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Abu Garcia 506 MKII Review: Best Closed-Face Trotting Reel?
Our hands-on breakdown of the Abu Garcia 506 MKII closed-face reel. Discover its Syncro drag, river trotting performance, pros & cons, and key specs.
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The Return of a Legend: The Abu Garcia 506 MKII
Few fishing reels carry as much historical weight among UK coarse anglers as the Abu Garcia closed-face series. Originally introduced decades ago, the original Abu 506 became essential gear for trotting floats down running water or targeting silverfish on match venues.
With the Abu Garcia 506 MKII, Abu Garcia updated this iconic design, blending modern gearing and ceramic line pins with classic closed-face reel performance.
Why Choose a Closed-Face Reel for Float Fishing?
In a tackle market dominated by standard fixed-spool spinning reels and centerpins, closed-face (spincast) reels serve a unique, highly effective purpose:
One-Touch Line Control: Release line by simply pressing the front cowl with your index finger—no manual bail arm flipping required. Turning the handle immediately engages the pick-up pin.
Wind Resistance: The enclosed front cone shields lightweight line from gusts, preventing loose coils from blowing off the spool on breezy days along the riverbank.
Speed & Precision: Casting, feathering line with your index finger, and engaging the drive happen seamlessly with one hand. This creates a fast, comfortable rhythm during intensive match or river sessions.
Key Features & Mechanical Improvements
The 506 MKII isn’t just a cosmetic re-release; Abu engineered several internal updates to address the quirks of original vintage models.
1. Updated Polymeric Body & Aluminium Front Cone
Constructed from an advanced polymeric material with a durable aluminium front cone, the 506 MKII weighs approximately 288g. It strikes a practical balance between heavy-duty river durability and lightweight rod balance.
2. Upgraded Syncro Drag System
A standout feature of Abu’s high-end closed-face reels, the Syncro Drag allows anglers to quickly back-turn the handle roughly a quarter-turn to reduce drag pressure by roughly 50%. This provides immediate line protection when a large chub or barbel lunges, eliminating the need to fumble with the main drag dial mid-fight.
3. Instant Anti-Reverse Switch
Unlike older vintage units that required internal modifications to allow back-winding, the 506 MKII includes an accessible on/off anti-reverse switch. This gives anglers total control over playing fish—whether relying on the drag or back-winding manually.
4. Ceramic Line Pin & Saltwater Protection
Abu updated the line pick-up pin to ultra-durable ceramic to reduce line wear and boost winching power. Upgraded internal components and corrosion-resistant materials also allow the 506 MKII to handle light saltwater applications (such as estuary float fishing) without seizing up.
Core Specifications
Feature
Specification
Reel Type
Closed-Face / Spincast
Gear Ratio
3.9:1 (approx. 65cm retrieve per turn)
Bearings
Shielded Stainless Steel Bearings
Weight
~288 g
Spools Included
3x Shallow Polymeric Spools + 1x Deep Polymeric Spool
Line Capacity
~100 m of 0.18 mm (Shallow Spool)
Saltwater Safe
Yes (Light Estuary Use)
Pros & Cons
Pros
Unbeatable Trotting Control: Feathering line down river swims with one finger is smooth and fatigue-free.
Generous Spool Package: Ships with 4 total spools (3 shallow, 1 deep), making line changes effortless.
Instant Drag Relief: The Syncro drag handles sudden fish lunges exceptionally well.
Wind Protection: Eliminates wind knots and line spillages on windy days.
Cons
Slightly Heavier Than Modern Fixed-Spools: At 288g, it is heavier than carbon-bodied open-faced spinning reels.
Requires Line Care: Overfilling shallow spools with stiff or heavy mono line can lead to internal line wrap. Stick to supple 3lb–5lb float lines for best results.
Performance on the Water
River Trotting
The 506 MKII truly excels when running a stick float or chubber down a river for chub, roach, or dace. Tapping the front cowl allows line to peel smoothly off the spool with zero resistance. Lightly feathering the line rim with your index finger gives fine-tuned control over float speed across varied river currents.
Stillwater Match & Canal Fishing
For short-range float work on canals or commercial fisheries, the instant press-and-release mechanism saves time over hundreds of casts per session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What line should I use on the Abu Garcia 506 MKII?
For optimal performance, use supple, low-memory reel lines between 3lb and 5lb breaking strain on the shallow spools. Avoid using heavy or stiff monofilament, as stiff line can spring off the spool inside the front cone.
Does the 506 MKII come with spare spools?
Yes, the Abu Garcia 506 MKII comes supplied with three shallow polymeric spools and one deep spool, alongside a protective reel case.
Is the Abu 506 MKII suitable for saltwater?
Yes, internal component upgrades and corrosion-resistant materials make it suitable for light saltwater and estuary float fishing, provided it is rinsed with fresh water after use.
The Verdict
The Abu Garcia 506 MKII successfully bridges classic float-fishing heritage with modern component quality. While heavy feeder specialists or lure anglers will look elsewhere, river-trotting enthusiasts and float anglers will find few tools as smooth, effective, and reliable for speed casting and effortless line control.
