I was looking at buying an Abu Garcia 7000ic3 reel for catfishing and wonder if you have ever an Abu Garcia 7000ic3 reels or what your opinion was of them.
I am not a big “reel guy” that constantly has to be searching for the latest and greatest fishing reel. I typically find something that I like and stick with it until it cannot be repaired, cleaned or revived any longer. For the most part through my years of being a guide I have used the Catmaxx reels (read my review) and Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Classic Round Baitcast Reels.
My reels are even a little embarrassing because I run them so hard and so often without cleaning that they usually make all kinds of racket when casting.
I do have to admit that there is a reel that is an Abu Garcia knock off that I have been hearing really good things about. I have it on my list of things to do (that will probably never get done) to order a couple and check them out, but have not gotten to it yet.
I have seen the 7000ic3 in stores but never really paid much attention to it so when I got your email through our ask a question page I did a little research online and also checked them out at Bass Pro Shops the other day.
Here is the description of the product:
The Abu Garcia® 7000i C3 CT MAG HS is the ultimate big water casting reel. Proven durability with corrosion-resistant bearings (IAR and HPCR®) and Carbon Matrix™ Drag System. This reel comes with an open frame for easy line access, magnetic casting brake, and dual anti-reverse. Weight: 19.9 oz. Line Capacity: 20 lbs./270 yds. Gear Ratio: 5.3:1.
This reel is a WINCH. I mean really, talk about a bruiser of a reel. If you are fishing for some REALLY big catfish exclusively or you plan to do some surf fishing with it then it would probably be a great choice for you, but for most applications it is probably going to be overkill.
I think it would be way to heavy for my preferences and I personally don’t like the big winch handles. If your not going to be surf fishing or exclusively fishing for some monster fish I would lean more towards one of the smaller reels like the C3 Classic Round Baitcast Reels(6500C3, 6000 series or 6600 series).
I have caught a lot of big catfish over the years and have never found a fish that these reels could not handle when fished properly with a properly set drag. Plus parts are readily available.
The Abu Garcia 7000ic3 that I did look at was a “Made In China” reel. There has been some great controversy over the past few years with these products and the Made In China Vs’ Made In Sweden reels. The general feedback that I have gotten is that there have been considerable issues with the Made In China Reels and they are not the quality of the Swedish made reels (where they have been made for years).
Complaints have been that the Chinese made products break easily and are not the traditional quality that the company has been know for.
It carries a hefty price tag as well at $199.00 in most stores, so if you don’t need the extra capacity of it you could certainly save a BIG chunk of money by going with a smaller model like the C3 Classic Round Baitcast Reels.
The only other thing I can add is whether you decide to go with the Abu Garcia 7000 or the Abu Garcia 6000 or 6500 series reels like I mentioned, make sure you check out
because you can often times get some great deals on used or reconditioned Abu Garcia fishing reels.
You can get more reel recommendations and information on our tackle page.
I know what you mean. I’m still using my 6000 and have never had a problem with it!