Abu Garcia Cardinal Fixed Spool Sea Fishing Reels

My first spinning reels was an ABU CARDINAL 50. It was a very durable reel and lasted years of sea fishing by my brother on the Isle of Man before it ever got to me.

I believe it has been dropped down more cliffs than you would have thought possible. It still works to this day and I would never part with it as it landed my PB Bass at 9LB 6OZ

I guess because of the outstanding durability of my Cardinal, when I got a few quid together I went out and bought another…. Again I am very pleased with this sea fishing reel. Its very well engineered, with no play and instant anti-reverse. Under pressure it works very well. I prefer the rear drag systems, just personal preference.

Anyway here is a brief run down of the Abu Cardinal range,

• Abu Cardinal 100 series - 5 bearings, the largest one holds 250 yds of 12lb line
• Abu Cardinal 170 series - Designed for saltwater, with stainless steel components. 4 bearings, gear ratio of 5.1:1, the largest one holding 325 yds of 20lb line
• Abu Cardinal 300 series - Instant anti-reverse. 5.1:1 ratio the largest holding 210 yds of 10lb line
• Abu Cardinal 500 ALB series - designed for saltwater use. 10 bearings with 5.1:1 gear ratio, holding 250 yards 12lb line. Multi disc drag system to manage your double figure Bass!!
• Abu Cardinal 600 ALBi series - 7 bearings, 5.1:1 gear ratio holding 250yds of 12lb line. Ideal for saltwater use with a Carbon matrix front drag.
• Abu Cardinal 700 LX series - built to last! saltwater reel. 7 high quality bearings, 5.1:1 gear ratio holding 250yds 17lb line. Carbon matrix drag.

There are lots of other models still out there which I have not mentioned here. If you own another model of Abu Sea Reels and would like to share you thoughts about it please comment on this post. Also, if you are interested in a particular model, then please ask and lets see if we can find you some help regarding the Abu Cardinal sea fishing range.

image: simon peckham