Which one?

I was looking through the variations of the Abu Garcia Ambassador Record to use as a muskie and Pike reel. Here are the line capacities for 30 pound braid. I would probably use 50 pound braid.

100 yds
140 yds
190 yds
330 yds.

To throw another wrench in to your plans. You will most likely be spooling up backing on this reel first, so line capacity will be changed. Your best bet is to spool up with no more than 150 yards of braid, I only spool up with 75 yards of braid, just add more backing. It makes the 150 yard spool last for two spool ups (and if you flip the line it will last twice as long.)


Go no less than 65 pound for casting, 80 pound would be ideal.

I would throw this out there, for the price of a Abu Record, there are better reels made for that price. When you compair the nuts and bolts used... Just my opinion

ORIGINAL: anzomcik

To throw another wrench in to your plans. You will most likely be spooling up backing on this reel first, so line capacity will be changed. Your best bet is to spool up with no more than 150 yards of braid, I only spool up with 75 yards of braid, just add more backing. It makes the 150 yard spool last for two spool ups (and if you flip the line it will last twice as long.)


Go no less than 65 pound for casting, 80 pound would be ideal.

I would throw this out there, for the price of a Abu Record, there are better reels made for that price. When you compair the nuts and bolts used... Just my opinion

What would you reccomend?

ORIGINAL: leolizard

ORIGINAL: anzomcik

To throw another wrench in to your plans. You will most likely be spooling up backing on this reel first, so line capacity will be changed. Your best bet is to spool up with no more than 150 yards of braid, I only spool up with 75 yards of braid, just add more backing. It makes the 150 yard spool last for two spool ups (and if you flip the line it will last twice as long.)


Go no less than 65 pound for casting, 80 pound would be ideal.

I would throw this out there, for the price of a Abu Record, there are better reels made for that price. When you compair the nuts and bolts used... Just my opinion

What would you reccomend?

Shimano cardiff either 300 or 400. $110-120
st. croix avid series casting reel $230
Shimano Calcuta 400 B $230
Shimano Curado $250
Abu revo toro $250

I know most are over the price of your original reel, but the reel are much better IMO. Another option is to buy used and those reels will land right in the cost of the record.
The cardiff, i own two. I really liek them and have held up well. I have had abu's that cost more than the cardiff that have fallen apart, multi issues in one season. Not trying to steer you away i want to show you there are other reels out there.

From what i googled. My personal opinion is i have used an abu with the adjuster on the left side plate before, and unless you hold the foregrip of the rod the little knob will dig in your hand if you palm the reel. one day i was using a buddys for a day and i was bleeding where the knob rubbed me raw.

Also look for a reel with a thumb bar to realease the spool, The side button is ok... but for good figure 8s you want you thumb right there on the spool and them move it down to depress the free spool.

I know nothing of your budget, but advise from a guy who fishing musky alot, save your money for a little longer and get a revo toro50 or 60 (if you ask me personal preference i liek the 50 better, it has the same guts inside the reel as the 60 but smaller package, more comfortable and you will never spool (cast all the line out) the reel on a cast... so why have all the extra line and weight), or curado 300 (i own 5 of these reels, i liek them alot). You can find those reels cheaper on ebay, and cheaper yet used on musky fishing forums used.

I just bought a Revo Toro 60 winch myself.  It seems really nice but I haven't had the chance to use it yet. I have a 6600C4 that I used all last season.  It didn't have the muscle to deal with hauling in big bucktails, hence the purchase of the winch.  I'm going to pair the 6600 with a short (6' 5) M/H rod to use for jerkbaits.  Anyone selling any used rods?