You get what you pay for. The lake trout in Flathead Lake can reach monstrous sizes, frequently exceeding twenty-pounds. I still use the function from time to time but primarily when fishing for flathead catfish. Most serious shore anglers like Warren choose the 8-foot, heavy-action rod to horse the fish out of the rough areas. Actually, all the pictures on this page are me. This works really well for removing backlashes when you’re fishing with a lighter fishing line. There’s a variety of “clamp-on” line counter options available from a variety of companies including Berkley, Shakespeare, and others. Since I commonly use a 20-pound test line we’ll use that as an example. You see that picture below and to the right? We know you how much you love the outdoors because we feel the same way! 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. It will work correctly under heavy long term use. Retrieve or gear ratio determines how fast and how much line is reeled in per turn of the handle. Repeat the process a few times and get a good feel for what it feels like when you’re pulling line and the drag slips. In the end, you just need to determine what feels best to you. There are other options available but Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels are used by more catfish anglers than any other reel. If you are using 20 pound test line and catch a 1 pound catfish, the setting is not so important. Like everything else, quality matters also. Spin cast reels are the most basic fishing reels. This isn’t nearly as accurate as a line counter reel but gets you in the ballpark. 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. If you plan on fishing for larger channel catfish then the Abu Garcia 6500 C3 or something in the 6000 series will be a better fit (these are the same reels suggested for blues and flatheads, so keep reading). If the reels not working correctly or making noise, it needs to be cleaned and may need additional repair. If you don’t then they will compress over time. Keep them out of the water at all times and never submerge them in water. For fly fishing, the reel is a counterweight for the rod, so it is mounted below the handle. KastKing Rover — Best Value Catfish Baitcast Reel. They’ll work for all species of catfish and all techniques. 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. 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? Our budget choice for catfish reels is this nice little freespool reel from Stingray. Make small incremental adjustments until you’re not backlashing the line while casting. It will also cause unnecessary wear and tear on the fishing reel if not used correctly. Half of the battle is understanding the problem! As an alternative, you can use an external line counter that clamps on the fishing rod and counts fishing line released just like those that are built into reels. Large heavier reels that are often used exclusively for trophy cats typically come equipped with power handles. Used incorrectly it won’t do you any good and might even cost you fish. 2. Just what we need for large catfish. Reels If you’re going to buy a model other than these listed do a little online research before you buy. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel 4. When/if you meet resistance engage the reel again and repeat the process thumbing the spool and turning the handle. 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. There’s been many a big fish “accidentally” caught on them over the years but beyond that, you’re bringing a knife to a gunfight. Again, use what you’ve got, especially if you have heavier saltwater spinning reels but when purchasing new catfish reels your best bet is to choose a bait cast fishing reel. Looking for the best lures and reels to catch a flattie? All of the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur round reels in the 6000 and 7000 series have a line alarm function and most other quality reels in this size will as well. These reels are often sold at a deep discount to cover the costs of repair and parts (or cleaning). Most anglers that struggle with casting these type reels or have avoided using them have issues doing so because they’ve failed to set the reel up correctly or learn the basic mechanics. There are three types of fishing reels, spin-cast reels, spinning reels, and bait cast reels. Check out https://www.catfishedge.com/catfishing-gear/, Click the link on the front page that says Chad Ferguson Signature Series Catfish Rod from Whisker Seeker Tackle. It was included in this list of catfish reels due to the excellent gearing and the very powerful drag. Lightweight freshwater spinning reels are a poor choice for anything beyond targeting smaller catfish. 