All Star Rods & Abu Garcia Reel Questions 2025
TheBig1 reply :
Might have an opportunity to purchase a line of All Star rods and Abu Garcia reels. Not really interested in the reels as I think they're more on the vintage side but maybe someone can offer me some info on them as well as an opinion on the rods themselves.
Rods:
BCM-6 (Bait Cast Medium 6') Line Wt: 10-20lb
WR-1 (Worm Rod 1) Lure Wt: 1/4-1 1/4 oz, Line Wt: 10-20lb
TWS (Top Water Special) Line Wt: 8-17lb
GT2 Composite Graphic/Glass for Medium to Deep Running Crankbaits, Lure Wt: 1/4-1 1/2 oz, Line Wt: 8-17lb
FRH (Flipping Rod Heavy) Lure Wt: 3/8-2 oz, Line Wt: 12-30lb
Reels:
AG 4600-CL3
AG 4600-C
AG 5500-C3
AG 6500-C3
AG 6500-C3
Now I have been thinking of upgrading my upper echelon Wal-Mart gear with more specialized, quality gear such as what I am perceiving this to be, so please correct me if I'm wrong. Again, I may be wrong, but I'm really not caring too much for the reels, I'll probably either sell them or do something with them but I'll get my own reels for the rods. This person tried switching to baitcasters from spinning gear and spent more time picking birds nests so he's just selling it all.
Everything is $225. Any input would be appreciated. What do you folks think?
papajoe222 reply :
There isn't a big demand among bass fishermen for the Abu Garcia round baitcasters. When I fell in love with baitcasting gear, round reels were all that was available and I owned four of them. The trend, since the introduction of low profile reels. is toward smaller and lighter reels that have tighter tolerances. That does not mean that these reels are worthless. There is still a market for round reels and the C-3 design is still a popular one.
If you break the price down assuming you can unload the reels for $20 each, that leaves you holding five All Star rods at an average cost to you of $25. They aren't the lightest, or close to it, but an above average rod considering your purchase price.
Zimobass reply :
A good buy for the price. You need to try them out. The All Stars are quality, especially the TWS. Would choose this over newer rods for spook and popper's any day.
The reels may not be ideal for some bass fisher persons, but they are far better than some of the cheap stuff being sold.
Sure you could try them, and off load for at least the same price if you are not happy.
TheBig1 reply :
I appreciate your input fellas. I understand that the reels aren't the most ideal but at the same time aren't anything to scoff at either. They're just not for me. I'm a low profile and left handed model guy.
As for the rods themselves, I appreciate that knowledge. The funny thing is Papajoe, I've never really taken notice to the weight of a rod. That probably means I'm using heavy rods now as it is. I probably wouldn't know what to do with a high end rod in my hand. 
I do appreciate the info.
rangerjockey reply :
If they are the older models that were made in Houston they are still a good rod. I have both the BCM6 and the zell rowland TWS and still use them both for Topwater and smaller crankbait rods.. The BCM6 makes a nice 1/4 -3/8 oz spinnerbait rod.
I would guess I bought mine about 25 years ago.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Yea, even into the late 90's they were a solid rod,
Crestliner2008 reply :
An excellent buy! Regardless of trends toward low profile reels and split handled rods, the Ambassadeurs can still do anything any other reel can do.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
The model all stars sound like the originals..grab them and the abus grab them also .its worth what they want .if i had this oppurtunity it be a no brainer .id be all over it like flys on a fresh pile of crap
Fishes in trees reply :
I'd buy them all for that. The two bigger round reels would make great catfish reels. Those All Star rods are all great rods. They compare very well to current mid-range priced rods currently available. I still use my TWS all the time. My WR1's are currently retired - but if I got back into fishing as a co-angler I'd bust them out because they are 6'6" and the slightly shorter rods worked better for me fishing as a co=angler.
I'm thinking, that Flipping rod, is that the telescopic one? If so, I've got that rod also. That was my bubba drop shot rod for a number of years, currently it is in the category of dependable back up. I found a 7' 5" Kistler with a very simlar action that is at least an ounce and a half lighter.
TheBig1 reply :
Thanks fellas, love the input. Just an affirmation on why I love coming here and asking questions, one can get great responses.
I have to go look at everything but I pretty much know in my mind that the deal is all but done on my end. If there's anyone else who has any input, keep it coming.
When I talked to the man he did say that he believes the rods were bought in the late 90's early 00's but you know how that goes. That was 14 years ago, who can really remember. I'm thinking, as well as hoping, that they were made during the good period.
On 8/31/2014 at 2:28 AM, Fishes in trees said:I'm thinking, that Flipping rod, is that the telescopic one? If so, I've got that rod also. That was my bubba drop shot rod for a number of years, currently it is in the category of dependable back up. I found a 7' 5" Kistler with a very simlar action that is at least an ounce and a half lighter.
