Witha

Welcome to the dark side champ [emoji14] How good is the mirage drive! Very nice work on getting a kingy first shot!

Down to personal choice at the end mate, I prefer a rod to feel lighter in the tip so I'd go the heavier reel for em. Also I like the versatility a 2004 gives, just that bit more power and size. Certates are stunning little reels can't go wrong really haha.

Hey mate, I've flicked these rods a bit and you're right on wanting a little more weight, the nitro stable tend to be tip heavy in general. I've got the 2004 certate and a 2004 luvi and the certate feels better on it weight wise. 1003 might be a little small but not out of the ballpark very ballsy rods too you'll have no trouble ripping some bream in on it.

Yeah I did some reading (was 73 not 74 sorry) Its a 1973 model ambassadeur 5001C, slightly rarer than usual being a left hand wind. Found old threads about guys doing complete restore and refurb parts packs for them but seems they've stopped, might have to put a shopping list together from the States or similar. Going to leave it externally as it is but cleaner and do the internals as new so I can use it

Thanks guys that's really helpful, love that custom one it's epic hopefully get in touch with woodchop and see how we go!

G'day guys, Have a question and in seek of advice from the tackle gurus. My old man and i have been taking a trip down memory lane with my Grandfather's old gear (my old man loves it but he's skipped the fishing scene for a decade or so). I never got to know him properly but the fishing genes run strong. He was a tournament casting champ and won many comps apparently, as well as being a master of the dark art - black fishing. The reel we've dug up of his is the one he used in casting comps, from what I've been able to gather it's an early abu garcia ambassadeur, (think it's the original 5000 series), and I'd love some help identifying the year and exact model so I can grab some schematics. Being a true fanatic it actually still runs bloody smooth and is packed with grease so the condition is excellent but well used. Things to note: -No 5000 plate under the name which leads me to think its an earlier model. -One handle and a counterweight rather than twin handle - No visible lettering other than model number or batch number 730401 on the underside of the reel foot I'm really looking to restore this to A1 internal condition and actually use it. So on top of my request for year and model wondering if anyone can post or PM me guys who do restoration or hard core servicing. Any spit balling or general chat on these reels is welcomed, looking to get a glimpse into the Era of this reel and anything related. pics below

Great write up man good read

I've got the new curado I series, absolute weapon. Casts lighter lures well enough and stupid simple to use. Holds a ton of 30lb I use it in the salt for big soft vibes etc. Just don't go cheap with a baitcaster. I've already upgraded once because of cheaping out the first time

Mate that is great lol. 3 big jew hookups, and a bunch of solid landings. Cmonnnn that's a session to keep you coming back for more!

Bugger. Haven't yakked Kembla. Weekend work is killing me at the moment.

Other than hooks in the hand my back gives me endless grief if I'm standing and fishing. Did 6 vertibra when I was younger, and extra soft tissue damage to boot (bloody dirt bikes). Couple of weeks back doing the Mallacoota ABT the standing and casting almost crippled me! Luckily my boater had a couple of Voltaren. I usually fish from a yak and most people say it buggers them but I find the nice chair I've got a whole heap better than standing! Also sucks on long landbased bush bashes. Did a bit of RSI on my wrist casting for hours. Also...to follow Jims confessional lead... Hopped off the kayak to take a leak in an obliging bush. Didn't put the shoes on. Managed to kick a %%%%%ly pear on the ground and get a cactus spin (solid 30mm long) into my big toe and the cartilage. Went to the ER after fishing the whole day anyway, they said "they couldn't find it", 3 days later I notice a lump in the webbing between big toe and 2nd toe, scratch at it...pull 30mm of cactus spike out of my foot. That was fun. Cheers Witha

You should be right mate. They've been in special at one place or another for years haha. Got mine for 150 in 2014 I think lol

Man I loved it. Ridiculously light and has one of the best all rounder tapers I've found. Shines for light placcies and hards. For the 150 they're a steal

Bahah bugger! Was waiting with baited breath.Ah well worth a shot thanks mate[emoji2]

Between como and Lugano roughly. 1-3kg pflueger patriarch XTR with a 2004 luvi attached to it. My favourite combo.Edit: Luvias

Lol saw the title immediately clicked hoping it was my one from the bottom of the Georges. I live in hope. Good work mate

Went out on Saturday in the yaks and chased the rat kings from yowie to Gymea. Hard work as they were really mobile. The other boys managed a few rats each and I did manage to pull a jew out from under the bait school. After that....4 hours of baby reds and bugger all bream off the pontoons etc. Was a hard slog after the pelagics moved on.

Always the fun activity at socials etc...walk round talking to people and trying to work out who's username fits who! Cheers Ben

The length all depends on how you're using it; boat, yak, landbased. If it's landbased go the 7footer IMO

Hey mate, few shops around that stock them, one in the cbd I believe or you could check Rockdale. Used most of the nitro range and I've still got the ultralight spin which is what the powerbream is modeled off. 2004 definitely as the nitros are quite solid rods and can be tip heavy. I run a 2004 certate or even a 2500 shimano and it balances better than the 1000s. Very versatile rods. Mine is the 6ft6 and it's perfect for snag and structure work. Hope that helps

Very nice mate that second session sounds like a roarer. I remember going through my grandad old blackie gear and finding everything Vaseline covered [emoji14] a degreaser does the trick

One of the best reports I've read. Really captures the romance of chasing these beauts. Keep it up mate

Bugger been eyeing off a hacking trip. Maybe I'll get given a sneaky day off [emoji14]

Haven't tried it myself but I was excited about this line until I saw the reviews. Can't say people have been impressed especially for the price