@BadassBob...that was very enjoyable, did you notice that he had the reel turned 90 degrees to the water while casting?
I was told to do this many years ago to maximize the casting distance. It works!
Something about casting with the reel handle up is said to minimize chances of a backlash from what I was taught.
I thought that's what your thumb is for...
@BadassBob
where do you get the parts?
My 1500 needed to have its aluminum gearing replaced a bunch of years ago. I replaced with bronze gears, and did the bearing as well.
I love the color on that Catfish Special, I think it's Sunset Orange IIRC. Like you, I have the itch to fish beyond belief lol.I picked 2 new Abu's. The red one with leather case is from 1970. The blue is a new 6600C4 and the goldish one is a 6500C3 Catfish Special. When the weather gets right I will be ready.
Finally, the parts have arrived to make my 4500CS Rocket into it's namesake. Aluminum thumb rest, speed bearing, double bearing level wind, double bearing idler gear, and some light weight fiber brake blocks. It free spools like crazy, should be great for throwing lighter baits. I took the bearing count from 2 to 7. C'mon spring!