I honestly don't know, I guess this is something I'm going to have to look for when I go see everything. I'm fairly new and learning about everything myself. So you used the flipping rod as a drop shot rod?
Alonerankin2 reply :
Yea, the time frame of mid to late 90's WR1and 2 were burgundy colored blanks, some were raw carbon with a clear coat , also a rod builder in the know said many of those rods were built by Loomis, sold to All-Star, as well as other rod co.
(Talking about Rod Blanks) All-Star built them of course...
TheBig1 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 2:44 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Yea, the time frame of mid to late 90's WR1and 2 were burgundy colored blanks, some were raw carbon with a clear coat , also a rod builder in the know said many of those rods were built by Loomis, sold to All-Star, as well as other rod co.
(Talking about Rod Blanks) All-Star built them of course...
If I'm not mistaken that looks like a burgundy colored blank to me right?
Alonerankin2 reply :
^^ Yes Sir...
Alonerankin2 reply :
Now, they did wrap the bases of the Raw Carbon/ clear coat with burgundy wrap too... On WR1 and 2 the blank was painted Burgundy/ so that rod pic. May indeed be a raw carbon model.. Lot of pro sig. Models, that flip stick may be a Tom Mann model, they are good sticks...
TheBig1 reply :
Good, the WR-1, TWS and FRH all look like that. The BCM-6 and GT2 have a red "A", a blue "S" and an all blue "All Star" label on them.
rangerjockey reply :
The Houston made rods, at least the ones I have, have a charcoal colored blank with maroon colored wraps..They will be labeled Houston TX. . I believe Trey Kistlers Dad was one of the owners of the original company..
They were sold to shakespeare , I believe, sometime in the 90's..
Jrob78 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 6:08 AM, rangerjockey said:Actually the Houston made rods, at least the ones I have have a charcoal colored blank with maroon colored wraps..They will be labeled Houston TX. . I believe Trey Kistlers Dad was one of the owners of the original company..
They were sold to shakespeare , I believe, sometime in the early 90's..
This is correct, although they also made maroon cranking blanks and matte black IM10 blanks. All will say "Houston TX" on them if they are originals.
TheBig1 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 6:10 AM, Jrob78 said:This is correct, although they also made maroon cranking blanks and matte black IM10 blanks. All will say "Houston TX" on them if they are originals.
On 8/31/2014 at 6:08 AM, rangerjockey said:Actually the Houston made rods, at least the ones I have, have a charcoal colored blank with maroon colored wraps..They will be labeled Houston TX. . I believe Trey Kistlers Dad was one of the owners of the original company..
They were sold to shakespeare , I believe, sometime in the 90's..
This is great information to have and walk in there knowing. Thank you gentlemen!
rangerjockey reply :
If I had to guess from the picture those aren't Houston models, the foregrip looks newer to me .. But still worth a look ..
TheBig1 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 6:29 AM, rangerjockey said:If I had to guess from the picture those aren't Houston models, the foregrip looks newer to me .. But still worth a look ..
Even if they're not are they still decent rods and worth the price?
rangerjockey reply :
I would say they're worth 25 bucks or so each, Still not a bad rod but they just don't carry the value of the Houston Rods.. But it's a nice group that you could do most anything with.... The TWS actually makes a nice wiggle wart / bandit 300 rod as well.. If they get you on the water and you enjoy it then I would say they are worth it.
Jrob78 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 6:45 AM, TheBig1 said:Even if they're not are they still decent rods and worth the price?
I agree with rangerjockey, they are still good rods and worth the money. If any of them happen to be Houston rods, even better.
TheBig1 reply :
As always thank you very much guys, the help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Jrob78 reply :
No problem bud, good luck with the new rods and reels.
timsford reply :
If you decide to let go of the reels definitely let me know. Round reels arent fir everyone but with a little cleaning and a few upgrades they are awesome for swimbaits, a-rigs, deep cranks, and live or cut bait for stripers and catfish
TheBig1 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 12:32 PM, timsford said:If you decide to let go of the reels definitely let me know. Round reels arent fir everyone but with a little cleaning and a few upgrades they are awesome for swimbaits, a-rigs, deep cranks, and live or cut bait for stripers and catfish
I will add you to the list, thank you for your interest. I was wondering what all of the interest was in these reels. Unfortunately for me I prefer left handed reels and I've only ever used the low profile platform so I'm not sure how I would like the round, right handed reels.
The only thing that's killing me about this is that I would have to sell all 5 reels to be able to afford, or at least have a decent down payment on a new decent reel in today's world.
