ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Abu Garcia
Material	Stainless Steel
Hand Orientation	Left Hand
Color	METAL
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	11.3 Ounces
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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Left-hand retrieve baitcast round reel with free spool baitcast design
Allows for superior accuracy and long-distance casting
Stainless-steel roller delivers instant anti-reverse hook-setting power
Ultra-smooth Carbon Matrix drag system; 5.3:1 gear ratio
Spool capacity of 14 pounds/245 yards (mono); weighs 11.3 ounces

product description

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 casting reel offers you the smooth casting action of stainless-steel ball bearings. A stainless-steel roller bearing delivers you the solid hooksetting power of instant anti-reverse (except 7000 model).

product details

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.2 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches; 15.2 Ounces
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2007
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Abu Garcia
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098XFP4N1

important information

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Questions about ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel

how do you use it?

Answer: If you mean, what do I use it for, usually for Catfishing. The free-spool feature of most bait-casters allows you to set a bait, and when the fish picks it up and runs with it it will feel almost no resistance. Great for Catfish, Carp, etc. If you mean technically, how does one use it. That is a difficult thing to describe because there are many steps (adding line, setting drag, casting, etc.). I would go to Abu Garcia's website. You can download manuals and schematics for all of their products. I will say that I've bought two of these, and they perform VERY well. Excellent products.

Answer: You place your thumb on the spool pull it behind your head and throw it forward as any casting reel while removing your thumb from the spool. Be sure to place your thumb back on the spool before it hits the water otherwise the spool keeps turning and you get a bird's nest and have a mess.

Answer: Usually attached to a rod.

What pound test line MONO works best for this reel? 17 Pound or 14 Pound?

Answer: both work but using a braided line will offer a significant advantage. You can spool more line in and the casting and retrieving will be much smoother. I use a 40 lb braided line on this reel which would equate to a 10 0r 12 mono. a braided line is more expensive but worth the money.

Answer: There must be very little difference between 14 and 17. I personally used power pro braid. 15 lb test with the equivalent to 4lb test mono. Works great for me.

Answer: 14 works the bests !!!

Answer: Both! Equally! Reel is wary good and useful.

Answer: I've got 20 lb on mine.

how to get parts like the crank handle?

Answer: do you have the manual that came with the reel .or go to abu Garcia website and see if they can help you

Answer: Try e-bay, if not there you can go directly to abu.

Is the embassadeur c3 good for salt water?

Answer: yes....its an acceptable salt water reel. most guys i know that fish in the ocean prefer the Penn reels...but I know of quite a few guys that use the c3 for the salt. The reel is not conditioned...that I am aware of....for the corrosive affects of salt water and so extra care may be required.....but any reel exposed to salt water should be cleaned regularly anyway. the drag is 15 pounds;not the highest in the industry. Abu's wench being at 24 pounds, if I remember correctly, but I use my c3 for salmon in swift water and can keep up with most chinook.

Answer: Yes. I Always use for salt water fishing. Just remember to rinse with tap water every trip

Answer: Have used it in the piers, beaches and rivers of the Puget Sound for a while now with no problems. Rinse well in fresh water and wipe dry then air dry after each use.

Is the warranty valid when purchasing it online through amazon?

Answer: To my knowledge, Abu Garcia does not use an "Authorized Retailer" type of system. It shouldn't matter where the reel is purchased so long as you can provide proof and date of purchase. If repairs are needed, you would want to use an Abu-Garcia Authorized Service Center for warranty purposes. See Abu-Garcia warranty information here: http://www.abugarcia.com/support/warranties

Answer: yes it is. I received mine back but it tookabout 4 months for them to fix it & send it back.you also pay for shipping & include a check for $7 or $8 S&H. If you can live with that, then the reel is worth it.thanks

Is this reel made in Sweden like the other high quality Abu Garcia's or is this one made in china?

Answer: The 46/55/6500 C3s are still made in Sweden. While some will argue quality changes over the years, they are still solid performing reels.

Answer: It's definitely made in Sweden and I will back it 100% I haven't oiled the durn thing skin nearly 2 years and it still throws like a brand new reel!

Answer: Hello Jake. This one is made in Sweden (not like others ones). It' s a great fishing reel! You will not regret about it!

Answer: This is a real Abu Garcia, high quality made product as always, and yes, it's also made in China. Unfortunately

Answer: It's stamped made in Sweden on the reel. I've had good luck with it.

Answer: This reel is made in Sweden.

Answer: China. Look at a c5 if you want a good reel

Answer: Jake,

Answer: This one is Swedish made, stamped on the side. I believe only the BCX series is made in china.

Answer: Yes this is Swedish

what the max line #

Answer: For mono, 20# is about the most I would do. For braid, 50#+. Your limit will be how much drag force you can get without totally locking up, maintaining smooth drag, castability (lighter lines cast better), and your rod. This reel can hold more than enough line of the heavy stuff.

