Abu Garcia C3 Species Special Baitcast Round Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes) review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Abu Garcia
Material	Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Catfish
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	0.75 Pounds
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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3 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing(6500 size)
2 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing (7000 size)
Carbon Matrix drag system
Extended bent handle
6 pin centrifugal brake

product description

product details

Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 15, 2020
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08J51768B

important information

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Questions about Abu Garcia C3 Species Special Baitcast Round Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes)

What is the difference between the C3-6500 and the c3-7000 catfish special?

Answer:

Answer: Main differences are. 6500 is Made in Sweden, not China like the 7000. The Swedish model is the better choice. The 7000 has more line capacity than the 6500, but is a little heavier and a little more bulky. I myself only use the Swedish built Abu Garcia’s. I’ve got a few that are 30 years old that I still use.

Answer: The 6500 is a fair bit smaller overall, the power handle is smaller as well. The bait clicker on the 6500 is on the top of the reel not on the side. Overall the 6500 is less bulky but feels a little cheaper. The 6500 also has a plastic piece to rest your thumb while casting that the 7000 does not. Both are really nice reels but I do prefer the 7000.

They both have the bait clicker right? Way he makes it sound is the 6500 doesn't only. The 7000..

Answer: I bought the 6500 but it was too small for my needs so I returned it.It did have a bait clicker though. You might want to take a look at the Daiwa saltist STTLWH-30 C LEVELWIND reel. Built like a tank and has a baitclicker. I love mine.

There is a catfish pro and a catfish special which are different reels. The picture shows a catfish special. Which is it?

Answer: I bought both the 6500 and the 7000. There both the catfish specials not the catfish pro.

Answer: This is the Catfish Special. You can look at Catfish Connection to see what the Catfish Pro looks like. The Catfish on the side of the pro is more detailed where as this reel the Catfish decal is just a white outline with the catfish being the same color as the side plates on the reel. As far as spec/gear ratio/drag go i didnt check to see the difference.

Answer: The catfish pro has better bearings and a better feel

Answer: This is the Catfish Pro

Can the 7000 take 30lb mono?

Answer: I'm sure 30lb would be fine. My 6500's are spooled with 25lb Big Game and cast well

Answer: Definitely, I’ve got 40lb on mine, and it’s got a lot on it, probably about 200yds, it’s a big reel

Can the reel handle be moved to the other side for Left handers?

Answer: Best bet when it comes to Abu Garcia reels is look for the slightly different model number for the left handed variations. The Abu Garcia reels in most cases will end in 00 for the right handed reels and 01 for their left handed versions if they have any, Example the 6500 is a right handed reeel(usually) where the 6501 would be a left handed reel. Same applies to 7000/7001. Id suggest looking for abu garcia 6501/70001 if you are looking for left handed reels.

Answer: You would have to get the 6501 for a left handed reel.

Answer: No

Is this 6500 C3 gear ratio 4.1.1 right?

Answer: The 7000 is 4.1:1 the 6500 is 5.3:1

Is the catfish special c3 7000 made in Sweden or China?

Answer: CHINA AND IT'S BUILT LIKE A TANK!! AWESOME REEL

Answer: China

Hi I´m going to go fishing from the coast and I need to trow between 100m(110y) and 150m (160y), can I achive it with this reel?

Answer: Your line size, length of pole and weight of lure are the main factor’s . I use a medium/heavy 7’6” whisker seeker pole, 30# mono with a 3oz. weight and my average cast is 50 to 75 yards. The distance your looking at you may need to use a spinning reel with a 12’ pole.

Answer: I purchased this reel for catfishing down the Amazon, so can't really answer your question. However, having done quite of bit long distance shore casting a number of years ago, I believe it is possible if you removed the level wind and the brake blocks.

Answer: I have the 6500 and love it. Want to buy 5 more at some point. I can get that distance with it. Set the break right and have a heavy weight you should have no problem getting that with it! Good luck!

Answer: Yes

Is this the reel showed in the picture?

Answer: The reel in the picture is the 7000 model. The 6500 model looks completely different. The same pic shows for either style you choose which is very misleading and I have reported this discrepency.

Answer: Yes, it is the reel. I just got back from a fishing trip and it worked very well. I mainly wanted the bait click feature so I could hear when a fish was pulling out the line. Worked great!

Answer: thanks danny, i look forward to making the purchase

Is there a left handed version?