Fishes in trees reply :
Yeah, I do use a flipping rod to fish drop shot style. Sometimes, I fish a more traditional "finesse" approach to drop shot fishing. Other times, (stained water, gnarly cover, fish holding tight to cover, shallower water) I will use a more "bubba" approach to drop shot fishing. I'll generally use half ounce weights and 20 or 25 lb Abrazx fluorocarbon, spooled on the lightest bait caster I've got, currently a Curado 50E. You can place a bait, in gnarly cover, right next to a stump, 10 inches or so off the bottom and suspend it there. I don't know another way to do that except using the bubba drop shot approach.
I always carry a bubba drop shot rig in my boat, rigged and ready to go. On occasion, it is the difference between a poor day and a great day. If that scenario is similar to something that you fish, you might want to try it. That All Star Flipping stick is a great starter rod for this technique. (After you try it for a year or so, and it works for you, you will want a lighter flipping stick and probably a lighter bait caster as well.)
Skeeter Dan reply :
I still use the reels. They are easier for me to tie my line to because I have fat fingers. Thats what I learned on and use today. Most of my reels are Abu Garcia's and a couple are Diawa's I only have one low profile and its a Abu. So yes there still people out here that like those reels.
TheBig1 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 2:28 AM, Fishes in trees said:I'm thinking, that Flipping rod, is that the telescopic one? If so, I've got that rod also. That was my bubba drop shot rod for a number of years, currently it is in the category of dependable back up. I found a 7' 5" Kistler with a very simlar action that is at least an ounce and a half lighter.
Well I went and looked at them yesterday and you were right, the Flipping rod was the telescopic one. It was pretty cool, I had never seen one like that before and just couldn't fathom in my head how it would be telescopic. I kept envisioning that rod that used to be on infomercials that you'd keep behind you truck seat or in your tool box. But I was gladly wrong.
TheBig1 reply :
On 8/31/2014 at 6:10 AM, Jrob78 said:This is correct, although they also made maroon cranking blanks and matte black IM10 blanks. All will say "Houston TX" on them if they are originals.
Well, I went and looked at them yesterday and unfortunately they did not have the "Houston TX" on them, but like you said, they're a decent rod regardless and the price is unbeatable to boot. So thanks again.
On 9/1/2014 at 2:43 AM, Fishes in trees said:Yeah, I do use a flipping rod to fish drop shot style. Sometimes, I fish a more traditional "finesse" approach to drop shot fishing. Other times, (stained water, gnarly cover, fish holding tight to cover, shallower water) I will use a more "bubba" approach to drop shot fishing. I'll generally use half ounce weights and 20 or 25 lb Abrazx fluorocarbon, spooled on the lightest bait caster I've got, currently a Curado 50E. You can place a bait, in gnarly cover, right next to a stump, 10 inches or so off the bottom and suspend it there. I don't know another way to do that except using the bubba drop shot approach.
I always carry a bubba drop shot rig in my boat, rigged and ready to go. On occasion, it is the difference between a poor day and a great day. If that scenario is similar to something that you fish, you might want to try it. That All Star Flipping stick is a great starter rod for this technique. (After you try it for a year or so, and it works for you, you will want a lighter flipping stick and probably a lighter bait caster as well.)
Fishes, obviously this is a thread that I created and will be keeping in mind when it comes to information on the new rods/reels that I am purchasing and some great ideas on techniques to use with them. Of course at this time my level of imagination is limited so I thank you for giving me this idea. I would have never thought to use a flipping stick as a drop shot rig. And now that you've brought this to my attention, I know EXACTLY where to employ my first try of this new Bubba technique.
A few weeks ago we were fishing deep in the pads using my 2 paddles to move the floating root balls. I never knew this but there was still 4-5 fow underneath those roots. I always thought they were grouned so when my buddy showed me that I was blown away and could not figure out how to get to the fish underneath them. He rolled about a 5-7 pounder up onto one of those root balls. Now I won't be trying to punch through those things, but now I feel more comfortable using something like this right next to it. So for that, thank you very much. Hopefully it won't be long that I'll be recording a recordable personal best. That's why that section is blank in my bio, it's nothing to speak about.
On 9/1/2014 at 10:42 AM, 1990 Skeeter said:I still use the reels. They are easier for me to tie my line to because I have fat fingers. Thats what I learned on and use today. Most of my reels are Abu Garcia's and a couple are Diawa's I only have one low profile and its a Abu. So yes there still people out here that like those reels.
Skeeter, from all of the interest that I've received in these reels it's quite apparent that they are decent reels and that they are still widely used for a plethora of reasons. It's good to hear. I wish I could learn to use them, but with all I've already got to learn about fishing in and of itself, and given the fact that I taught myself how to use a low profile, left handed baitcaster 10 years ago, I just don't think I have the energy to do so in this case. That's going to be my loss and someone else's gain. Thanks for your input.
Tight lines to all!!!
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