Okay, so, did the original poster ever choose a reel?

I decided to go with hand lines Willie!

Great choice! Those oughta last you a while. Not too sure about those hands after a couple 50lbrs though

Ima stick with my Abu's for now...been working good for me for a long time so I bought 4 more customs. Thanks to all for your insite!

Daaaang! Those r blingy! throw some dirt on those!

hehe! They'll last a lifetime. That's for sure.

Lowe, na, people catch 200 lbs tuna all the time with nothing but handlines. It's jus ta matter of adjusting the line to the size fish. For trophy cats 200 to 300 lbs mono would make it easy on your hands.

Anyway, back to the original post. I'm sure the Abus will give you years of service. I had a couple of 4300 C3s. I lost them both when I capsized my boat. Man, I hated losing those reels. I'd probably still be using them, especially with a single color of leadcore line on it for shallow water trolling.

From my bicycle days, all I ever ran was Shimano. Their components cost a little more, but was so much more reliable. High-end bicycle component and fishing components have a lot in common. Given my experience with Shimano from a totally different industry, I'd want their brand. I mean if the quality transfers from say their XT level mountain bike components to their trolling reels, man, I wouldn't hesitate to go all Shimano.

Still if you have all Abus now, no need to switch. There is plenty of support, available parts. Save that money for the zombie apocalypse.

I like my reels like I like my women, cleaned up, well lubed, and sexy as a MFr!

Those are some sexy lookin real you got there sir !

I guide up here in Arkansas on the Ark river and ONLY use Swedish ABU 6000 and 6500c
If I am throwing punch bait, I'll use 6000 and 5500c.

I use ABU 6500 C3

What size Shimano Tekota are you using Littlejohn?

Those are purdy!

I Throw 6500C3 Rocket's For the Fact that they Cast Farther Than a Tekota.
If I Had a Boat I would be partial to Tekota's for the Fact that they have a Better Drag System.
Good Lookin Catfish Special's EGA.
Tight Lines.

I use Abu 6500 cs and ct Rockets. They cast much farther than a c3 out of the box. They have stronger frames and sideplates. They have dual cast control knobs for better casting control. They also have a better clicker.