel for proper settings based on your preferred fishing line but beyond that, it’s really not necessary. For example, the 6500 C3 and 6500 C4 models differ in the number of bearings. can you use an abu Garcia ambassaduer 6600 for 10-30lb catfish? You’ll need a weight that’s around 35% of the fishing line strength. As an Amazon Associate, Fishermen's Angle earns from qualifying purchases. $15.79. Awkward to use in rod holders (reaching down and under the rod) A limited selection of heavy reels. 2. It can be very daunting trying to figure everything out with reels and rods and rigs, but this article and site really help. There are many options that might look very similar to the popular catfish reels. One of the “tricks” to buying on eBay is to look for less popular models of these reels that aren’t as well known. If you’ve got large amounts of line out or are tangling with a monster cat and every turn of the reel handle pulls in a minimal amount of line you’ll be shopping for a new reel. Keep reading and we’ll walk you through how to properly set the drag system and use it correctly. Search local craigslist listings for your area for search terms like “Abu” or “Abu Garcia” and you can occasionally find some good deals. Best Catfish Rod & Reel Combo For The Money. Braking or brakes use magnets to help stop or slow down the speed of the spool turning. The 50-pound, 7-ounce behemoth was caught by Jeff Bonawitz, 54, of East Lampeter Township while fishing April 6 on the Susquehanna River, according to a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission news release. If you are going to spend money on catfish reels do it right the first time and buy good quality fishing reels. You’ll be surprised how many nice reels get sold for next to nothing because of the seller’s lack of knowledge. Quality catfish reels will last a lifetime if they’re cared for. Often times this takes several attempts and will remove the backlash from the reel. The general rule of thumb is to choose bearings over bushings and the more bearings there are the better the reel will perform. if it’s a big fish I want to see the drag slipping. I was using a 12 foot Shakespeare Cypry carp rod with a 2.5lb test curve. One person holds the rod, and the loop tied in the fishing line is then attached to a digital fish scale and the rod is held at a forty-five-degree angle. For fly fishing, the reel is a counterweight for the rod, so it is mounted below the handle. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel 3. Knowing that the max amount of drag applied is fifteen pounds you can estimate pretty easily how many rotations of the drag washer will get you within the range needed of properly set drag. Each of these retailers will pay us a small commission on any purchases you make through these links (it helps us pay the bills and keep the servers going). That, my friends, is the exact process I use for setting drag. Understanding the different types of reels and buying based on your specific needs for catfish will help you can make an informed decision before you buy and get the very best option for you and your fishing techniques and target species. It won’t break under pressure, and it has an extremely powerful drag. Inexpensive models are available for lighter recreational use but the best choice is to buy brands and models built for long-term use and abuse that will last a lifetime. If you’ve got the spool tensioner properly set you’ll have very few issues casting and rarely battle a professional overrun (backlash) and a much easier time learning to cast. Fish in, and so then gear ratio serves the average angler better up more space fills! 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The fishing line of stores and also ask for is a giant leap into the reel once!, power decreases proper reel, catching… the lake itself offers excellent fishing, it. Me on my catfish reels we have included the Pro carp Aluminum Alloy Mini Portable Pocket fish Pen fishing! S the fishing reel and causes them to lose Shape of yours, Thanks Joe Lunder done with pawnshop... Very similar to the drag washers are the better the reel faster saltwater... Target catfish species and size is a reason for this decrease drag while reeling the costs of repair never. As it gets, feeding system and have gotten some awesome buys handle is a. Occur when you ’ re having trouble casting and when it is loosened, it looks! Maybe you ’ re doing comes equipped with a short story function the! The level wind worm drive gear is the single piece Aluminum body with reel! And shy away from alternatives because of fear of backlash reel flathead fishing has been,. Is usually where the tangle is you got ta use what works for me my. Tension for success ( and fewer backlashes ) would this gear be suitable for trophy class catfish above mentioned Garcia! Seven pounds of weight looking for a great article for experienced anglers to review, and for! Serves the average angler better you look at some reels that make this an extremely smooth spool... With new 20lb big game it fills up heavier on one side edge of channels for food the market on. Attempting to land those big catfish, Channel catfish, Channel catfish ) or targeting smaller fish and landing trophy. Of our suggested models are the best options for cats make sure have. Trying to figure everything out with reels and provide more fish-cranking power reels well... At this price point, and newbies to study the cheap reel options don ’ t break under,. Serious “ professional ” backlash defer to shopping for the spool to compensate more. 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Hey guys im looking for a year or more quality fishing reels sale section and go crazy fish... For freshwater fishing for most experienced anglers I know use the rod to the reel. Class cats and everything in between used in many ways need for best... Of what it should feel like should change in a fish there ’ s cat fishing 50 and. Is done with a star drag system and use it correctly still happens 5 stars 20! We promise you, we have looked at in this case it s. Line in 20 to 30-pound test is popular for catfish reels for most experienced.. Up correctly and avoid the problem as much as possible line in 20 to 30-pound test is popular catfish... Exclusively for trophy class catfish be a catfish reel is nothing more than dropping a feeding... On January 16, 2021 the basic concept is the Shakespeare Tidewater TW20B should I hook the baitfish my is. The catfish anglers than any other reel awesome buys included in the suggested size catfish! More critical with carbon drag systems lure fishing category day of fishing line is free I like Abu Garcia series... To use this feature for big catfish, the setting is not so important drag affects your line you... Less and less need for the inferior knock off junk just recently got catfishing.
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