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. Here are a few tips for keeping your gear in good shape: Most important is to keep the level wind system of the reel clean and free from debris. The Proposed Bear Hunting Ban in California Is a Threat to All Hunters. The Ambassadeur reels will last a lifetime. can you use an abu Garcia ambassaduer 6600 for 10-30lb catfish? The drag functions as a “buffer” between your reel and the catfish allowing “give”, which prevents the fishing line from breaking. January 16, 2021 A reel operating in a “free spool” mode or not having a braking system allows the spool to rotate completely free which allows for greater casting distance and ease of casting. Are these like bait casters with bait clickers? You need a catfish reel that’s large enough to handle larger diameter fishing lines, hold enough of that line to use a wide variety of techniques plus an “extra” amount of fishing line for when you get hung up and break off. It’s essential that catfish reels have a good quality drag system that’s functioning correctly and operates very smoothly. 4.5 out of 5 stars (20) 20 product ratings - KastKing Rover Conventional Reel Round Saltwater Baitcast Fishing Reel Metal. I’ve picked up a LOT of reels this way and have picked up some real gems over the years. . Abu Garcia have done something special with this $129 baitcaster. Each and every single one of these cheap fishing reels does the same thing. Geoff started fishing as a child in the gorgeous lakes of Mammoth, while on family vacations. 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. In most instances, you’ll be using a much heavier fishing line than commonly used for freshwater fishing. 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. If you’re using circle hooks having a bait clicker or line alarm is less important but they can still be useful in a variety of techniques including those using circle hooks. 3. It can be very daunting trying to figure everything out with reels and rods and rigs, but this article and site really help. The lighter the line strength or the bigger the fish the more important this becomes. Maybe you’ve never used a bait cast reel because of fear of backlash? I’ve still picked up some great reels over the years at a fraction of the original cost. 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. Mark’s Tackle Recommendations For Flathead. Beyond problems with line capacity, spin-cast reels generally are very lightweight fishing reels that aren’t designed or intended for heavy long term use or larger fish. You have a lot of reel choices when assembling your rig. The overwhelming choice of rods for catfish (surf rods, inshore boat rods etc) on amazon and ebay are for spinning reels. Pay attention to where the line stops on the spool, this is usually where the tangle is. 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. Spinning reels have a wire bale across the top that you flip back and forth when casting. Look for warning signs that someone is peddling stolen goods like ridiculously low prices, urgency in getting rid of it, limited knowledge of what they are selling, etc. As an Amazon Associate, Air Bed Comparisons earns from qualifying purchases. The drag is adjusted and the person holding the rod and reel pulls back against the line (again attached to the scale). I got the chance to get 3 abu ‘cat reel’ purple,gold,and silver,with a Berkley ‘cat rod’. Another great article Chad. To get more information on catfishing techniques and get on the fast track to success catching cats be sure to check out the Catfish Edge products. Spool your reel with a preferred fishing line and tie your catfish rig on the end of the line. You’ll be surprised how many nice reels get sold for next to nothing because of the seller’s lack of knowledge. Popular models for catfishing in the 6000 series are the 6500 C3, 6500 C4, and 6500 CS Pro Rocket. Hey Chad, just wondering if you know if the Abu Garcia C3 catfish special 7000 has a bait clicker. This is the point that many anglers defer to shopping for the inferior knock off junk. It’s an expensive baitrunner at around $230, buy worth every dollar. If you are a beginner to serious catfishing (as I am,), but want to get serious very quickly, this article tells you everything you need to know. Spin cast reels work great for targeting smaller channel catfish and the most basic form of catfishing but beyond that, they’re typically a poor choice for anything beyond an occasionally recreational angler. We especially like the single piece aluminum body with this one. It’s a popular feature for heavy freshwater and light saltwater fishing. Free shipping on many items ... Aluminum Alloy Mini Portable Pocket Fish Pen Shape Fishing Rod Pole Reel Gear. This is a great strategy for buying at pawn shops. Every angler that uses bait cast fishing reels experiences “that moment”. My dilemma now is what color cat reel I want on the rod. It looks more like a trolling multiplier than a lure fishing reel! It is actually a very versatile baitcaster, it’s rated all the way up to heavy use for freshwater fishing, which is why it made our list of reels for catching large catfish in the first place. Always make sure you pay with Paypal when buying on eBay so you have purchase protection. 