Thread: Baitrunner Reels

What’s everyone’s take on them? Considering buying one for my next GSP visit.

I've been using them for some time with positive results, there not magical , you still need to pay attention to you rig , but they give you the opportunity to have your drag to fight them with per set.
I've been useing Penn and Okuma's and very happy with both, but with a nod to the Okuma for its
line capacity. just my opinion

I use Okuma and love 'em. I like the fact when fishing, I don't have to tie my Rod down and waste time to untie the bungee when I get a fish on since the drag is loose enough to allow for the fish to run without pulling the Rod over the rail. Then all you have to do is pick up the Rod and start reading and the real automatically kicks in to the ad preset drag. Especially handy during Sheephead season.

What model youguys have and size?

I've got an 8000 Shimano and have caught bunch of Kings on it back before the shark fiasco we are in that the state won't help us get out of. Just quit Kink fishing got tired of feeding them my fish.

Just one more thing to mess with....fish with loose drag ,when fish hits and runs adjust your drag accordingly. ....I am always adjusting the drag, especially when the fish gets close to the pier and I need to control it an get it's head out of the water sucking a little air....takes the fight right out of it, ready for the gaff

Yah don’t know what that’s like iron. 4 weeks to GSP and still no fish over a couple pounds... need to make a stronger effort to meet more of the forum refs this year.

I had two of the Penn 500 baitrunners and they both went crooked on me real quick. John G. took them right back, one after the other, and outfitted me with the Shimano 8000 which has been working just fine for three years now---not that I catch all that many kings. It is nice to be able to put down your rod while you get a bottle of water out of the cooler and not have to worry about losing your rod. Actually, I also have one made for Cabela's (Salt Striker) that has worked just fine.

I've been useing Penn Slammer 460L and 560L
Okuma Salina SAF65 this one still hasn't been fished , will have to correct that .
Okuma Coronado CD55a X2

Very loose drag will keep your rod unattended just fine for a drink, or quick trip to the cart....same as a bait runner....I guess I am just set in my ways
Personal preference I guess