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

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

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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

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

Q:

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.

Q:

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.

Q:

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.

Q:

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.

Q:

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

Q:

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

Q:

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.

Q:

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.

Q:

dose this modle come in rigt

Q:

Why can I not received it to my Arizona adress ?

Q:

Do they have in red

Q:

What is the warranty on this item?

Q:

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.

Q:

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.

Q:

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

Q:

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.

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.

gelrod : quality basics

Good to see that the trusted ABU product is still at high standards. The week after receiving caught a 40+ redfish. Reel worked flawlessly. I learned to throw a level wind with a Garcia 40years ago, but there are more forgiving reels out now.

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!

John Black : Five Stars

fantastic reels. smooth and priced right.

Dennis Murphy : Great reel, great price

Sturdy reel I have been using for salmon fishing. Easy to cast even for a first time. Loaded it up with 30# test braid and have been using it constantly since. Comes with oil for maintenance which is nice as well.

Ryan B : abu garcia 6500c3 ambassadeur c3 baitcast round reel 3 ball bearing gear.

i love these reel it has caught me many of fish and if these every wears out i getting a new one.

hog182 : Slaying Catfish with 6500C3

I love to tight line for Channel cats and I do it old school. No special rigs, a hook a sinker and bait.
I have always used cheap reels and they would wear out pretty fast with big fish.
I decided to take a chance on the 6500C3 even though I have never used a baitcast before.
Wow! What an amazing reel. One reviewer mentioned returning it because of the backlash. That's all about the user. After a few cast I had it down pretty good and have had no major problems with backlash.
I've had a few occasions when I had to adjust the drag while reeling in a fish. It's a piece of cake with this reel.
The reel is very strong and smooth. The only problem I have is it is too smooth. If I leave the reel "open" and a fish takes it, the line comes off so smooth that the pole doesn't move. That's easily fixed by turning on the bite alert.
I'm getting ready to order another one.
If your willing to try it and practice with it, I don't think you can beat this reel.

Garry Yeager : One Reel That Every Fisherman Should Have In Their Fishing Supplies

This is a reel you can use with almost any type of fishing a person wants to do. An outstanding reel that is well designed and built.

Jdoles : Don't get me wrong but...

These are great reels so please do not mistake the one star in regards to quality, but why would you ever pay 200$ for a reel that you can buy retail for 110$. This is insanity, who cares if it is sent from Japan - it is made in Sweden (just like the over the counter abu c3 sold for 110). It's not a japan exclusive which can be far superior in the case of some daiwa, etc.

Fede_ : Four Stars

Great value for money. Simple baitcasting reel but very reliable

SevereWX : Bulletproof Performance

My Abu-Garcia 6500-C3 has been going strong for over 15 years now without any problems. It's just as strong and smooth as the day I bought it.

The reel is built with quality, durability, and ruggedness in mind. Handling it lets you know that you're holding a reel that won't let you down. I've winched in some huge channel cats on this reel without any problems. It handles everything from light monofilament to heavy braids with equal ease. Casting is smooth and trouble free so long as you do your part, and retrieval is just as smooth.

The only area of improvement that the reel could use is to upgrade the drag discs. Though the drag is fairly smooth, it could use some extra smoothing out and more hold when cranked all the way down. This is not a big deal as upgraded drag discs are readily available, and it's best to change out the drag washers every year or two anyways.

Eric M. Jennings : Great, sturdy reel.

This is a very nice and sturdy reel. While I haven't perfected casting, I've still gotten some very nice casts with this reel.

As with any baitcaster, backlash is a problem - but I have had only one instance where I wasn't able to untangle the backlash.

Great reel, I'd definitely recommend it.

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!

Richard Stade : Built for a lifetime of fishing!!!!

I own three of these reels. The first one I bought 30 years ago and used it for bass fishing. I then went out and bought 2 more for a saltwater fishing trip 20 years ago. the 30 year old reel still works and casts smoothly and it is mounted on a 6 foot Berkly Lightning Rod. The other two are mounted on Bass Pro Shops 7 ft medium casting rods and are used mainly for catfishing. I couldn't believe how much the have gone up in price, but what ever price they are, you will only have to pay it once. These reels last forever and are simple to tear down and clean. The only difference between these reels and it's bigger brother the 6500c is line capacity and price. So unless you are fishing for Marlin or Sailfish, theis reel will suit your purposes!!