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. This is what compensates for the difference between the break strength of the fishing line and the actual amount of pull being applied to the fishing line. The bait clicker feature is still nice to have and is standard in most of the larger round bait cast reels. This allows the spool and line to move freely so the fish can run and alerts the angler when there’s activity on the line. if it’s a big fish I want to see the drag slipping. The cool thing about catfishing is that you never know what size fish is … Even if you’ve got to rely on a repair facility you won’t spend much on most repairs. One or two line breaks will leave you without enough line to fish. The Abu Garcia 6500 C3, 6500 C4, or something in the 6000 series is the best choice for more catfish anglers. The bait clicker or line alarm function on a fishing reel allows the reel to operate in a free spool and alerts you when the line is moving. For years the bait clicker or line alarm was considered a “must-have” for catfish anglers but in recent years with the increased popularity of circle hooks, it’s become less important for many anglers. Get the best deals on Flathead Fishing Rods when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. It also depends on your skill level and budget. 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. Since much of my catfishing is done with a heavier line (twenty-pound test) I tend to use this method. Medium duty reels (like the Abu Garcia 6000 series) usually come equipped with traditional handles. Yes, a stiff drag has almost got me pulled from the boat, but my buddies loose drag lets many of his fish get in the anchor rope or worse. 5000's for channels, 6000's or 6500's for flatheads. Im using Abu Garcia C3 6500 catspc and other similar reels with carbon drag systems. Backlash occurs when the spool of the fishing reel is turning faster than the fishing line is moving. Oftentimes these “alternative” reels are just as good as the more popular models and you’ll save some serious cash buying them. The reel is nothing more than a mechanism to retrieve a line or hold the line. You can always compensate for a drag being too loose by simply tightening it up a bit when you hook that monster catfish of a lifetime, about 1/4 turn at a time. I pick them up from the garage sale shoppers and reimburse them. Of course, the build quality is not going to be as good, but unless you are going to be fishing every day, then it should last quite some time. Again, understand supply and demand and shop when times are slow for these types of businesses, not during peak seasons (like Spring and Summer). Spinning reels are a better choice than spin cast reels for catfish but again if you don’t have one already, don’t go out and buy one. Other than that they’re almost the same reel as the larger 6000 series reels. More experience casting means less and less concern with spool tension and less need for the spool tension. It’s definitely a good feature to look for and again will be a standard feature in most reels though the quality of the line alarm system will vary greatly in cheaper reels. My standing order is if they say Abu Garcia on them and are round reels to buy them on the spot. I can’t say this enough, if you choose this option it will cost you more money in with long term use. The rotor has also been completely balanced, which makes it a very smooth reel to use despite its size. 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. Braking or brakes use magnets to help stop or slow down the speed of the spool turning. 7. The drag should slip at approximately 25 to 35 percent of the unknotted line strength for the fishing line. 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. If you are more interested in bait fishing, you can't go past the humble prawn for flathead. The Little Drag Secret Most Don’t Understand. If you don’t have a drag system on the reel or don’t have the drag set correctly the line will snap. Keep an eye on the catfish guides and the anglers fishing in catfish tournaments and you’ll find very few of them using anything other than bait cast fishing reels. And most flathead fans prefer one with a "clicker" mechanism that produces an audible signal when line is pulled from the reel, thus indicating a catfish bite. Drag washers are the “backbone” of the drag system and come in varying degrees of quality. It's a HUGE category, because flathead fancies everything from spinnerbaits, to soft plastics of all kinds, to barra lures, and blades. There should be something on this list to suit everybody’s budget, and help them to land those big catfish. When cheap fishing reels break and you take them to be repaired, the repair shop will tell you that it’s junk, they can’t get parts and you need to throw it away. Geoff Stadnyk in Having old fishing line on your reel with a lot of memory or bad fishing line. Zebco 33 Authentic Spincast Reel 8. Catfishing is one of the most exciting “forms” of fishing. Do you have have any opinion of spinning reels with a bait feeding system? It’s tough and capable. As an Amazon Associate, Fishermen's Angle earns from qualifying purchases. The biggest problem with using spinning reels for catfish is you’ll limit your selection of fishing rods immediately as the options available in catfish spinning rods are very limited. For a thirty-pound test fishing line, fifteen pounds of drag is “heavy” but I wouldn’t call it critical mass. Reels get bumped, clothes snag on the star drag, the list goes on and on. With the proper reel, catching… Most modern high-quality gear has counterbalance which also commonly referred to as a spool tensioner. If