Answer: I use 14-17lb mono, 20 ok. Braid or other small diameters can go higher.

Answer: I used 12-20 mono, but mostly 25-35 braid. I'm sure it could go higher for braid, probably around 50.

where is it made?

Answer: look on the side, they are made in Sweden and China. i buy only the ones marked " MADE IN SWEDEN" if it doesn't have that marked it's made in China.

Answer: The 6500C3 is MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: Svängsta, Sweden.

dose this modle come in rigt

Why can I not received it to my Arizona adress ?

Do they have in red

What is the warranty on this item?

where is it made?

Answer: look on the side, they are made in Sweden and China. i buy only the ones marked " MADE IN SWEDEN" if it doesn't have that marked it's made in China.

Answer: The 6500C3 is MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: Svängsta, Sweden.

what max line #on 6500c

Answer: I fish Muskie and I run Cortland 36 Lb. braided dacron with no problems. Have been using this reel since the 1980's. Good heavy duty reel.

why are you charging $530 for a $119 reel?

Does 6500c3 have a clicker setting?

Answer: Yes. I assume you mean the setting that "clicks" when a fish takes the line out.

Answer: Sorry, I don't know. I just paid for these for a friend, and they were delivered to him. It should state whether or not it has a clicker in the description. Try looking on the Cabela's or Bass Pro sites.

Answer: yes it is one of the reasons I bought the 6500 series . Use them for stripper fishing , all good .

Answer: Yes, it does.

Product reviews of ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel

doebranch : Catfishing

If you're into catching big Blues and Flatheads then you can't go wrong with this reel. It will handle anything any catfish dishes out regardless of it's size. I own several 6000's but this 6500C reel is just a cut above it. I plan on ordering several more of these reels since I fish with 8 to 10 rods most of the time. Currently I'm fishing the Wateree River and six rods is about the max you can handle in the river so I'll have six of these 6500C's behind the boat. We catch a fair number of 20 to 45 pound Blues and Flatheads and these reels are so smooth and extremely dependable. I would recommend them to anyone since they'll last you a lifetime.

Herb : This reel is awesome.

Absolutely no problems. Works like a charm and I'll probably buy a few others of this series throughout my life. AG is a great product.

Kyle R. Simmons : For Life

Been using Abu's for years. Have a pair of these on some good 'ol white ugly stik catfish 8 ft'ers for channel cats. I take care of my Abu's and they have never let me down. Should have these for many years to come. Great price on amazon.

Aaron tx : cant go wwrong

12 lb test line and a maching rated rod and you are ready to reel in the biggest redfish. bought one 10 years ago and it still works great. caught a many of reds on it. when an older reel broke on me there was no question, I replaced it with an ag 5500 . this is a reel you buy to last you a long time of fishing.

Robert B. Davin : Great reel! Super Value! :)

Strong as a little winch but as smoothe as silk. Truly a great reel with more than enough strength for heavy fish in inshore rivers.

Jorge : Five Stars

Recomendable

stanier : This is a class product

Notwithstanding the ability to help you catch fish this Swedish fishing reel is an example of excellence in engineering. As a professional engineer I respect the precision and selection of materials that goes into this model. Dont waste your time with Asian knock-offs. They may look pretty but you don't know what materials have been used.

It was great that Amazon sold a left hand reel as all my local fishing shops only had right hand models. This I found weird as a right handed fisherman holds his rod in the right hand for that s where the power is needed and uses the reel to recover line. There are more right hand people than lefties.

N. Seltzer : solid as a rock

I use this reel for salmon fishing on rivers in NW Washington. It was recommended to me by many generations of anglers. It is old school but works very well and is tough as nails. As always Amazon has the best price. For the money it is hard to find another reel with better quality. I am new to baitcasters and learning how to cast takes some time. It doesn't seem to be the best caster but there are ways to adjust the brake internally(lots of stuff online). This helped take some drag off casting ligter rigs. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a solid, long lasting reel who doesn't need tons of features.

S. Fassett : Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Series Rule!

Great reel works great for side drifting on river. I use it for Salmon steel head fishing on rivers in the great northwest. Not much more to say except every fisher person should have one of these reels in their arsenal.

Fishy McFisherson : Not worth the money...

There is nothing inherently wrong with this reel, but for $100, there are better baitcasters out there, particularly if you can wait and scrounge up another $50. I own this reel and am currently shopping for for an upgrade. As others have mentioned, if you are not doing alot of casting, just trolling and jigging, this is a great reel with smooth drag, and perfect for that application. However, this reel does not cast very smooth beyond about 50 feet. If you really need a smooth slinger, you will need to upgrade to a higher overall quality reel, like the Curado that another reviewer mentioned. Rod pairing will also have an impact on that as well. Good Luck!

