Abu Garcia ABU AMB.5501 Striper

The round body and star drag give a traditional, direct feel through the palm, with the Bakelite dual-point centrifugal brake needing a hands-on touch to smooth out the spool's spin-up on the cast, rewarding practice with longer, more controlled casts than a modern magnetic-braked reel would typically require from a beginner.

A classic reissue suited to general bass, catfish and freshwater round-reel casting from bank or boat, and equally at home with collectors and classic-tackle anglers who want a faithful reissue of the original Striper decals, drag system and 1979-blueprint styling rather than the latest low-profile technology.

The 5.3:1 gear ratio, giving 65cm of line per handle turn, suits a steady, direct retrieve rather than a fast one; the drag is set before the cast and left largely alone through the fight, in keeping with the reel's classic mechanical design and the simplicity that defines the whole Ambassadeur lineage.

Pair with a matching-power casting rod in the medium to medium-heavy range and 12-20lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line, stepping up to heavier fluorocarbon or braid with a short leader when fishing around dock pilings, sunken timber or other cover that a hooked fish might use.