I am looking at purchasing a new baitcaster reel for artificial lures. Mainly fishing for trout and reds. Right now I the bass pro shop megacaster reel. So looking to upgrade big time. . I was looking at the Ambassadeur C-4 5600. I was wondering if this would be a good choice or maybe you guys could recommend a better one. I am looking at spending around $150.
Delayed but not Denied!
The comeback starts Tomorrow
Ambassadeur is an improvement. If you can, splurge for the calcutta 400. I just retired my first calcutta 400, bought in 1996. I can not get parts anymore, it didn’t need anything for the first ten years of use. now when it needs stuff, they aren’t there.
The new calcuttas are smaller and more powerful.
I have a c4 5600 and just added a 6600. I think it’s a great choice. I struggle with some of the light, light stuff like just a jighead, but everything else throws well. It’s on a TFO signature series 7’ Medium power rod. Calcutta is a good choice too. Might consider looking for a used Calcutta.
You can’t go wrong with the Ambassadeur 5600 C4’s. I have 2 that are about 10 years old that still work perfectly. For throwing lighter stuff I have a Shimano Cardiff 300 model that’s also several years old.
I use it to for throwing light jigs, grubs, etc. It also works perfectly.
Jack Taylor
Daiwa Coastal
That depends on if you want the classic round or low profile.
For working artificial baits, I prefer a low profile reel. They’re more compact and sit in the hand better than a classic round. Plus, they’re lighter and yet the newer models boast just as much drag, if not more, as some of the round reels. One other thing I like is the larger assortment of gear ratios available in low profile reels. I don’t always want a “high speed” reel but sometimes I may be throwing a moving bait that needs to move a little faster. The Quantum Smoke inshore is my go to but the Shimano Chronarch CI4 would be my second choice. Abu Garcia and Diawa also make some great low profile baitcasters.
Also, don’t get too hung up on the wording “inshore” when describing a reel. The main difference between an “inshore” reel and a “freshwater” reel is the coating. Some companies use a more corrosion-resistant coating. I have several reels that I bass fish with in my “saltwater arsenal.” A good freshwater wash down when you’re finished every trip to the salt and then disassemble, clean and lubricate once a year and you’ll be good to go. I have several “freshwater” reel that have many years of saltwater exposure under their belts and they’re still going strong. Buy the best gear you can afford and you’ll never be disappointed.
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
Thanks for information. I am going with the Ambassadeur but I am liking the Quantum Smoke. So thanks for the information.
Ancher…thank you for the info about getting hung up on either fresh or saltwater. That was VERY useful. SO pretty much you can use the setup for both just make sure you maintain them.
Thanks again.
Delayed but not Denied!
The comeback starts Tomorrow
2015 Carolina Skiff JVX16
Got an older 5500C that has already given another fella 7 years, and he handed it down to me. It has its quirks now, but I am fully confident with it.
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
quote:
Originally posted by CUTiger04Thanks for information. I am going with the Ambassadeur but I am liking the Quantum Smoke. So thanks for the information.
Archer…thank you for the info about getting hung up on either fresh or saltwater. That was VERY useful. SO pretty much you can use the setup for both just make sure you maintain them. </font id=“red”>
Thanks again.
Delayed but not Denied!
The comeback starts Tomorrow2015 Carolina Skiff JVX16
Yes sir, that is correct. Glad to help. 
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
For throwing artificial’s, especially lighter tackle, do yourself a favor and go low profile. Conventional (round) reels have large spools (higher line capacity) and lower gear ratios (cranking power), great for deep jigging or throwing larger plugs with heavy line and such… Larger spools offer increased line capacity but slower “start up inertia” leading to decreased casting distance and more overruns with light tackle… Shallow spools found in most 100 series reels is what you want… Check out the TATULA series from Daiwa (I have the Tatula type R $122 online)… No one local caries Daiwa so you don’t have to feel bad about ordering from Amazon or EBay… Plus the Twing system (TWS) is legit… I also have a few really nice “inshore” baitcasters but they do not throw light tackle nearly as well as the Tatula, not even close.
quote:
Originally posted by slickcrickFor throwing artificial’s, especially lighter tackle, do yourself a favor and go low profile. Conventional (round) reels have large spools (higher line capacity) and lower gear ratios (cranking power), great for deep jigging or throwing larger plugs with heavy line and such… Larger spools offer increased line capacity but slower “start up inertia” leading to decreased casting distance and more overruns with light tackle… Shallow spools found in most 100 series reels is what you want… Check out the TATULA series from Daiwa (I have the Tatula type R $122 online)… No one local caries Daiwa so you don’t have to feel bad about ordering from Amazon or EBay… Plus the Twing system (TWS) is legit… I also have a few really nice “inshore” baitcasters but they do not throw light tackle nearly as well as the Tatula, not even close.
Thanks slick. I went to Dicks the other day and played around with an Ambassadeur SX. I do really like the feel of those but did notice that it wouldn’t be good for artificial. I am going to get the C4 6600. With that being said, I am going to look at a low profile also. Right now I will use my bass pro tourney special baitcaster reel and just keep it clean and maintain. It is a good reel for price.
No problem with Amazon. The C4 is like $30 cheaper on Amazon. Can get the reel and braided line for the same cost.
Delayed but not Denied!
The comeback starts Tomorrow
2015 Carolina Skiff JVX16
I’m a big fan of the Shimano Curados for low profile baitcasters. I have one of the old Bantum 200b (green) that I’ve fished for 15 years in fresh and salt. They have a big following on the bass circuits so plenty of parts and upgrades available. I liked mine so much I found some old ones on e-bay and had them serviced. I know they’ve made some changes over the years between the Curado and Chronarch models, but I think they’re worth looking into.
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
I have a coupled of C4’s and a Smoke but for salt I prefer using Shimanos. I tear down and clean after every trip, but the Shimanos never show any signs of starting corrosion even after a week long trip.
my .02
Darrell
RedXAngler