Answer: YES

Is the real ratio 5:3:1 ? Or 4:3:1

Answer: 5:3:1

Answer: It depends on the model

does this reel have a clicker?

Answer: Yes, it does have a clicker.

Is this the Catfish Special?

Answer: No the catfish special is ornge

Answer: No I couldn't get that one. Nobody has it. This is the stripper reel. Catfish reel is or was orange this one is blue.

Answer: No, it's the Catfish Pro

Answer: Only me have this Item none of my doesn't have it.

Would this work good for useing 40 ln mono from the bank on 7ft rod what lead sizes should i go with would my cast be any good what do i do ?

Answer: I use the 6500 and the 7000 c3 on 7’ ugly sticks with 50 berkley big hame hi viz Solor mono. from the bank it will cast around 120 to 150 feet with a Carolina rig and 5 oz sinker. Great reels. No problems have 5 of them for 3 years and I fish o er 100 days a year.

Answer: No good from bank. Especially with 7 foot rod. There is a good review on youtube from a fella i_fish

Answer: YES. Lead size depends on current speed.

Hola, me interesa, puedes enviar a Argentina, que garantía tengo que el producto me llegue?

Answer: I only know English.

Is this reel a rocket?

Answer: No it is not the 6500 catfish is the same as a 6500c3 and the 7000 catfish is the same as 7000c3 but more like a 7000 rocket than the 6500

Answer: NO IT'S A C3

Answer: Yes it is

Which one cased the furthest c3 6500, or 7000

Answer: I own 3 6500's and a 7000 I don't see much difference in the casting. THE 7000 's ARE MADE IN CHINA , BUT YOU GET THE SAME ABU QUALITY NOTHING LESS !!!

Answer: 6500 does! The 7000 is junk, made from China and is only good to troll with then throw in the lake !

Answer: It depends on the size of fishing line. And the length of the rod. And the size of weight your throwing.

What is the line capacity of the 6500?

Answer: Depends on the test of line. But either way they hold a ton. Especially my record HC.

Answer: It holds 310 yards of 30 lb braided line or 320 yards of 12 lb mono

Right or left hand?

Answer: Left hand only . Not interchangeable

Answer: Right handed

Answer: The handle is on the right side of the reel.

Answer: Right

Is this available in a left handed version?

Answer: Yes

Does this reel have a bait clicker?

Answer: 6000 and up do

I have the 6500 wanting to get the 7000 and have found some are made in China? My 6500 says made in Sweden only way abu should have them made.

Answer: I GOT THE 7000 CATFISH SPECIAL AND IT'S BUILT LIKE A TANK ( MADE IN CHINA) YOU GET THE SAME QUIALTY AS THE ONES MADE IN SWEDEN. NOTHING LESS

Answer: China reels arent near as solid as the Sweden reels period

Answer: They still have all the same rigorous standards for the reels.

Answer: What's the question

Can the catfish version be used for salt water fishing? Mahi Mahi, false albi and the likes of that?

Answer: Yes, I use these style for shoreline fishing papio and ulua in Hawaii. It would work for Mahi Mahi and false albi. Prolly not so well for larger Ahi though if you're in deep water.

Answer: Yes, I suppose so, but have never tried. Only fishing from the boat though - not distance casting from the shore.

Where is Garcia C3-6500 made Sweden?

Answer: According to the info I received it is made in Sweden

I heard these reels are made in china i thought they were made in sweden. i want to buy one but not if made in china how do i know before purchasing

Answer: Yes they are made in China. I bought a silver c3 and it is already making noise when casting. I bought the catfish special and it is fine. Personally I would recommend just going with the 6500 c3 because they are all made in sweden. I own five 6500 and not a problem in three years. The two 7000’s I bought this year are a disappointment. The 6500’s will handle most anything you hook. If you want more line capacity then I would look at a penn or Shimano.

Answer:

Answer: I believe these are made in China, do a search in the questions.

Answer: Mine was manufactured in Sweden

Is this reel made in sweeden?

Answer: Yes

Answer: definitely yes

can the c3 7000 be used for carp?

Answer: It is my main carp fishing reel. Love it!

What is the line capacity of the 6500?

Answer: Depends on the test of line. But either way they hold a ton. Especially my record HC.

Answer: It holds 310 yards of 30 lb braided line or 320 yards of 12 lb mono

What is the difference between this and a normal 6500C3?

Answer: Bigger crank ..

