Levelwind reels & Good rods

[Hummingbird]

Thanks Aaron,
Sounds like a good reel . I was looking at the ones in Cabela's . They look nice too.
You custom built your own rod. That's sounds like alot of work, But,I guess if you build a table with some type of roller guide to turn the blank on, spin the guides with thread & glue etc it would cut the cost. HHMMMM. You don't happen to have a template do ya? I have relatives over St. Helens way.

[Greg]

Hey there Humminbird, another good, durable levelwind for steelhead is an Ambassadeur 5500C3, which you should be able to pick up at Joe's for around 69 bucks or so (which will leave you enough scratch for line, swivels, spoons, etc. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif) Might not cast as good as a Curado, but is a VERY good reel for the money.
Greg

[Hummingbird]

Thanks for the input Greg. I'll check them out too.I forgot to ask if these come in Left hand Models? I was born this way and is one of my drawbacks in alot of things. One good thing is I think with the right side of my brain and I guess you could say I'm always right.Any way thanks for the input.I saw that Hank's in Cornelius has a big sale through next Tuesday on Tackle for steelheading ect. Thanks again ,Tom

------------------
Hummingbird

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

You can get the 5500 ambassedeurs for $61.99 at Kmart and they are sweet reels, but for salmon, I use a 6500 C3 ambassedeur and it works great. It holds more line than the 5500 and is around $70. Both reels are reasonably priced and have great quality for the abuse.

[rags]

If you only have $100 I think a good rod and reel would be the Ambassadeur 5500C and a Fenwick FS83C. I have a green Curado and a G-Loomis rod, Lamiglass rod and several Fenwicks. I still love and use my old FS83C and 5500C. You should be able to get this combo for around $100. Check out a BassPro shop catalogue for reels.Sometimes you can find good deals on reels and the local stores will match the price.

[Hotshot]

Ambassduer reels are reely durable and for the right price!!

------------------
www.olympicpeninsulafishing.com (http://www.olympicpeninsulafishing.com)
check out Jim and Guys daily pics

[Hummingbird]

Wow!!!! This board is right down my alley.!!I haven't met so many people that want to give advice anywhere. Thanks to all your sugesstions and Happy New Year !!! My Weekend starts tommorrow . I may go to the wilson or Kilchis to try my rusty Luck with a new outfit. Thanks again everyone!!Tight Lines,Tom

------------------
Hummingbird

[Fishen Fool]

CURADO CURADO CURADO

------------------

tight lines------<*))>>< fishen fool

[fish_on]

I had this same question a couple months ago. I took their advise and got a abu 6501, the 01 is the left handed reel. I am right handed and will never fish with a right handed reel again. The abu landed me a 40lb nook this fall. Ambassadeur all the way.

[Greg]

Humminbird, one more thing. You said you were a lefty, right? If you choose one of the Ambassadeurs, their left hand (left retrieve) models end with "01" (5501, 6501). Their standard (right hand retrieve) models end in "00" (5500, 6500). So, you get to make a choice...if you want to cast left and retrieve right (like your spinning reel) you will need a right-handed reel (5500, 6500)... OK? Us right handed folks that want to cast right and retrieve left use the left-handed 5501 and 6501 models. Confused yet? I got more. Some old farts like me that learned to fish levelwinds before there were many left hand models still use the standard (5500, 6500) models and cast right, switch rod to left hand, and retrieve with right hand. Been doing it this way too long to switch now! Now you have options! http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Greg

[Steelheader69]

I'd have to say go with the Ambassaduers. I exclusively use them. Have tried out the others, but keep going back to my favorites. I have about 20 of them (ask Os, he's seen them all) I too started out with a 5000c on my F85C, then had to switch back to reel, then put in other hand to cast. Bought my 5001c and that all changed. You can easily get by with a 5501c on any rod you choose. I'd have to say, go to the stores, and feel the rods. Whichever one you like the most buy it (that's if it's in your pricerange). Rods are like fords and chevy's, it's all in preference. I like my loomis's somedays, then my lamis, then I'll exclusively use my old fenwick combos. You can go up to a 6501c, but you won't need that much reel. My 5500's have never been close to being spooled off, even on chinooks.

Good luck...Jerry

------------------
You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

[Trick]

In the Fred Meyer tide books they used to print coupons in them for Garcia reels at a percentage off. I don't know if they still do but my guess is they do. I bought my 6501 c3 and saved a few bucks from Fred Meyer a few years ago. Might be worth the quarter or two for the book if your buying a Garcia. It's one of my favorite reels, it has takin' some abuse and neglect and it keeps working great!

