Thread: Baitrunner Reels

I used shimano reels for years fishing for big stripers up in New Jersey and I had 6000 4500 and 3500 series reels.I love the old model 4500 reel where I would anchor my boat put a chunk of bunker on and stick it the rod holder and set it and wait till it started to scream count to 5 very slow then lock them up and the fight was on.Very fun time in November and early December.I swear we all over fished the big stripers but we would come back to our marina and would be amazed at all those big stripers always a few 40 or even 50 pound stripers.
I still use all those models in shimano and love them.Now with your bait runners its important to set your bottom drag so it will click with a slight current or just tick and when that run starts wait until the fish gets that hook set before locking up your reel by turning the handle.then the top reel takes over and yes a double setting but once you get it set perfect your love it and when the fish of the day is on your reel you will be in awe of how great the reel can be. Tom

I have 3 different models (D, B, and OC) of the Shimano Baitrunner a Penn Spinfisher V LL, and a small Penn Fierce LL. I really like having the option to use the baitrunner feature if needed. I really like the baitrunners when surf fishing. The main drawback is that they have additional entry points for salt water so be extra careful not to dunk them. My Shimanos have many miles on them and have held up great. I still normally king fish with the bail open on the pier, but the option is nice to have.