Answer: Also a regular c3 doesn't have a magnetic braking system, this one however appears to.

Answer: It has a power handle. Great reel I have 2 and I really like them

Answer: It has the power handle and the engraving in it. Otherwise it's the same.

Is this Sweden made or China made??

Answer: The 6500's are made in Sweden and the 7000's are made in China but you still get the same Abu quality nothing less.

Answer: Sweden

where is this reel made?

Answer: The 6500 is made in Sweden, the 7000's are made in China BUT YOU GET THE SAME ABU QUALITY I own 3 6500's and a 7000. SAME QUALITY NOTHING LESS.

Answer: It’s made in Uranus .

Where is the C3-7000 made?

Answer: 6500 made in Sweden 7000 made in china

Answer: In a shop over the big hill next to the willow tree that has one branch, you cant miss it.

How much braided line can it hold and does it cast well with braided ?

Answer: I have mono on mine . Did you read to see how much braid it holds ????!!!!!!!!

Answer: Depends on how heavy the line is.

So the 6500 willbring in a 60-85 pound cat?

Answer: Yes more than definitely, and your still have fun! The 7000 is if you don’t like fishing and just want to skip it across the water!

Answer: Yes,with the right line,and with the drag set right.

Answer: No I only use it for catching halibut

Answer: I would jump up to a 7000.

Answer: Without a problem.

Hola. estoy interesado en el producto. quisiera saber si es nuevo, y si el envio a new york es gratuito. estoy necesitando que llegue el dia 2/12

Answer: It depends, how many questions are you talking about.

So it's $90.00 more than a regular C3 7000 for orange paint and a power handle?

Does it have a clicker on it?

Answer: yes.

Why can't i find a left hand retrieve abu garcia 6600 c4

Answer: I think the 6601 C4 is the left hand retrieve model.

Answer: Maybe because you can’t read !!!!!

Does it will fit with okuma battle cat catfish spinning rods ???

Answer: Did you mean to say casting rod? Sure, the 6500's series of reels will fit it. I fitted my battle cat with a 7000 series reel and put the 6500 CFS on a whisker seeker rod.

Answer: It won't fit a spinning rod, but it will however fit any casting rod.

Answer: Yes it will fit any bait casting rod

Answer: It should but im not 100 percent sure. Fit the whisker seeker very well

Is this right handed and are these made in Switzerland

Answer: Yes to both

Answer: Yes and yes.

Would this be good for trolling with 20 lb mono? I'm looking for a good multi purpose trolling reel. I'm trolling for kokanee and walleye. macks too

Answer: Yes I think. It work out find,she mine for trolling for stripers,and salmon.

Answer: I would go with 5500 or 6500.

Is it made in sweden or china , please dont give me I think so answer

Answer: According to this forum (link below), the C3's are still made in Sweden but I can't speak for their level of knowledge nor can I independently verify at the present time. My reel is at my vacation home on the lake. I will be there this weekend and see if I can find something in the literature that accompanied the reel. I will update this weekend.

Answer: The c3 6500 is made in sweeden. The 7000 is made in china

Answer: this is a 7000c3 which is made in China and the 6500c3 are made in Sweden

Answer: If you don't want the "think so" answer, you could easily either google it or go to abu's web site. The one depicted is the 7000 model and that one is made in China. Does that answer your question?

Answer: Made in Sweden. States it on the back of the box.

Answer: The box says "Made in Sweden".

Other than the power handle and the color, is there any other differences between this reel and the regular C3 6500?

Answer: Other then those two things, it's the same reel as a regular C3 6500.

Answer: Same reel. Just a special edition with power handle and orange with catfish logo

Answer: Nope

What makes this reel catfish specific - rather than some other baitcaster in the $150-200 price range?

Answer: It’s strong it has 20 pounds of drag Very good quality carbon matrix drag is amazing it’s a bit of a bigger reel so if your not after big flatheads or blues and usually just catch channels I would go with a 6500 they are great for small fish as well the bigger trophy size fish

Answer: It’s just a special edition.

Can I order the 6500 in left handed?

Answer: Yes order 6501 which makes it left handed

How many yards of 50 pound braid can it hold?

Answer: Lol lots! I use 130 pound and get about 100 yards on.

Answer: A lot, I put 250 yards of 80# on mine. Usually split a spool of 500 yards on 2 reels.