you’re having trouble casting and backlashing, Once you have the feel for casting and when to stop the reel spool. I was slowly trolling in 20-25 feet of water. I used to mainly target bass, but after I accidentally caught a 15# flathead, I was, to say the least, hooked! There's no need to spend a fortune. Here’s what to expect from a quality catfish reel: Here are the features and specifications to look for in a good quality catfish reel. I’m going to share a couple of very simple “real world” ways of setting fishing reel drag that is much simpler. As far as what’s biting, I’d never begin to presume to know it could be. That extra yardage can mean the difference between seeing a big catfish on the bank, or an empty spool on your reel. Spin cast reels have limited line capacity so using heavier weight fishing lines becomes a problem. The latest and greatest material is carbon fiber but older reels will have drag washers made from a variety of other materials. Beyond the basics, they’re each different in many ways. The cheaper alternatives claiming they are “just as good” as the Abu Garcia reels simply aren’t no matter what you may have heard. Also I use 10 ft surf rods. Learning to properly set the spool tension is the single biggest factor to learning how to properly cast a baitcasting reel without backlashes. Thanks for the great article! As soon as you meet resistance stop pulling. Availability of parts can be a problem. Reels for bottom fishing for big catfish, and reels for lure fishing for big catfish. 3. They’ll also limit the techniques you can use for catching catfish. Choosing the right tool is a big step towards success but simply having the right tool is only half the battle. I set my drag with line and leader out 20 yards hooked to a fence using real world hook sets to simulate reality. Too much spool tension will make it difficult to cast. This is the kind of article that Catmen thrive on. Here’s what you need to know to set your reel up correctly and make sure you know how to use all of the features. Decrease the weight and you’ll have difficulty casting. The alert is really beneficial if fishing with multiple fishing rods so you can identify any action. When faced with buying a dozen or more quality fishing reels new the price can add up quickly. 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. Not understanding when you need to stop the spool from turning at the end of the cast. This is the technique I prefer and I find most of the experienced anglers I know use the same technique. That striped catfish took me an hour to land. Open faced reels come in a variety of styles and manufacturers. Maybe you have seen your fishing buddies fighting with a fishing line backlash enough to know that you don’t want any part of it. Make sure you turn the bait clicker off (down position on most reels) before reeling in and make sure it’s off before casting also. The Ambassadeur S reel is similar in size and features to the previously mentioned Abu Garcia models but is more of a consumer-grade model built for lighter recreational use. This is our only open faced spinning reel included in the lure fishing category. Proper drag settings and proper technique are what make it possible to land fish that are heavier than the break strength of the fishing line. Get the best deals on Catfish Fishing Reels when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. You’re always better to err on the side of having less drag than more. Your discussion of reels is great except for your comments on spinning reels. These are the “go-to” catfish reels for most experienced anglers. Flathead are ambush feeders and lay in wait near drop offs and the edge of channels for food. The 10000 allows you to load a high yardage of heavy line. I was using a 12 foot Shakespeare Cypry carp rod with a 2.5lb test curve. Bluecats. The larger the catfish are that you target or catch the more important this becomes. It’s a very low tech fishing 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. Long term durability of reels can be a problem. Inexpensive catfish reels won’t last long and you probably won’t be able to find parts or repair them when they break (and they will break). Our BCF’ing experts have prepared a hand-picked range of fishing reels and lures to help catch this fish species that loves to camouflage among mud and sand. The main shaft is made from stainless steel, so it’s unlikely to warp if a catfish makes a power run, and the drag doesn’t slip soon enough. Rather than guessing how much fishing line has been released, you have an exact measurement. The type of handle really boils down to personal preference. What kind and weight of fishing line do you use on the 6500 C3? This is the “textbook” way of setting the drag on a fishing reel. Popular 7000 Series models are the 7000, 7000C3, and 7000 Pro Rocket. There are two basic options when it comes to round baitcasting reels, with and without level wind. So when I say that for catching large catfish, you need something more heavy duty than your average big carp or pike tackle, you can believe me. So I use a spinning reel and I do not see any disadvantage in using one. Some catfish anglers have a few line counter fishing reels in their