[Hummingbird]

Hi Fishermen and Fisherwomen,
I am new to the board and would like to spend this G.I.Joes gift card on a good, dependable, high quaility, Levelwind Reel.Could any of you out there give me ideas on some of the ones being used ? I have around $100 give or take $20 .I have lived in Oregon since 1964 and have only been Steelhead fishing a couple times. I DO have a steelhead spinning reel set-up, but would like to get a good levelwind and a good pole. I was looking at Gloomis rods but, My wife would probably go nuclear if I spent that kind of money right now.(The 1/2 carrat Diamond Bracelet set me back some)Does anybody use Fenwicks anymore? Any way, If anybody would like to point me in a good direction Please reply. Thanks Alot, Tom

[Jellyhead]

I would recommend a shimano curado. I was so impressed with mine I bought 3 of them to put on my bass rods too. Smooth, reliable, great drag, centrifugal brakes. Works awesome for me. And they run about $120 or so, cheaper if on sale.
I can't help much on the rod. Mine is one I built on a Lamiglass blank, with custom reel seat and cork and custom guides and wraps. In my opinion, the perfect rod for me.

Good Luck,

Aaron

[Jellyhead]

Humminbird,

As far as a custom table for wrapping rods goes....I didn't build one. I just cut a couple of stands w/a "v" notch cut in them and lined them w/felt. The blank turns smoothly in them. For thread tension I just put the spool in a bowl and put the thread under a stack of books. This is the best way I've found for doing one rod. When I coated the wraps with glue I made a jig that hooks up to a variable speed drill motor and just turned the drill on and let it spin the blank for about 4 hrs. No expensive tools used whatsoever.
As far as saving money, I don't think I did. But I have a rod with the reel seat and grip and guides I like. I'll guarantee you won't find a rod w/all the features of mine on a shelf anywhere.
If you decide to do it, shoot me and e-mail ,I'll try and help the best I can. Also the guys at Angler's Workshop in Woodland, Wa. supply everything you'll need and are very helpfull in getting a new guy set up for building rods.

Good Luck,

Aaron

[Roeboat]

Gotta go with the knowledgeable board on this one. If the bucks are there Curado, Curado, Curado. If no money go with the 5500's. Also the 5500's are better for pulling plugs as you can count the passes the line guide makes to know how much line is let out. The 5500's will need to be oiled fairly often or you will arrive one morning at the river and hear the strangest annoying whrrrrr every cast. On a crowded bank you will hear a few guys with them on the cold mornings.

[Deleted User]

Hey y'all I know they aren't reel popular but I bought a quantum on sale at joe's and the thing works great... alot like the old shimanos, cheap too! I have a older quality Fenwick light action boron casting rod and it has the Best action of any rod I ever used and I have a collection of old LCI graphites... only bad thing about my Fenwick is that it has no trigger.
If your looking for a good reel for not alot of cash check out Joe's quantum pro-series; This was on sale a month ago for $20

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Hey Steven, I like Quantum reels and I like Daiwa reels, but that's from my bass fishing days of yesteryear, but still the E500 and larger models are just all out sweeeet. I have the old EX models and the team series from Daiwa, plus some procasters. After hanging those rods and reels up, they come out with the Energy series...figures eh? http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Well last night I went and did it again. It seems that I have to start wearing blinders when either shopping at Cabela's or SportCo. I went to SportCo last night with dad so he could pick out a rod, well turns out that I came home $200 short...lol I wanted a longer Lamiglas since I bought a 8'6" a couple months ago and fell in love with it. I walked away with a 10' X10MTCT certified pro. As well as a gang of spin-n-glos, corkies, thill bobbers, OWNER HOOKS, and glow in the dark green and pink yarn. Such a cool place. I just wish there was one closer to Olympia though. OH well I am rambling. Anyway Steven, alot of folks I see fish with an IronMan reel that's made my Quantum as well, but not me. Also, I am too addicted to casting right handed, then swapping it over to the left hand, and retrieving with the right to ever change. It doesn't bother me and never has. Fishing with the guide on Saturday, he had one left-handed retrieve reel and of course the rod went down and I had to retrieve like that. Talk about awkward.