Answer: At least about 300 yards

How many yards of 80 lb braided line can it hold ty ?

Answer: I can put 150 yards of 65Lb PowerPro on 6500, my guess would be around 250-300 yards on 7000.

Answer: Sorry I am not sure. I am using mono line. Ty

Answer: What does it say it holds ? READ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer: 150 yrds

Answer: I have no clue .

Does it made in Sweden or China?

Answer: The 6500 are made in Sweden and 7000 are made in China. I have 2 x 6500 C3's and the 7000 C3's are better in my mind. I now own 4 of the 7000's.

Answer: This reel was made in China.

Answer: I believe they're made in china but not 100% certain.. I have 3 of them and they are great reels..

Answer: Mine was made in Sweden. Definitely holds up to the test as I pulled in a 65 lb cat no problems whatsoever.

Whats the max line lb for this reel

Answer: 130lb braid

how bigdoes abu garcia get

Answer: They used to have an Abu Garcia 10000

Answer: The catfish special maxes out at a 7000 series C7500

Product reviews of Abu Garcia C3 Species Special Baitcast Round Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes)

Patrick M Wheeler : Made in Sweden

Gold standard for cat reels

faron gilbreath : Great for big gar

Love the reel, very durable and holds up to these east tx trinity river gar pretty well.

Amazon Customer : Striper madness

Use 6500-c3 for Striper fishing,have used Abu Garica for 45yrs.For the money nothing better or more durable.

Roger : It's every bit an abu just a little one

I like the reel very much its just not what i though it was i fish for 70+ catfish and i don't think this reel is up to the task but it is smooth and strong, ill just use it for smaller fish thinking about getting a kastking rover 70

Brent Ashley : Great quality reel!

Great quality as expected from Abu Garcia. Smooth, easy casting reel. Used it a handful of times already and zero complaints. No issues handling some stubborn catfish. Preferred the 6500 over the 7000 due to the 7000 being made in China vs the 6500 in Sweden. Love the orange coloring that makes it stand out from the rest as well.

Dhodge1694 : Wrong

I am a big fan of abu products but this is not what it looks like in the description! Highly disappointed

Shop-o-holic : ????????

????????

Smallz : ????

????

Brent Ashley : Great quality reel!

Dhodge1694 : Wrong

I am a big fan of abu products but this is not what it looks like in the description! Highly disappointed

Carrie Carter : Gears broke the first time I used it.

I purchased this during the winter looking forward to using it in the spring. The first time that I used it the gears were grinding. I am contacting the manufacturer to see about replacement/repair. It is a solid reel, but apparently I got a dud.

Jamie r Phillips : Pretty but not so much performance-wise.

Very sensitive and I must say I'm disappointed. Got my girlfriend a cascading Royal. It outperforms and never gets bird nest. This sturdy rock is beautiful to look at but that's about it in my opinion. What a waste of a 170 plus dollars. Going to give it more time but not so confident! Spent more time trying to fix it then use it! I will update after pre-spawn for catfish...

Anthony A. Baird : Not The Correct Reel

Product in ad was the 6500 c3 catfish special, i received the 7000 c3 catfish special instead. its a nice reel but entirely too big for the rod and setup I also purchased tor a fishing trip this weekend.

Robert Naugle : It was Well worth the price!

Bought as a gift for my son he loves it!

Justin : Been good so far!

Really like this reel so far. Haven’t hooked anything with it bigger than a few pounds but it has worked great!

JailFixer : Great product.

Everything I've always liked about Abu still holds true. Perfection.

Ebee : Yes!

Husband loves

Night Rider : To much power

Love the reel but the power handle is to big!

Patrick M Wheeler : Made in Sweden

Gold standard for cat reels

Carroll e. Greene : Catfish beware !

Nothing about this reel to dislike. Love it !

Monster Trophy Catfish : The yellow rod and orange reel do look good together. Would I buy more Catfish Specials

I'm a fan of the Abu 7000 C3's for trophy catfishing. The "Catfish Special" is the same thing as the normal 7000 C3, except the orange color and the artwork (engraved catfish). They both have the same number of bearings, same gear ratio and same spool capacity. In fact you can save some money by buying the chrome version over the catfish special. All Abu Garcia 7000's are made in China.

I have my catfish special mounted on a Catfish Warrior rod. The yellow rod and orange reel do look good together. Would I buy more Catfish Specials? Maybe if the price was closer to the chrome 7000 C3.

