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OneMoreCast88 · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:28 pm Post subject: Ambassadeur 5000 & 6000

Hello,

Just found some cool reels that have been buried for years, they appear to be in great shape and cant wait to use them. The only problem is on the 5000, the casting button clicks in and instantly clicks out. Any idea how to fix this?

Also what size line/rod for these guys?

Thanks

Texican · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:41 pm Post subject:

Are you the original owner of the reels or do you know about their history?
If they have been setting idle for years the grease may have dried up a little. A simple clean and lube may fix it. If your not afraid to take it apart yourself I'd say give that a shot first. A quick online search will get you schematic pictures to aid the disassembly/assembly and show you what parts are supposed to go where.
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OneMoreCast88 · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:59 pm Post subject:

They were my fathers, although he stopped fishing years ago..(dont ask me why) seemed disinterested in them, only remembers he bought them in the 60's or 70's. Anyway to date them from there serial number?

I cleaned the 6000 pretty thoroughly, the worm screw or whatever its called was pretty gnarly, but its cleaned up and feels smooth.

Texican · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:18 pm Post subject:

Texican · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:24 pm Post subject:

Out of curiosity, do you know if the reels came with leather cases?
Did your dad still have them?
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OneMoreCast88 · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:52 pm Post subject:

Didnt see any leather case's around them, but I guess I should ask.

Just spooled the 6000 with 20lb going to the jetties right now and try to catch a few spanish macks for fun.

Cudakilla · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 4:16 pm Post subject:

The old reels are great. I have a pretty good collection of them. If the free spool button does not stay down most likely it's just dirty or the grease has just dried up and caked. The reel would have to be disassembled and cleaned thoroughly and re-lubed. Most of the Ambassadeurs I have restored usually work like a charm after a good clean up. Unless of course they are seriously corroded inside.
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OneMoreCast88 · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 6:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks. Hopefully I'll had time tomorrow to clean the 5000. As for the question on line and rod size any advice? I spooled 20 on the 6000.

FB PHIL · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 11 Oct 2006 Posts: 455

I have 2 Ambassador 5000s that I bought in the early to mid 90s and have used them exclusively at BH Pier every summer. I have them spooled with 15# test clear mono and use a 30-50# 3' leader to slow up the cut offs from toothy critters. I have landed many reds, including over-sized ones, Kings and jacks up to 25-30# range on this sized line. Ocnly, if the smacks are thick and cutting your lures off alot, I add a 2' piece of 30# copper colored braided wire that can be tied in knots without crimping sleeves. I have two 7' light, but thick at the base bass popping rod rigged up with a lure and the other with a live bait rig and weight(always mono I make myself). I use mine all yr then get them cleaned at Roys every winter and they have lasted for yrs. Hope this helps.

nofish2day · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:40 am Post subject:

I like 20 pound mono on my 5500's. I started out with 30 but couldn't really cast very far. Haven't tried braid on them yet. I can huck that 20 pound right on out there.
Not fishing with lures though, carolina rig on the bottom, usually with a 1 or 2 oz. weight. If you want to cast lures you'll need lighter line.

Mad Hatter · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 2:35 pm Post subject:

I usually put 17lb on my Abu's. It is strong enough for the bigger fish and light enough to cast some 1/2oz lures. Best of both worlds IMO.
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troutless · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 4:44 pm Post subject:

I piicked up a couple of the 6000 a few years back and put 20# Andre mono on them. I keep one in reserve if need in the tackle box if I need it. I can get some backlashes at times.

OneMoreCast88 · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback everyone.