I started bass fishing when I was 10 and the 5000 was my first open-face reel. I used that reel for over 29 years fishing for bass, redfish and speckled trout. I lost count of how many fish I caught on that reel. As the years passed and I would purchase a new 5500 every year, I would always come back to the 5000 and use it more than the new ones. Some people say a dog is man's best friend, but to me, that reel was mine. So I can honestly say I don't have only one memory involving my red 5000, I have a lifetime of memories.

Kenny Kraft
Ponchatoula, Louisiana

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.