Combining smooth drag with a durable, finely crafted design, the Abu Garcia C3-5500 Ambassadeur Baitcast Fishing Reel is an ideal choice for devoted anglers.
This fishing reel’s Carbon Matrix drag system offers smooth and consistent drag across the entire drag range, giving you the precision and power you need to subdue the most tenacious gamefish.
It is also engineered for precise casting and line lay.
The reel’s six-pin centrifugal brake applies consistent pressure throughout the cast for superior control, while its synchronized level wind system ensures an even line lay and an effortless retrieve. And thanks to its extended bent cranking handle and power knob, this baitcasting reel offers the powerful, even reeling action and leverage that hard-fighting fish demand.
Aquadog –
These new style C3 reels are awesome. I purchased several of the 4600 C3 model. They have a thumb bar spool release. The new style C3 reels have 4 bearings, 2 on the spool, one on the level wind and one anti-reverse. I spooled them up with 15 lb. Big Game and have caught 60+ stripers since they were delivered a couple of weeks ago. I have used the C3 and C4 reels in salt water for many years. Just spray them off with fresh water after each use. Disassemble and do the lubrication maintenance annually.
Aquadog –
fishing fanatic –
The newer model seems to have more plastic which is less appealing to the eye admittedly, but does not seem to impair reel function. I’ve been using the C3 and C4 models for decades now and I am now a loyalist to the brand even with Abu being bought out by Pure Fishing now. Use them enough and you will have to replace parts, but that is to be expected and thankfully the parts remain available to this brand. I have tried imitators hoping to save some money, but unlike many clones made of guns the competition can not seem to make a comparable working reel to the C3 or C4. These reels work great for long line trolling as well as casting artificial baits you are not trying to speed fish with. I’d not consider this a great choice for a buzz bait, doing search with a fast moving spinner, or crank bait due to the speed of the gear ratio. I’ve wasted lots of money on many bait casters and thrown them in trash as I continue to use and I have now purchased another of the C3 and C4 series.
fishing fanatic –
boughtit –
Not much to say here for those familar with abu 4***-6*** series reels they are very reliable and tough reels and this reel fit that mold. I am very happy with this purchase and would reccomend it to anyone looking for a tough long lasting reel. I suggest this more for people that know how to use bait casting gear since it offers less in the way of adjustment for cast control than some other options, but if you know how to bait cast these reels are a great choice as always.
boughtit –
Steve P. –
I love the Abu Garcia C3 reels. I know have 10 of them in three different sizes. They have great drags and will basically last forever if you maintain them properly. If I had one complaint is only the 6500 size comes with clickers. The last 3 5500’s I bought cost another $20 each to add them. I mostly use them for trout sized fish now but have caught sturgeon over 60# with 6500’s and the 5500’s make great salmon trolling reels.One thing to remember is the C3’s are Swedish and great quality. The S models are from China and are much lower in quality.
Steve P. –
Alan F. Paredes –
I have owned several Abu Garcia round reels. This reel functions well. I use it in the SF Bay for stripers and I prefer lower number of bearings and centrifugal brakes for this kind of fishing throwing lures. The old fashioned side button bail won’t let you accidentally depress it when handling. In the past I have changed out parts like the drag but so far out of the box it is all good.
Alan F. Paredes –
Amazon Customer –
This is a good reliable reel. I use mine for catfishing paired up with an Ugly Stick Heavy action Catfish bait cat rod. I have caught dozens of catfish with it so far, and nor one problem from the reel.
Amazon Customer –
HHP –
liked ABU reels since the 70’s and this version is very fine. Narrow spool comfortable in hand, casts long distances, minimal backlash issues. I am right handed but bought left hand retrieve so I do not have to change hands after casting. Came from the factory with the casting brake set at 50% and have felt no need to change that. Still odd that the definitive bass fishing reel should come from Sweden.
HHP –
avg bow hunter –
awesome reels as usual. I own several of these from 5500-6500 and they work great for catfishing…..
avg bow hunter –
Andrew –
Brilliant reel, well worth the money!! Strong, sturdy and reliable, smooth casting and easy to use. I’m using it with a 20-50g lure rod and they make the perfect pair, extremely happy with it!! 🎣
Andrew –
Cliff Smith –
It wasn’t quite what I ordered. The colour that I received is silver/chrome and not the blue colour in the picture
Cliff Smith –
Héctor Natan Alfonzo Trujillo –
Acabo de recibír mi paquete, pero me decepcionó, en las fotografías el carrete mostrado trae una alrma de cliks para cuando el pez jala linea, y el producto no cuenta con eso
Héctor Natan Alfonzo Trujillo –
Matt Gilbert –
Love it. Had it out fishing coho salmon this morning and it was a pleasure to use.
Matt Gilbert –
Daniel –
Excelente carrete. Nada descepcionante. La atención de Amazon muy buena.
Daniel –
Cliente de Amazon –
Excelente artículo, llego antes del tiempo estimado, cumplió las expectativas
Cliente de Amazon –
Juan Ramirez –
Todo perfecto el carrete esta en perfectas condiciones y llego antes de tiempo exelente producto y un exelente servicio cumplio mis espectativas
Juan Ramirez –