Thread: Baitrunner Reels

Originally Posted by ironman172

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

I like to do it that way also

Ironman,
thats what's nice about a bait runner. Both drags are already adjusted. Nothing to mess with when fighting the fish! Just pick it up and reel...

I enjoy adjusting, thumbing the spool, and changing the drag....as stated to each they're own.....

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

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

I love Live Liners and Bait Feeders... Okuma has a louder click than my Penn or Tica. On my local pier at Waveland I set 3 or 4 bait feeders out, flip the lever, sit back eat ham sammiches, watch my baby play and enjoy the sunset with my wife without ever worrying about a red or blacktip taking a reel over the rail. I love being able to grab my rod, let the fish feed and then set the hook when other lines are out of the way.

Okuma's: In the bait feeders, I have an Okuma ABF55(probably the perfect size for the pier, and ABF90, both work great, the 90 is large and holds enough 17lb mono for any run. Very sturdy reels, probably my favorite for reds and black drum. I don't get upset when I drop them or if something happens, I just take it back to walmart.... Adding a 40b and a 30b to my collection this week in fact.

Penn: I have a 8500 Live liner that my smokin hot baby momma got me 3 years ago... It's a monster, borderline to big for any long term cast/retrieves and pier use, your forearm will feel mushy after trying to King fish with it. The price is rather cheap, like $175, the drag is smooth, It's a reel that I can pass down to my daughter, where the Okumas will likely not make it that long.

Tica: I had a Tica sv600, It brought many blacktip to the pier with ease. The drag is not as smooth as the Penn,(2nd drag is rather quiet) but it's on par or better than the Okuma. I prefer these over Okumas if I can get them at a reasonable price. Otherwise Okuma it is....


All that said, you won't go wrong with Okuma, just make sure you rinse and oil it well. Mr. Mark(Chillinfish) briefly educated me on washing my reels prior to leaving the pier, he probably saved a dozen reels from my youthful Googaness...

Great info all! Looking at Okumas on Amazon now. Anyone ever try a Kastking reel?

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

Great info all! Looking at Okumas on Amazon now. Anyone ever try a Kastking reel?

No, I've seen them but I stay away, not sure why...

Originally Posted by Mr. Cleland

No, I've seen them but I stay away, not sure why...

However, reading some reviews.. I would probably buy one now just to try it... I don't have high hopes for it, but I didn't expect the Okuma to outlast my Shimano's of equal price, yet they have(many times over)..

Yah I had the same initial reaction to them as well! Since I only salt water fish 1-2 weeks a year I might just get one to try out.

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

Great info all! Looking at Okumas on Amazon now. Anyone ever try a Kastking reel?

I had a Kastking it was pure junk , spooling line on it she always coned stacked it , the gearing felt like a old coffee grinder . and the drag wouldn't stop a goldfish

But if you want to try one go ahead , I'd just hate to see you come to the Gulf for only trip and it die then you'll spend you money a second time .

Originally Posted by Mr. Cleland

Okuma

Okuma has been making a serious play for respectability over the last few years. From what I've seen, when problems surface with their higher end reels, they are pretty quick to respond with adjustments. They sell some cheap junk as well, but so do Penn/Shimano/Daiwa. Kastking doesn't seem to be operating in that ballpark yet.