[finclipped]

My personal experience with Quantum's is that you get what you pay for. My Quantum is very close to becoming trash. I have spent more on repairing it than the reel originally cost. Maybe others have had luck with them, but I would stick with the 5500's, 6500's, and Curado's. I don't think you can go wrong with those reels. My Quantum was made by Zebco. (you know the makers of the Mickey Mouse rods).

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

All Quantums are made by Zebco http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif For all of you that don't already know.

Be a member of the ambassadeur club and fish abu. Still can't beat the cost to quality ratio. Like I said, I haven't fished a quantum since I stopped bass fishing so I don't know their quality as of the last couple of years.

[Trout,myster]

Interesting posts, hope Hummingbird hasn't gotten too confused! I think I have a pretty random selection of rods/reels and I admit I do like the Ambassadeurs overall. I owned two Daiwas, bad luck with both. I also have a Quantum 1310 right-hand retrieve that if I could find another I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Smooth, strong, and very reliable. Curados? Got two of'em and they are a fine reel except I can't seem to get the drags tightened down. I've used them for trolling plugs and the first time I did that looked back and had the whole spool of line out...drag just seems to creep out. Other than that, they cast like a dream and feel good on a rod.

For the most bang for the buck, I'd choose ABU. If I had more money, I'd pick the Curado even with the drag issue since it must be correctable. If I could find them, I'd buy another couple of the Quantum 1310s.

By the way, if you go with the ABU (and this is probably good practice on all of them), make sure you loosen up the drag when you're done fishing. Second time I took my 5501 out, I had no drag at all! Loosened it up and fished with just my thumb for about 1/2 hour and the drag slowly started coming back. Evidently packs the drag washers down tight and they become useless for awhile.

------------------
Troutmyster

[Greg]

TM, I think the drag issue is because of all the plastic Shimano uses in their reels. I have the same problem with my Corsair, and when I took it apart the other day for cleaning/lubing, I was shocked to see how much of the reel (including some of the gears) was plastic. Oh well, it has worked so far, but I always carry an extra 6500c in case she lets go on me somewhere! http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Greg

[rhansme]

Now you've all gone and done it! I just purchased a Curado 201B (leftie). It is sweet. I also have 2 Abu Garcia ambassadeur's. Both are good reels. Although my 4 year old 5500 had a spring bust on me this week while steelheading. Had to pull the free spool button out by hand....So it will be going to Ollie's. As for rods, if it feels good get it. By the way....where are those darn fish? I got into several but most were dark. What a strange year....Happy new millenium gang......Ray

[Trout,myster]

Greg- Right on with the spare reel. Carry a 5001 with me at all times. Know what you mean about the plastic in the Shimanos. I had the same shock when I took one of my spinning reels apart to clean it and found most of the "guts" were plastic. Just don't make them like they used to as I have an old Shimano Bantam 251 that's all metal. Anti-reverse is pretty worn and haven't had time to fix it, but it's a rugged little reel.

------------------
Troutmyster

[Deleted User]

I have 4 old ABU Ambassadeurs(5000,5000C,5000D and 2500C) that I restored thanks to Ollie Damons and eBay. 3 Shimano Calcuttas and 1 Shimano Curado. I prefer to fish left-handed because it keeps from passing the rod from one hand to another and am seeking a 5001C. The old ABU's are all metal and you just can't go wrong with them. The parts are still available and they are easy to work on. The old red 5000 with the twin "ivory" knobs can still be had on ebay for a reasonable price. The Shimanos are great reels and the workmanship is matchless. For the price the Curado 201 is as smooth as any reel I've used. Hope this helps

------------------
Bigstew-----
RT and I were separated at birth

[This message has been edited by bigstew (edited 01-01-2001).]

[Pilar]

Humminbird, I used to scoff at the money spent on a G. Loomis. But now I realize that the money is well spent since you only buy the rod once and the quality is unbelievable.

If you bust it they will replace it. A rod for life, if you will.

G. Loomis 1024c GL2 and a Curado, now go kill somethin' with it.

The bend is your friend!

[Osprey]

At an early age I was taught to cast left handed since there wasn't any lefthand crank baitcasters,I alway get a kick out of watching people switch hands on a fish http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
I've fished a Calcutta since 91 and my old batam 350 before that,but my new curado B-5 is really smooth too,I not ready to retire my Calcutta just yet http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
For years I fished a series one(berkley)and had no complaints exept from all the fish I caught,but I'm totally in love with my GL-3 1143#,it's sooo sensitive it scares me....my .02....Os

------------------
Row quietly and fish a Cataraft !!---
Release all Wild Fish --<'))>><