Clicker for a 4601?

Was wondering if anybody knows where I can buy a kit/parts to put a clicker on my Abu 4601 C3? I've been enjoying this reel when trout trolling but I think if it had a clicker then I would be able to tell right away when I get hit, instead of turning around constantly and making myself dizzy
  

jay, they often have them on ebay, they come and go.

another option is to buy a 6501, and just swap the endplates.

use the clicker on the 4601, and go with a clickerless 6501 for rockfishing.

finally there is a shop up near lodi that will install them for you but won't sell the parts.

good luck.

Fisherman's Friend is the shop name.

-Brian G

Thanks for the tips! I never had my 6501 and my 4601 sitting close enough to one another to realize that they were the same size. I think I may have access to an old 6501 where the clicker could be salvageable. 

For what it is worth, the trout can not always pull the clicker out, especially if the trout is a planter, the clicker is new and the rod is wimpy.

call me non-fashion-savvy, but I swear by some of those glasses-mounted-mirrors that bicyclists wear.

you don't have to look back all the time, when the rod waves around, your peripheral vision will notice the movement just like you notice a tail-gater.

John

a side view mirror from the right side of a car might work. the kind of mirror that has some fish-eye expansion.

if you mount the mirror far from the eye (like the right side door mirror), you need a wide angle expansion to get enough field of view to see the rods.

hmmm.. maybe I will mount one of these babies on my yak myself.

For what it is worth, the trout can not always pull the clicker out, especially if the trout is a planter, the clicker is new and the rod is wimpy.

call me non-fashion-savvy, but I swear by some of those glasses-mounted-mirrors that bicyclists wear.

you don't have to look back all the time, when the rod waves around, your peripheral vision will notice the movement just like you notice a tail-gater.

John

Never have I hooked a trout while trolling and not had it take line while the clicker was on.  I just back the drag all the way off so that the clicker is the only tension applied to the spool.

Also, I mounted my rod holders in front of me because I like watching my rod tips.  Because of this I don't need a mirror nor do I have to rely on my peripheral vision.

Michael

For what it is worth, the trout can not always pull the clicker out, especially if the trout is a planter, the clicker is new and the rod is wimpy.

call me non-fashion-savvy, but I swear by some of those glasses-mounted-mirrors that bicyclists wear.

you don't have to look back all the time, when the rod waves around, your peripheral vision will notice the movement just like you notice a tail-gater.

John

Never have I hooked a trout while trolling and not had it take line while the clicker was on.  I just back the drag all the way off so that the clicker is the only tension applied to the spool.

Also, I mounted my rod holders in front of me because I like watching my rod tips.  Because of this I don't need a mirror nor do I have to rely on my peripheral vision.

Michael

I put the rods in front a lot of the time when trout trolling too, but try doing that with a 2lb ball hanging off the side of the boat.

bluekayak can do it, but for mere mortals having the weight on the keel line keeps you going straight and is more stable.

I mainly used trout trolling as practice for salmon trolling so I was doing what I had setup for salmon trolling.

if you are watching the rod tips, why do you need to put the clicker on? and if you have the clicker on, why back off the drag, why not just keep the reel out of gear?

John

I like to have my trout rods out front also, but not to see a strike I more concerned about watching the action of my lure.
I find I get more hookups with a firmer drag and then I back it off after I get the rod in my hands.
I only use reels with clickers in the Salt so I can pay more attn to the swells.
J I think you sold me to try a mirror, I like to troll up river for steelies where watching the action of the tip is really crucial and I don't like the rod in front.
If a fish can't pull out the clicker it's not a trout it's a minnow.

the rod is wimpy

How does this effect how hard a trout pulls once the rod is loaded??

Consider using a catfish bell, it works well for a behind the back situation.

You can always just tie a little thread or piece of mono to the end of the rod.

All you do is basically attach one end of the line about an inch below the terminal eye on the rod and then attach the other end of the thread to your right ear using a clothes pin.  Make sure you don't leave much slack between the rod and your ear.  You'll never miss another bite.

Brian

if you are watching the rod tips, why do you need to put the clicker on?

See Mickfish's answer - primarily to check the action of the lure.  Although, I won't lie, it is fun to see the rod tip lunge backwards when a fish takes the lure.

and if you have the clicker on, why back off the drag, why not just keep the reel out of gear?

Don't have a reel (pun intended ) good answer for that.  Just how I learned to do it.  Will give it a shot next time I'm out though J, just for you.

but try doing that with a 2lb ball hanging off the side of the boat.

I do, but I use a 2.5lb ball.  Now, some will consider it cheating since I have a Hobie Adventure, but I troll with a downrigger.  I've attached a picture.  Not the best, but it gives you an idea.

BTW, sorry for the threadjack FJ.

Michael

BTW, sorry for the threadjack FJ.

No problem, I'm learning from the thread jack! In the end I've decided to take the end plate from my 6501 and put it on my 4601, order a clicker kit from eBay and install it when I get the chance so that both reels will have a clicker. The clicker on 6501 is great for free spooling shad while striper fishing. 

if the downrigger ball is close to the keel line, that's all I was trying to do with the rod straight back.

mickfish, bending the rod takes some energy. sometimes some of those little planter minnows can pull the rod back, and then they are tired,  . but I agree that with a real fish, it would not matter.

fishin-jay, glad you found a solution that works!