Level Wind and/or Baitcasting Reels over Spinning Reels.....Why?

The reel plus line is worth $75. Not sure how much 80lbs braid a 6501c can hold. But even on my medium light gear I typically use 40 or 50 lbs braid. Much easier to handle and I run the same leader weight as I would on a mono loaded reel as long as line diameter isn't a huge issue like in deep jigging or trolling without a downrigger.

I love ultralight fishing. But one thing I have noticed is the heavier you pull on a fish, the harder it battled. So while the battles are shorter (which is great for c&r) I think they are more dramatic. The rods seem a bit heavy for all day comfort but if ya got two, maybe you can trade it with someone who needs one for a lighter rod.

Swap the 80 braid for 30.  Those rods are great for general salmon and bottomfish/lings.  I'd hold off on running out and buying a "steelhead" rod until you zone in on the kind of fishing you plan to do. They can be more technique specific than a basic salmon trolling rod.

Nice score.  I like having two of everything I use regularly. 

I love those rods (A92-*XH), and do not think they are too heavy.  I have 9' and 8'6" versions.  My 6601c4 filled with 50# braid.  Used the rig for everything, casting, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, previously for a few seasons from the shore, and a now few seasons from the kayak.  This year I added an Ugly Stik and a heavier Abu that I now mostly use for everything except casting.  Still love the IM7/8 and the 6601 for casting.  Tighten the casting drag vigorously until you get the hang of it.  Also download the exploded schematic and grease them up and check the drags. 

6501c3 30# braid capacity is 330 yards. 

http://www.abugarcia.com/products/reels/round-reels/ambassadeur-round-baitcast/c3
http://www.abugarcia.com/support/reel-schematics?page=2

Remember you don't have to fill the spool completely with braid. First lay down a bed of Dacron and then add the amount of braid you will reasonably need for the fishery. Most times you won't ever need more than 150 yards (even bottomfishing) .  Saves you a bunch of money on braid, fill two reels for the price of one

  I agree with Demonick about the 6601c3 and the 50 lbs braid.I've had Abu's for over 20 years and think they are some of the best all around reels out there for a reasonable price.One thing I have found over the years is that it's a good practice to loosen your drag after a day on the water.Otherwise the drag can take a set--meaning you'll lose the adjustabilty over time.
 And using 50 lbs braid compared to 30 lbs makes for easier handling of your line.The 50 lbs braid has the same diameter a 12 lbs mono.Not sure how 30 lbs braid measures up,probably near 8 lbs mono.Another plus for the heavy braid is you can straighten out most hooks if/when you get hung up.Will 30 lbs do that ?
 One other point---if you are right handed--go with the C-3 model.It makes sense to me that if my right hand is more responsive to a bite--to hold the rod in that sensitive hand and reel with your "dumber"hand. I used to switch hands after a cast with a "righty".The light did turn on and now fishing is so much less hassle.


 Now if I can just find some....................

Many folks choose 30 braid because you can break it if snagged in your yak without having to cut the line at water level and leave a bunch of braid in the water.  50 braid is doable with a Hobie (using the mirage dive) but can be a tough nut in a paddle yak.  When snagged in larger swells or swift current in a kayak and you're unable to break free it can turn into a huli/safety issue quickly.  30 will handle most all salmon and rockfish/lings fishing in the NW with no problem.  Your milage may vary..

As I don't have a kayak (yet), I can't speak to the kayak specific things, and the reel topic has been covered pretty thoroughly. So in case it helps, let me contribute some info on rods for the fish here in the PNW. Action will depend very much on HOW you plan to fish, but here is what I use:

Fall Chinook: I use rods with a line rating of 10-20, fast action, medium power. I don't pull plugs or troll, etc. Bobber and jig or eggs, spinners, drifting, etc. I use 50lb Power Pro in Yellow on the bobber rod, 20lb Maxima Ultragreen on the rod for everything else. Braid floats, mono sinks. Shimano spinning reels in the 3000 series are almost too small, but useable, 4000 series seem ideal. Casting reel, sky is the limit. Higher end picks would be a Daiwa Luna (my choice, AWESOME esp if you are new to baitcasting...easy to cast), Shimano Calcutta, Shimano Curado...Abu 6500 is hard to beat if you want to spend a little less. Keep in mind that higher end casting reels will be easier to cast.

Spring Chinook/Coho/Steelhead/Chum/Pink/Sockeye: I use rods with a line rating of 6-12, fast action, medium or medium/light power. Again this is for bank fishing, your kayak mileage may vary. 3000 series in a Shimano spinning reel or the same casting reels as above. Lighter lines, of course. I like 12lb Maxima Ultragreen.

Sturgeon: Bank fisherman use really long rods in this instance, 12'-15', with a 6-16oz lead common to hold bottom. Boat fisherman, shorter rods, but they really need to be stout. Some folks use their fall nook rods for sturgeon, but if you hook into an oversized (esp in a kayak) you'll have your hands full. 50-80 lb line is common. It really depends on your train of thought: Be prepared for anything, including a 9' oversize, or have fun with the shakers and keepers and be screwed with a huge fish.

If you are going to use a downrigger in your yak, most people go fiberglass with a slow action. I'll be picking up a couple Lamiglas CG82DR's for Fall Chinooks.

Hope that is somewhat helpful to you...