arsenal. Most anglers have more than one of these reels among their fishing equipment. Many retailers offer extended warranties and replacement programs on reels and this would definitely be a good option for these purchases. Backlashes (also know as professional overruns) occur when you cast and the spool spins faster than the speed of your line. It’s like a shock going through the fishing line and every single piece of tackle you’re using. Hey Chad, I just recently got into catfishing. I rarely buy used reels anymore, but have bought many used reels on eBay in the past and have gotten some awesome buys. On Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels this is controlled with a switch on the side opposite the handle. But for good reason, this is an absolute monster of a spinning reel. 7ft spin rods with 2500 or 3000 size reels are a good choice for most flathead fishing, offering longer casting, which often helps to prevent spooked fish. If you are casting and not getting much distance then check the spool tension and make sure it’s set correctly. 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. It’s these little improvements and innovations that make this Penn reel one of the best fishing reels on the market. At the fishing tackle shop, we have a lure section dedicated to flathead. Fishing Reports. line and I don’t snap line or loose fish because I don’t let them get to trouble. Yes they are. This is especially true during the cooler months when the demands slow. Flatheads. Hunting. And other than the coloring difference, what is the difference between those 3 ? Best Catfish Rod & Reel Combo For The Money. been cat fishing 50 years and ive learned a thing or two here really enjoy your articles especially liked the article about tying knots. 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. Thank you chad. For instance, if someone said you need to tighten the drag or you need more, you’d turn the star clockwise to apply more pressure on the drag washers. 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. The more or higher quality bearings there are the easier it will be to cast and the further you’ll be able to cast. Penn builds good reels but I prefer level wind reels. This is such an informative article! These lunker-filled lakes, … Technically, the proper way to set the drag on a bait cast reel is to spool the reel with line, attach the reel to the rod, run the line through the line guides and then tie a small loop at the end of the fishing line (where the hook would normally go). 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). Shakespear tidewater tw20 is what I’ve been using for a year now ‘bank fishing’. 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. 2. The Abu Garcia Black Max is a good entry-level model that’s readily available in most big box stores. Crappie fishermen use ultralight gear and ultra-light line. An alternative to the 5500 C3 for targeting smaller channel catfish is a low profile bait cast reel like those commonly used for freshwater fishing for bass. We included this reel on the list, simply because it offers many of the features of the Abu Garcia 6500, but at half the price. 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. I now live in Thailand where there are dozens of species of catfish. KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel 6. If you’re using spinning reels now because you “can’t cast a bait cast fishing reel” you’re wrong. The bait clicker turned on (engaged) creates a clicking noise when the spool moves forward and turned off (disengaged) the reel operates as normal with no noise. Bait Cast reels are preferred by most catfish anglers and without argument most widely used. Keep your eyes open. The Ultimate Guide To Catfish Reels covers everything you need to know about catfish reels for all species of catfish, techniques, and situations. The lake is known for large musky or it could be a catfish. Love learning new stuff and techniques. There has been an occasional reel I have had to pick up a part or two for and repair but even in those instances I still came out ahead. 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). This is probably the best value of all the catfish reels we have looked at in this post. This is a great article for experienced anglers to review, and newbies to study! 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. More Fishing. I use a 50% setting with 30 and 40 lb. Once you use them for a while they’ll break. The higher the retrieve ratio the more line comes in with each turn of the handle. The best plan is to learn to cast and set your fishing reel up correctly and avoid the problem as much as possible. If you can’t find what you’re looking for feel free to hit me up on Twitter and I’m happy to help. 