ambassadeur 5000

[skiffisher]

I just bought one from a yard sale across the street for 15 bucks and was wandering if it was worth it and what someonelse thinks of the reel.
It has some surface scratches but feels smooth, is there anything special i should know before i tear it down to clean it.
MATT

[Dixie719]

I think they are about $40 new?

Sounds like you scored!

[bigjim5589]

I have 3 of them, good, solid, basic baitcaster! I use them for bass, catfish & Stripers, casting & bottom fishing & light trolling.

You made a good deal!:D

[skiffisher]

How would a braid like PP work on this reel?
MATT

[The Bucket]

ya scored ... have an old Abu 5000 myself ~ good reel, not a big super braid fan, but sure the PP will work fine +/-

[Railroader]

How would a braid like PP work on this reel?
MATT

Braid works MUCH better on spinners....Some will say that it works well on casters, but I am not among them. You will find that if you put braid on in a size that "fits" (20# or less) the reel, it will dig into the spool, any backlashes are the DEVIL to get out.

Just NOT worth the hassle to me on a baitcaster....

LOVE IT! it on my little 360 Slammer, though.:cool:

[bigjim5589]

Matt, it should work fine, I haven't tried it on my 5000's but have used 20 lb PP on a 5600, which is just a little wider.

The 5000's don't cast light stuff real well, 1/2 oz is about as light as I go with them using 20 lb Spiderline Mono or Yozuri Hybrid.

What size PP you planning on using?

[Railroader]

Matt, it should work fine, I haven't tried it on my 5000's but have used 20 lb PP on a 5600, which is just a little wider.




Not trying to start a war but a 5600 is NOT wider than a 5000.....they are the same width.;)

[bigjim5589]

Yep, you're right, my mistake! I have 20 lb PP on a 4600, not a 5600, and the 5000 & 5600 are both wider than the 4600. :)

[Railroader]

It would seem a good time for a little useless abu trivia.....There are three sizes in the "small reels" 4000, 5000, and 6000. The 5000 and 6000's are budget priced reels found at Wally-World, and other discount stores and usually have one bearing...Never seen a 4000 if they exist.

If the reel has an 4500, 5500, etc. designator it has a push button on the sideplate for free-spool, If it's a 4600, 5600, etc. it has a thumb bar spool release...

I still don't like braid on a caster....:p

[skiffisher]

Dont really have plans on what size PP to use but with the mixed opinions and my track record with baitcasters the braid makes me want to shy away.
My thoughts when I picked it up was more along the lines of a reason to buy flounder rod for drifting in the skiff, all my light tackle casting is done with a spinner due to lots of casting and once again my track record with baitcaster.
The reason I was asking about the braid is because alot of bottom in the back water is oysters, especially on the eaternshore when i fish a friends boat.
But I know I will tye a lure on at some point for some reason.
Sounds like I can get away with the PP with just the occasional jigging with enough weight and a little practice.
Used braid on one reel before and took it off shortly after because it got sticky or something like gooie and as bad as it is I am a line biter and braid does not allow me to do that. Clippers you say, yea I lose those before i buy my bait.

[Railroader]

One thing to consider, is to resist the temptation to put heavy braid on your little caster, just because it's the same diameter as 15# mono. You will stand a GOOD chance of breaking something in the reel, or bending the axle if you pull hard with heavy line. I've seen this happen more than once.

I would also encourage you to take the time to learn to use a caster well....You will never regret it.:cool:

[skiffisher]

For all the replys and advice and will let you know how it works out for me!