S. Fassett : Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Series Rule!

Ashley : Great reel

It is exactly what I wanted.

John Black : Five Stars

fantastic reels. smooth and priced right.

FriedFish : Abu Garcia 5500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel, get one for yourself!

Lost my first 5500 to an overly aggressive jack a few weeks ago and since the first lasted for almost 20 years I figured why change. The new one is even smoother than the first and the first one never had to be professionally serviced. Get one of these reels for the long run!

Zepp : old school

I really enjoy casting with this reel. Very old school. It is built to last a lifetime if you maintain it. The drag is great and the bait clicker works well for catfishin'. You cant go wrong.

-VM : Nice Reel

Purchase for son who is an avid fisherman. He really liked how smooth it spun. He hasn't taken it fishing yet but he's one to spot something good and comment on it and he really liked this reel.

NICOLAS CARPENA : Excellent reel

This is an incredible reel. It is my first Abu Garcia and I am very happy about that. I fully recommend this product.

Eric Maldonado : Awesome reel

I have several Abu Garcia rods and reels. The 6500C3 is by far the best of the best. I paired it with a 7'3" Vendetta. Now, I fish 3 to 4 times a week, nailing 20-30 pound Red Drum, on the regular, and the power and performance are hands down the best on the market. I own every model, from the 4500 to the 7000, and am purchasing the 10000i this weekend. Happy fishing !

Deborah Atkins : Perfect Reel

I love these reels and had to purchase another before they remove the clicker like they have on some of their other models.

Got Here As Soon As I Could : great reel

Reel(s) works as advertised , use them for striper fishing on fresh water lakes in SC and GA . Once I got use to casting a baitcast reel vs the open faces I have used for years all good , great drag system all in all a quality reel . I do think they are more expensive then they should or could be which I did not top rate it , ie good deal but not great .

Susie : My friend had one and I liked it so I bought a reel like hers

My friend had one and I liked it so I bought a reel like hers

J.Bourne : Great reel!

I've been using this for several months and think it's a great reel. Truth be told, you're not going to have many problems with anything made by Abu Garcia. This reel is priced well and capable of bringing in large fish so it's a good medium ranged reel. No remorse!

mattthomas20 : Great reel for a good price, cant beat it

I would recommend this reel to anybody, Abu Garcia for life, and Lew's reels are great forever too. I found a deal on a nice baitcast rod that is valued at $50 and got it for $28 , I would recommend a combo like this to anybody.

Derick Dennis : Worth every penny!!!

Just got this in the and cannot wait to try it out this weekend. Doing some surf fishing in Sargent TX. This reel is everything that you could possible ask for. Large spool for plenty of line, big handle to help bring in the big ones and also love the bait clicker. Just some advice I bought 300 yards of 80lb suffix braid and probably over filled it to get the line on. So if you are going with braid you may want to try 65lb if you want to put 300yards without over filling it. Over all very satisfied and very excited. Third abu I've bought, also have two bcx 6600's. Cannot say enough about Abu's, they are work horses for sure!!

NICOLAS CARPENA : Excellent reel

This is an incredible reel. It is my first Abu Garcia and I am very happy about that. I fully recommend this product.

Deborah Atkins : Perfect Reel

I love these reels and had to purchase another before they remove the clicker like they have on some of their other models.

skuehnle : Seems like a very nice reel…

I purchased 2 reels back in early May 2014. I actually love the reel. It seems pretty well made and feels good in my hand. I already have caught a few big catfish and a few really nice sized stripers. But, only after using the reel for about two months, one of them is already have gear problems. I never misuse my reels and keep them clean. When I try to reel in…the gears lock up and will not let me reel in line until I press the button to disengage the reel and then re-engage. This may have just gotten a bad reel, but, I will now have to start using the second reel much more and see how long that lasts. I'm disappointed I finally found a nice compact size round bait cast reel with line clicker and I have doubts on the quality. I wouldn't have thought this problem from an Abu Garcia reel.

Nicolas T : Five Stars

Excelente Reel!!

Craig K : Great baitcasting reel

This is my first baitcasting reel. Very easy to use and very smooth. Highly recommended.

Anthony Shih : Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 round conventional reel

My first order was misplaced by courier name i-parcel and it was always the case when shipping with i-parcel.
I placed a new order for 2 reels and they arrived super fast by DHL shipping.

I mounted the reel on a Shimano Tiralejo medium fast rod at this stage a 3 ounce sinker when casted goes closer to the safety markers buoys
which I believe closer to 200 meters.

I have yet to catch a fish with this one and test how the drag works.

Ross Polk : GARBAGE!

