I bought this used 5000 (year of manufacture unknown) for $7.00 in 1975 from a friend needing gas money. I paired it up with a Lew's Speed Stick pistol-grip rod. After many years of bass and backlashes, I retired the rod and reel. It has now come out of retirement and is being used by my 3-year-old grandson to fish in the dog's water dish.

Jim Bowles
Dardanelle, Arkansas

Does your Abu Garcia reel have some mileage? Then why not enter it in the Abu Garcia For Life! contest? Show us your "classic" or well-used Abu and you might win a new one. Click here to submit a picture of the reel, as well as a detailed story or two about its history. Entries must include a photo of the reel and are judged each month based on content, detail and theme.

For technical questions or problems with entry submissions, send an email to editorial@bassfan.com.