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 !

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.

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.

Jeremy : Good reel

Would have given it 5 stars if it was still made in Sweden but overall it's still a great reel. Was a little hesitant to order because the description didn't say it was a 7000i C3 and I've been misguided before by descriptions. However it is the 7000i C3 so we're good to go.

Loaded the reel with 300yds of 50lb braided line and it has room to spare. Took a couple casts to get it tuned with the weight I was using but after that it casted fine. I paired it with an Ugly Stik Tiger Lite and it's a match made in heaven. I haven't got to hear it sing yet from the larger fist but from what I've go so far it's done a great job. Might have to order another to have a matching set.

I'd recommend anyone looking for a hardworking reel for a great price.

Fede_ : Four Stars

Great value for money. Simple baitcasting reel but very reliable

BT : Good reels

I use these reels for salmon fishing. I think I have 7 different ones. I still use c3's and c4's that are over 15 years old. I just clean them up at the end of the season. Clean out any grit and lubricate, just need to change the ' Paul' every 2-3 years. That's it.

Spooky D : Does what it done do and did it well.

I'm a noob to baitcasters; been using spinners my whole life but I dig this reel. Casts nice, easy and far with minimal effort. I filled it with 15lb mono using 3/4 ounce weights. Bird nested it real nice once but that was just user error. Still getting used to these things.

The only thing I don't like about the reel is the switch for the bait clicker. It is the only part that feels weak and partly because it is made out of plastic and partly because it is a little wobbly. I do a lot of shore fishing and I feel like if I accidentally dropped my rod onto some rocks this would be the first thing to break.

Other than the bait clicker switch it feels solid overall. I don't see this thing breaking any time soon. I did a bunch of research on this reel and finally decided to drop my dough on it when I saw a video on youtube of some guy rebuilding a C3 his friend found at the bottom of a lake. The guy did a minimal part replacement if any and just cleaned and lubed a reel that was sitting at the bottom of a lake for ages.

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 .

Fede_ : Four Stars

Great value for money. Simple baitcasting reel but very reliable

CeeZer : Very good reel for the money.

I got one thru Amazon when it was $98 and that's the most I'd pay for it. The reel is a backup to another 6501 that is about 10 years old now. As a backup rod I got Okuma Celilo, also thru Amazon; very nice rod for the money ($50).
Older reel was bought at Walmart back in the day at $68 on sale. Honestly, I feel the older reel was better built, a bit smoother and better drag control. It looks a bit different too.
Both reels landed me a few salmon and they are pretty good reels for my use. If I wanted to spend more, I'd go with Shimano Calcutta 400 series or Daiwa Luna 253 or 300 series.

I too don't really get it why 6501 is called 'lefty' (and other reels with handles on left side) as I cast with rod in right hand and retrieve with left hand, as normal right handed person would do.

tim hakenson : fantastic

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

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.

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!!

Rock Man : Excellent

I had one of these for over 25 years. But lost it in the lake. So when I saw this reel on amazon I bought it with out question. I have never had any problems with this reel. To me it looks good and feels strong. Works well and I've never had any problems with it.

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.

Catfish Fever : Happy Catfisherman

I purchased 3 of these for one of my Catfishing friends, who was just getting started Catfishing. I personnaly have never used one, but, watching him, it's obvious he's very satisfied. He has no trouble casting out just under 100yds, using braid and a 4 ounce sinker. Never heard a single complaint from him, cept when his occasional ineptitude causes a severe snarl in the line, his response is better not printed ;-).

Eric M. Jennings : Great, sturdy reel.

This is a very nice and sturdy reel. While I haven't perfected casting, I've still gotten some very nice casts with this reel.

As with any baitcaster, backlash is a problem - but I have had only one instance where I wasn't able to untangle the backlash.

