Want to buy another setup to add to my present outfits. I have a Abu 7000C3i on M Tiger rod and a Penn 320 LD on MH Tiger rod. Both work fine but yesterday I heard a little noise coming from the Abu reel. I have not checked it out yet but the reel has been used three times. Maybe nothing, I hope. Have used Abu all my life while bass fishing:shame: so I am familiar with them. I definitely want a single handle bait caster and maybe another choice in rod. I have two 6500 Abu's, but I personally like the single power handle better, JMO. I really like the Tiger's, color is horrible, but it has the horse power. Lucky enough to be able to spend want I want, within reason. Just looking for a few other options and opinions. Thanks, Kenny!
Need help with a new baitcaster setup?
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you can buy the single power handles from abu or online and change the 6500s to them. That Orange tiger color isnt too bad lol. An excellent rod choice would be the TWC Rods (tanglingwithcatfish.com), they are lightweight and just as powerful if not more powerful than the Tiger rods, best reels that match up with the 6500s in my opinion. for the tiger replacement, the only rod I would replace those with would be a meathunter supreme (rfsportsinc.com). they are too light weight with more power than you could use
Ramon, I was hoping you would be one of the guys to reply with advice. I have been reading the forum for awhile and you seem to have your pulse on equipment. I have talked to aquaman9 and he seemed to be very heplful about bait and other things. I have been fishing the West Point area for cats with a buddy and we have been fairly successful. Two weeks in a row we caught 13 and then 11, largest around 35 lbs. Only fished ths area twice though and just beginning to learn the area. Maybe my buddy and myself will venture over to the big boy area of the James and try there. Live in North Gloucester so WP is really close.
What do think about another Abu 7000 or something about that size? I really like the larger reels for catting. Maybe a Shimano, Diawa, Yang or whatever else and or possibly sneaking an Avet by my wife! Let me know what you or the other guys think. Thanks, Kenny!
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The 7000 is an excellent choice, i own one as well, great reel, and im down for a fishing trip anytime as long as we make it fri-sun, work crazy hours during the week.
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Sounds like you're getting into some nice size fish,, My opinion, is the 7000 abu's and up,, have a much beefier foot/frame that attaches to the rod seat,, and,, I'd recommend those, or similar, in other brands for the sturdiness of that feature..
look at a 6500 compared to a 7000 reel foot in that area.... IMO
BTW, I use the 6500's quite often and haven't ripped one off the foot yet,, but, have replaced the frame on several that have, for other folks...
look at a 6500 compared to a 7000 reel foot in that area.... IMO
BTW, I use the 6500's quite often and haven't ripped one off the foot yet,, but, have replaced the frame on several that have, for other folks...
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The little country store around here sells Bass Pro Shop items and I've got two of the power handles for the Abu's for $17.99 If you have a store similar to this one you might could find one and not have to wait for your handle to arrive.
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For some other options check out the Okuma Makaira reels at Charkbait. IMO they are the best designed reels on the market. The Avet reels are great too, the HX Raptor is really nice. If those are too much money, check out the Avets at Charkbait bait and tackle. They had SX and MX models for about 150 last time I looked. If you are looking for a meat rod check out the Okuma Cedros Speed Jig rods at Amazon or Charkbait. I have the 5' 6" XXH and the 6' XH. They are the best rods I have used so far. Daiwa Beefsticks are another option the 7' XH with stainless guides with no insets. The Wildcat Americat is also another nice rod 7 1/2 ft. stainless guides with no inserts, and aluminum reel seat. Castaway lakes has those. The Tangling With Catfish rods look nice too, haven't tried one yet though. Few more options are the Okuma Catalina and Convector reels, haven't used them, but hear good things. Penn Mariner and Senator rods, haven't used them either. Hope this helps, Chuck.
Went back to the old standbys, a Tiger Rod and Abu 7000 C3I. Bought Tiger at Wal-Mart for $58 and 7000 at BPS for $119. They matched the price that Green Top had online. Not bad deal since the last one cost $149 at BPS this winter. I know this combo works because I already had one. Thanks for your input guys, Kenny!
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Sounds like a great rig!!! Looking forward to some new PB pics!!!:cowboy:
the Avet reels www.avetreels.net/mxj_581_blue_mc.html these are something to see. Also view the videos to see them in action.
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great choice in a combo, that is very hard to beat for performance. BPS has to be ticked because they either loose alot of business with greentop being 1 exit away lol or they have to match them in price lol I love greentop but I always spend more than I plan on. If you havent been inside you need to, they have way more in there than they advertise or show on the net.
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