Last updated on April 9th, 2019 at 06:33 pm
In today’s musky fishing world, there are a plethora of options available in the low profile baitcaster fishing reel market. This is great, as there is a muskie reel to fit any budget or skill level. While most manufacturers are getting away from the round baitcasting reel design, there are still a select few that still offer quality reels in this category that are worthy of your attention. Abu Garcia is one of these manufacturers. Abu Garcia helped to define the category and has earned a loyal following. Today, we present to you our Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Classic C4 Baitcaster Reel Review and take an in-depth look at how the Ambassadeur C4 measures up against the wants and needs of today’s muskie fisherman.
Abu Garcia Classic Baitcaster Reel Pros And Cons
As with any musky fishing reel, there are pros and cons. Before we jump into the full review, let’s take a quick look at the pluses and minuses for the Abu Garcia Classic Round Baitcaster Reel.
PROS:
– Carbon fiber matrix drag system is top of the line.
– Durability: this reel is likely to last a lifetime.
– Good brake system: 6 pin centrifugal brake.
– Instant anti-reverse feature is excellent when setting the hook.
– Abu Garcia name and long lasting quality.
CONS:
– Lacking cranking power vs competitor muskie reels.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Review
Let’s first take a look at some of the main characteristics that musky fishermen look for when comparing muskie reels.
Casting
Where the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Classic C4 really excels is in it’s casting ability. With this fishing reel, Abu Garcia utilizes a 6 pin centrifugal brake which gives the reel consistent brake pressure all throughout the cast. We love this “set and forget” type of system. When you attach your bait and cast it out, the your lures glide through the air much further than you probably expected and with great ease.
Retrieve
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 benefits from 5 bearings, consisting of 1 roller bearing + 4 stainless steel ball bearings, giving this reel a fluid, yet connected feel during its retrieve. While not quite as smooth as some of today’s higher-end low profile baitcasters, the c4 does inspire confidence during its retrieve. The handle is of standard size and provides simply average leverage, so really there is nothing outstanding or lacking with the way the Ambassadeur C4 reel feels as you crank the handle. We feel that the reel could benefit from a slightly larger handle.
Drag
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Classic is rated by the manufacturer with a max drag setting of (15lbs.) fifteen pounds. Despite the older, round baitcast reel design, the C4 benefits quite nicely from a very modern drag system of aluminum disks and carbon fiber nestled within the main gear. We found the performance of the C4’s drag system to be very smooth and consistent.
In field performance when battling various sized fish was on par with some higher-end reels. Any fishing line taken off during a fight was consistently smooth and the reel proved quite dependable.
Power
While the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 holds it’s own in other categories, one area where we felt it comes up just a bit short is cranking power. When throwing heavier baits, such as larger Bulldawgs, we had to work hard to retrieve the bait back to the boat. Sadly the Ambassadeur C4 simply lacks the same power for heavier, deep diving crankbaits that other muskie reels, like the Daiwa Lexa 300, have.
That being said, when fishing with medium or shallow running spinnerbaits or crankbaits, the C4 performs extremely well. It is simply not designed for real demanding, heavy cranking duties. Perhaps contributing to this is its average sized handle mentioned earlier.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6600, 5600, 4600
| MODEL | RETRIEVE AVAILABLE | GEAR RATIO | MONO CAPACITY YD/LB | BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB | PRICE & AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4600 | Right | 6.3:1 | 160/12 | 155/30 | Check Price |
| 5600 | Right & Left | 6.3:1 | 240/12 | 235/30 | Check Price |
| 6600 | Right & Left | 6.3:1 | 320/12 | 310/30 | Check Price |
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 comes in 3 sizes: 4600, 5600, 5600. The main difference between them is the line capacity. For musky fishing, we recommend going with at least the 5600 model, but preferably the 6600 model. It’s always good to have a little extra line when you need it.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Review Conclusion
Due to it’s larger size, precise gears, and somewhat slow retrieve ratio, we feel that the Abu Garcia C4 reel is best suited for moving bait applications. It’s inferior real power somewhat limits it’s use for bigger bait fishing, and there are other reels far better suited for finesse applications. It is adequate in other areas beyond power, however, its biggest strength is it’s ability to toss spinnerbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, and pretty much any other slower moving baits.
If you’re a muskie fisherman who likes the traditional round baitcaster reel style, or somebody who has had success with Abu Garcia products in the past, then you will probably be pleased with the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4. Click Here for the best price and selection.
If, after reading this review, you’re still not sure if the Abu Garcia Classic Baitcaster is the right muskie reel for you, check out our Muskie Reel Buying Guide.