I will try and post pics of the "7000 C3" and the "7000 C3 Catfish Special" specs from their respective boxes so that you can see the only difference is color/artwork and price...

Marc Gillman : Got advice? Not taking line up.

I love abu garcia catfish baitcasters. This one reel i received will not take line up. Tightened drag still nothing. I let the window for return/exchange close waiting on rod i ordered. I will get it fixed and be a happy camper. Thanks abu.

ROGERS J HORNSBY : Abu C3

Lots of people told me it was made in China. Mine came and it’s made in sweden

Marc Ohms : solid reel

I got this reel primarily for fishing for catfish and carp. I have it spooled with 17 pound mono line and can cast it a mile!- further than my spinning setup of same size. It handles fish great with a great drag. This is my first baitcasting reel and it took me a bit to get use to it but once I did I really like it. A solid built reel and high quality!

WES45601 : Should be a great reel

Be careful ordering. You might purchase needless "warranty" .Bad on Amazon. I don't purchase extended (outside) warranties. Amazon says I did. No. I'll pay up on a product but I refuse to purchase BS. Judge Judy would ask if you were Stupid?

Amazon Customer : good equipment.

good bait casting reel.

Carroll e. Greene : Catfish beware !

Nothing about this reel to dislike. Love it !

Dustin C Bullard : Excellent

You won’t find a better reel in this price range.
Excellent quality.

Jeff Budnik : Whoa! Super smooth

Smooth... just freaking smooth.. sweet reel

Kenny Wheat : Great Reel

Bullet proof reels and as an OK State grad I can't complain about the color.

Jeff Budnik : Whoa! Super smooth

Smooth... just freaking smooth.. sweet reel

Michael : great for catfish. not too heavy

this is a nice reel. quite good quality. not too heavy. great for catfish

Night Rider : To much power

Love the reel but the power handle is to big!

Alicia D. : Amazing

It says for catfish but it was used for sturgeon and did amazing the 80 lb line wasn't enough for the fish but the real was. I want another but the price went up, worth it though

Chuck Courtouise : 4.5 out of 5

Reel seemed really dry when I got it out of box . Not enough lubrications from factory.
After I lubricated the reel and worked it for 20 minutes or so it was fine . Been good ever since

Kcom : great reel!

if you put braid line be sure to first put a little monofilament or the spool will slip. it’s a great reel after i learned this. ordered another one

Edward Wick : The AR-15 of fishing reels.

I have been wanting to take one of these reels out ( I have the 7000, and the 6500 ) but the flood conditions continue.
I have a few Abu Garcia reels, and this is one of the nicest. No upgrades needed. If you are mechanically inclined the C3 and C4 family of reels are all you need. Easy to take down, repair, or upgrade. Kind of like the AR-15 of fishing reels. As I said; this reel ( 6500 ) needs no upgrades.
The 7000, this reel is a freshwater beast. Big, heavy, and feels more like a hand held wench then a fishing reel. Can't wait to put it to work.
If you know what you are doing, and want a catfish reel that looks nice and will last a lifetime of fishing this is the reel for you.
For now, with all the flood water around, I am stuck fishing Carp in lakes with a 5600 C4 with 2 highbread Boca bearings ( 6+1 In all ). This reel will send a 2oz 60 Yards with little effort.

Smallz : ????

????

Dan : Elite Craftsmanship!!!

Absolutely Stunning!

Ernestine Horgan : catfish reel

excellent

Kenny Wheat : Great Reel

Bullet proof reels and as an OK State grad I can't complain about the color.

Michael : What can you say it's a (ABU) :)

This reel is just awesome cast like a dream handles cats with ease looks great smooth drag

Paul Bolyard : Should have bought one sooner

Works well on the catfish

reAl reviewer jon.g : Clicker is plastic

9/10 cliker botton made of plastic.

Smallz : ????

????

Laurie Smith : No ability to let line out under pressure

When you put pressure on the line, you can’t get more line. Reel doesn’t release line.

Monster Trophy Catfish : The yellow rod and orange reel do look good together. Would I buy more Catfish Specials

Amazon Customer : Striper madness

Use 6500-c3 for Striper fishing,have used Abu Garica for 45yrs.For the money nothing better or more durable.

Amazon Customer : Super cast

3rd one i bought my favorite reel ever

Erik E. : False advertisement

Wrong reel different than the one in the picture

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you