Great reel, I'd definitely recommend it.

Ryan B : abu garcia 6500c3 ambassadeur c3 baitcast round reel 3 ball bearing gear.

i love these reel it has caught me many of fish and if these every wears out i getting a new one.

tim hakenson : fantastic

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

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!

Mark combs : Won't do business again.

Would have been a great deal other than the reel did not work. When I took it to a tackle shop, they said it had a busted drive gear. Thanks a lot guys. Won't be back.

Nicolas T : Five Stars

Excelente Reel!!

Rita Quick : For my fisherman son

My son loves this reel. He fishes all the time in ponds, lakes and rivers. Wanted it for catfish and he says it is the best reel he owns!

PinMd : The absolute perfect left hand bait caster!

I own two 6501c3's and have just ordered a third. I use mine exclusively for surf fishing. A very wise man told me to spool these with about 100yds of 20lb braid then attach the 17lb suffix mono with a alberto knot. a pretty neat way to ekk out some extra line capacity. The other thing I do to mine is eliminate the level wind. You can buu a cnversion bar on line several places that goes in place of the level wind worm gear and cover. Talk about casting a country mile!!!

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.

hog182 : Slaying Catfish with 6500C3

I love to tight line for Channel cats and I do it old school. No special rigs, a hook a sinker and bait.
I have always used cheap reels and they would wear out pretty fast with big fish.
I decided to take a chance on the 6500C3 even though I have never used a baitcast before.
Wow! What an amazing reel. One reviewer mentioned returning it because of the backlash. That's all about the user. After a few cast I had it down pretty good and have had no major problems with backlash.
I've had a few occasions when I had to adjust the drag while reeling in a fish. It's a piece of cake with this reel.
The reel is very strong and smooth. The only problem I have is it is too smooth. If I leave the reel "open" and a fish takes it, the line comes off so smooth that the pole doesn't move. That's easily fixed by turning on the bite alert.
I'm getting ready to order another one.
If your willing to try it and practice with it, I don't think you can beat this reel.

hog182 : Slaying Catfish with 6500C3

I love to tight line for Channel cats and I do it old school. No special rigs, a hook a sinker and bait.
I have always used cheap reels and they would wear out pretty fast with big fish.
I decided to take a chance on the 6500C3 even though I have never used a baitcast before.
Wow! What an amazing reel. One reviewer mentioned returning it because of the backlash. That's all about the user. After a few cast I had it down pretty good and have had no major problems with backlash.
I've had a few occasions when I had to adjust the drag while reeling in a fish. It's a piece of cake with this reel.
The reel is very strong and smooth. The only problem I have is it is too smooth. If I leave the reel "open" and a fish takes it, the line comes off so smooth that the pole doesn't move. That's easily fixed by turning on the bite alert.
I'm getting ready to order another one.
If your willing to try it and practice with it, I don't think you can beat this reel.

gelrod : quality basics

Good to see that the trusted ABU product is still at high standards. The week after receiving caught a 40+ redfish. Reel worked flawlessly. I learned to throw a level wind with a Garcia 40years ago, but there are more forgiving reels out now.

ddshaker : The best

For a level wide reel I don't think, for the price, you will find anything much better. It's non my favorite reel especially for trolling.

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.

federico w. : Five Stars

Great

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.

Mick : Ambassadeur 6500 C3

Brilliant reel. Exactly as advertised by amazon.
Good price, good service, nice quick delivery from amazon, as usual.

The reel itself is solid and well made, made in sweden like all good ambassadeurs.
Easy to use, easy to cast and big enough for some decent sized fish.

A dream to fish with!

Definately recommended!

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.

William George : Great Reel.

Great reel. Highly recommended

Nicolas T : Five Stars

Excelente Reel!!

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

Product overview

product features

product description

product details

important information

Questions about ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel

how do you use it?

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

how to get parts like the crank handle?

Is the embassadeur c3 good for salt water?

Is the warranty valid when purchasing it online through amazon?

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

what the max line #

where is it made?

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?

what max line #on 6500c

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

Does 6500c3 have a clicker setting?

Product reviews of ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel