Perhaps check the instructions that came with the reel, it might tell you how to adjust them.

First thing I do to a new reel is turn off the brakes... brakes create drag which will recude distance and make casting lighter baits more difficult. On a Shimano, they have centrifugal brakes that are adjusted by taking the side plate off and moving a few plastic brake shoes. I dont believe the round Ambassadors I used to use have any braking.

 

I think some of the Pfluegers are the same as Shimano.Palm the left side plate and turn down at the front.

 

The more you cast the less brake you'll want.
The thumb is all the brake you'll ever need.

 

I've never seen an ambassadeur w/o a brake?

 

I can show you several.

 

So the knob behind the star drag is the spool tension control. Your reel doesn't have a magnetic brake (dial with 1-10). It appears the Templar has a centrifugal brake, which is similar to the magnetic brake and is adjusted by removing the side panel and adjusting brake shoes.

98% of the time I don't adjust the magnetic or centrifugal brake on my reels, I have those set to a fairly low setting and then I make adjustments to the spoon tension knob depending on the lure and wind.

Google "baitcaster brake systems" and you'll get some links to look at.

 

I actually found an online schematic for your reel here..

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/content/purefishing/ed-TEMPLARLPpdf

Your reel has a 6-pin centrifugal braking system and according to the link comes from the factory with all 6 brakes in the ON position. To adjust there will be a button or switch on the side cover opposite the handle that will allow it to slide out of the way and expose the brakes for adjustment. To turn them off push the lever toward the spool shaft till they click.

Not related to the original topic but wanted to comment...

The old round ambassadeur reels actually did have a brake. If you take them down and remove the spool on the handle side there are two metal pins with a little bushing on each pin. This is a centrifugal brake. If you have the box you even got a spare set with the reel. They are not nearly as effective at the larger and more numerous brakes applied to more modern designs but a brake they are.

 

Took the reel to a pond this morning....20 pound power pro and wieghtless weedless Green Pumpkin speed craw. Casted ALOT better than the Monarch AND I caught about 12 one to two pounders! Imma leave it just as it is!

Thanks for all the info though guys...You ALL ROCK!

 

So that is probably the easiest thing I have ever overcomplicated in my life! Two switches in the on position and 4 in the off position produced marked distance increase as well as better control and accuracy! Spool tensioner is just about off completely!

I was very intimidated by this at first, but now I know what to expect!

 

Yep the centrifuge style reels are pretty sweet my buddy has one on his shimano cannen

 

I am very impressed with this real. It throws a wieghtless speed craw and 3/0 hook about 20 yards for me without fail. I hope that distance will improve some with more practice.