Sacrelige speak my friend. The 5000 series are more of a bass sized reel. If you’re going after trophy sized catfish get a 7000 sized reel and drop in carbontex washers and move that handle over. If you’re not happy with that reel send it to me! 😂 Another option would be a Daiwa Sealine 47H or 50H. You’re not wrong the 5000 series is not designed to handle heavy lures and fish that size.
My point was that there is not a real difference from a factory 5000 to a factory 7000 other than line capacity. They don’t cast heavy baits well, they don’t have strong drag, they do last forever and have great parts support.
@@HookandBulletOutdoors I’ve been working on these reels for a long time the older models were really good and gears were made of metal. But don’t take it too hard I’m just messing with you 🤣. The good thing about these reels is that you can at least find after market parts and really sup them up. 🆙. I’m going to share a secret with you guys to make it cast as far as you can. Take the spool out. Now take the finest sandpaper that you can find like 2000 to 3000 grit and sand the side shafts on the spool. This removes any rough tool marks from the factory. Next take 0000 steel wool and polish those spool side shafts. Finally rub the spool shafts with metal polish like brass. Put a few drops of Remington gun oil. It has PTFE in it and make sure you oil your bearings. If your Abu comes with brass bushing, you will need to replace them with bearings. Now when you cast try for the country mile on your reel! And you really want to notch it up, remove the worm gear and line guide from your reel. Then you can really maximize your casting distance. But you will have to hand wind your line.
As for the drag make sure that your factory drag washers are dry. Don’t get oil or grease on them. I found out the hard way. You will notice a big difference.
