I have a 10=15 year old Abu Garcia 4600CL3 that's in near mint condition. I'm fairly new to fishing, and want some input. What are your thoughts on this particular model reel? I am looking for a good all-around reel that would be suitable for most freshwater applications. Is this reel appropriate for this? Should I bother replacing the bearings and tuning it up? Or should I look at something else?

thats a good reel. I have a 5500 c3 that is about that age that is still getting fished with regularly today. Id just get it cleaned and lubed up and use it. Only draw back to that particular reel is it is slightly limited on the amount of line it will hold but if your not trolling with it or something then you should be fine for anything that is within casting distance

its a good reel, if its in mint condition its probaly better than a some of the new abu reels
Get it cleaned and lubed and should be good to go

One of my favorites.
You can do just about anything with it.

thats "old school"

It is a good reel I have customers who have had them for years just have them cleaned each year. I would pick them over anything made in china.

I have a 4601C4 ... a great little reel. Almost as palmable as a low profile reel, and actually made of metal, and I agree with joe...better quality than anything Chinese-made.

its a great reel, i have never had any problems with mine,and its ALMOST impossible to break it or ruin it, just keep it cleaned and lubed and it will last a long time.

I don't think you can go wrong with any Abu (cept the chinese ones)

great reel. I throw weightless senko's with mine

Thanks for the input guys. I loved the design and 'tradition' (as Cody says "old school") of it -and it just 'felt right'. I'm in Colorado (but was born in Corpus!) and using very light lures when I'm not using bait. Casting such light tackle is a bear. Would changing out the stock bearings help? Am I asking too much from the reel or do I just need to practice more?

If I am not mistaken (not a sure bet) the C3's have bushings, instead of bearings. Replacing the bushings with some nice ABEC 5 or 7 ball bearings should help.

For really tiny baits (little trout spoons, spinners, or spinner-flies), a spinning rig will do much better, with 2 - 6 lb. line.

How do I know if it's Chinese-made or not? Also, is a C4 or C5 that much of an upgrade? What rod would be a good all-around rod for that reel? Currently casting light lures/powerbait for lake trout

If it is a 4600 they are Swedish built. Only the low profiles are built in China. This is from an Abu rep. You will love the 4600.

THE abu 4600cl3 has bearings, not bushings