Obviously Abu Garcia quality control is non existent! And Amazon will not take it back because it's been more that 30 days since I purchased it! Bought this reel on 4-20-2014 and today 6-1-2014 was my first chance to use it. First hook up and the reel seizes up! Completely SEIZES UP! I cannot move the handle at all! Took the reel apart after finding out that I cannot return in and found that the bearings are frozen solid! First USE!!! Very disappointed with Abu Garcia and Amazon return policy!

Andre Paixao : Good quality

Good quality product, I have used a few times for now and it works just fine. I got a few fishes using it. :-)

Thomas : Not what they use to be. sold out, parts made in china. doesnt even have made in sweden mark! Sad

Like everyone else, they sold out to china. The 7000ic3 doesn't even have made/assembled in Sweden mark on it anymore. It does have made in china mark on the back. I've been using abu Garcia reels for 20years and the quality is not what it use to be. If you don't believe me, they only carry a one year warranty now. They use to last ten years or more, now your lucky to get a few seasons out of one. You would think they would be cheaper, seeing that the parts are made in china.

tim hakenson : fantastic

made in sweden and works and feels great. this reel casts great and the drag does handle LARGE catfish with ease.

Craig K : Great baitcasting reel

This is my first baitcasting reel. Very easy to use and very smooth. Highly recommended.

Joe : Perfect !

How do you rate this product? perfect ! Thats it. !Abu Garcia 6500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel (3 Ball-Bearing...

Phi Tran : as described

I purchased one on amazon and it kept making a grinding noise when it was under pressure, adjusted drag and still had the problem. Bought one at cabelas and didnt have a problem. I guess I had a defective one. very smooth and casts very well.

Alsovain : WOW LOOK

I mean what is there to say about the best fishing reel ever i mean ever i have been useing these for years and i won't use any thing else. I have landed a 75 LB catfish with one so do i need to say any more. Just get one you won't be disappointed with it.

J. Willis : Musky/pike reel

Good fro musky or big pike. Good drag, enough line with these new hi tech thin lines for most application.

Steve P. : Great little reels

Great little reels just make sure you get the C3. They do sell a Ambassadeur 6500 that is a plastic piece of junk. I own 10 or so C3's is various models. They are great little reels. Have caught lots of trout, kokanee, salmon, stripers and even sturgeon on them. They are too small for sturgeon unless you are in a boat.
They have great drags and are my favorite kokanee and trout reels, especially the 4600's. I have pretty much given up on them for salmon. They work great but I have pretty much went to line counters and I am not a fan of the C3 line counters. Overall they are great little reels but it is getting harder and harder to get a good deal on one. $120 is a little steep and I think there may be better reels in the price range.

Thomas : Not what they use to be. sold out, parts made in china. doesnt even have made in sweden mark! Sad

Janet Romero : He loved them.

This was a Christmas gift for my great-nephew. They were shipped fast and he absolutely loved them.

Jason J. Siecke : Great Reel

I really like this reel and have had no problems with it. I like the brake on it and it really helps with the stinkin backlash. Also very nifty is the alarm that tells you something is on the hook while trolling. It holds plenty of line and has no trouble winding back in.

Jason Isaacson : Love the Abu C3

I typically fish for steelhead 45-60 days a year. If there is a salmon season I will fish another 15-20. An average size steelhead this far from the ocean (I live in NE Oregon) is around 6 pounds. Salmon run 15 pounds or better. I have fished my Abu Garcia automag 2-Speed for 18 years and have really enjoyed it. So when it gave up the gears this last fall I had to buy a replacement. I wanted a baitcast reel with a thumb bar for quick, one handed casts, a larger line capacity, and something that would be durable as well. I got a 6501 for Christmas, to fish the Chinook run and fell in love with it, but I wanted a smaller reel for steelhead and bass fishing, so I bought the 6501's little brother. It casts like a dream, even with less weight, it has a smooth drag and plays big fish nicely. I landed 6 steelhead on it my first day out, from 6 to 11 pounds, in moderate flows (around 550 CFS), and it performed flawlessly. The next week the river was coming down off a blow out and had settled around 700 CFS. The lower gear ratio was perfect for cranking in hard fighting fish in the heavier spring flows. It was a lot of fun to fish and I'm looking forward to using it for bass as well.

M. Seck : Great value for the money

Very reliable and built to last many years. Have owned two of these reels and used them for muskie fishing. I have made thousands of trouble free casts.

Nicolas T : Five Stars

Excelente Reel!!

Charles Jackson : Great reel for the money!

Its a great reel for the money, so far I have land a Drum and some Turtles on it.

Kindle Customer : Don't do it

I have owned these types of reels for years , never have I bought a reel that would not spool the line . Do not buy this china made reel.

J.Bourne : Great reel!

skuehnle : Seems like a very nice reel…

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