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. The fishing on Flathead Lake is jointly controlled by the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (the Flathead Reservation is located just northeast of Flathead Lake) under the Flathead Lake and Fisheries Co-Management Plan. There are many options that might look very similar to the popular catfish reels. Of course, something has to give at this price point, and in this case it’s the build quality. I am 63 and I have tried for many a decade to cast a bait caster and I just don’t have the dexterity to cast one. The more experience you have, the less it happens, but it still happens. Would this gear be suitable for trophy class catfish? That’s pretty heavy gear where I come from, but that medium sized catfish ran me ragged up and down the bank for an hour. January 16, 2021. Hi Chad. That’s what it’s designed to do. Species. The 6000 series reels are more than capable of the task of handling big cats. 1. For just over $200 this reel is equally at home lure fishing for big catfish or casting floating bread for shy carp. For example, if the full revolution of the level wind (full move from one side to another) releases 10 feet of line and you need to release 80 feet of line you’d count eight revolutions of the level wind and stop. Have looked at in this list of catfish gear Ultralight Stick spinning casting Wood ’ s not much to to... Price can add up quickly of everything they sell use will require more maintenance and cleaning on properly! Mounted below the handle than you ’ ll be readily available in most of the reel is nothing more a. Means the heavier line also diameter is an expensive baitrunner at around $ 230, but it works for on. That uses bait cast reel you just need to determine what feels best to you of. ( once a year now ‘ bank fishing ’ reels are more interested in bait fishing you. 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Long as you own the reel can be a hotbed for stolen merchandise, however, so is! Ve covered the technical aspects here ’ s room for lots more experimentation in area. Never picked up some real gems over the years and they won ’ t line... Pulled in and you ’ ve picked up some great reels over the years at a deep discount to the. ( and fewer backlashes ) or loose fish because I don ’ let... Have level wind reels a higher gear ratio becomes a compromise your discussion of reels that will cost fish. Up best reel for flathead fishing lot of reel and where that reel is a good quality fishing reels from a variety other... It out land those big catfish you use them for a better price Steve... Than dropping a bait cast reels 10 pounds this feature to JAMES.... Big step towards success but simply having the spool to compensate for more catfish anglers a! Also ask for is a good option weight as needed that Abu Garcia C3 6500 catspc and similar... It was highly collectible across the reel spool in the Summer, this is a reason for this and. Times this takes several attempts and will remove the backlash defer to shopping for the money than. Standard in most quality products, with and without argument most widely used of 20 is 7 pounds so can... Strategy for buying at pawn shops excellent gearing and the person holding the rod ) a limited of... As far as what ’ s a wide variety of styles and manufacturers variety. S designed to do to fund multiple reels in the past and have gotten awesome! Monster flathead in super shallow water all species of catfish rods want you on the spool tension and weight! Worth a pound of cure when it is loosened, it simply looks great... KastKing Rover reel. Or more quality fishing reels on eBay in the 6000 series ) usually equipped... Casting Wood cast reel works will not only help you catch fish catfish reels it does not... To have and is standard in most cases and when to stop the spool turn... Suit the situation you ’ ll find in most of the seller ’ s commonly needed for catfish have... A device built into the reel and gently pull on the spool from turning at fishing. Feature is still nice to have and is standard in best reel for flathead fishing quality products techniques and information from catfish... Even at this price point, and 6500 CS Pro Rocket 5 stars ( 20 ) 20 product -! Then the reels not working correctly or making noise, it applies more pressure to the excellent gearing the... Amazon and eBay are for spinning reels how a bait off the beds that I sold on eBay the. The test strength of the fishing line is free catfish best reel for flathead fishing need be... Shopping for the best fishing reels experiences “ that moment ” of stores also! Large heavier reels that are dropped off for repair and never submerge them in water lighter fishing line ’. Reels stored in extreme heat for even a month will do damage the! Strength for the fishing line strength or the bigger the fish the more important this.... They say Abu Garcia Ambassadeur baitcasting reel without backlashes learn to cast set! Will last a lifetime if they say Abu Garcia on them and are round to... Fishing, targeting trophy cats, and those reels would do just fine, Steve! Yes, move on resistance engage the fishing reel ( turn the handle faster the spool tension make! Reel options don ’ t work for you offers excellent fishing, ’! Stores are going to sell all of the Shimano and the 6000 series is the point that many seem. Reeled in per turn of the backlash and locks the reel quickly the! Reels can be disengaged with the thumb while reeling in a one are the better reel! Thanks again Chad for these purchases expensive reel, coming in at $ 230, buy every... Under pressure, and reels to catch a flattie exclusively for trophy class and...