Baitrunner Reels?
- Thread starter JimCanuck
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I own an Okuma bait runner spinning reel as well as center pin reels. The bait runner reels aren't designed to be used as a center pin reel. They are designed to be used when you're fishing for carp,catfish or salmon from shore or from a pier. After casting out your bait you flip a lever to put the reel in bait runner mode so that your line will feed out slowly when you get a strike and your pole will not be hauled into the water. Putting a bait runner in free spool still means that there is a little tension on the line and in my opinion would not be any better for float fishing than a standard spinning reel. A center pin reel gives you a true free spool effect and therefore a better natural drift when float fishing as well you have greater control of your line. I've caught steelhead using both styles of reels and both styles have their advantages and disadvantages. I now use center pin reels most of the time when fishing steelhead because that is my personal preference.
colin marshall
Member
Hi Guys,
Staffman is right, they are mainly used for fishing for Carp, Pike and Catfish in Europe, once the baitrunner system is "on" it allows a fish to take line from the spool without feeling any tension, the baitrunner is then turned off by turning the handle and you are then in direct contact with the fish.
Shimano make a large range of bait runner reels.
Staffman is right, they are mainly used for fishing for Carp, Pike and Catfish in Europe, once the baitrunner system is "on" it allows a fish to take line from the spool without feeling any tension, the baitrunner is then turned off by turning the handle and you are then in direct contact with the fish.
Shimano make a large range of bait runner reels.
hammercarp
Well-Known Member
My experience with a centrepin is limited to a couple of fish. But I also believe that the baitrunner would not be a good replacement for a centrepin. They were originally used by salt water fishermen and were designed to mimic the features of a baitcaster reel . Salt water guys still use them as well as carp anglers. They are also very good for ice fishing.
I always figure the centerpin's best feature was the lack of drag to allow the fish to better take the bait. As such the baitrunner seems capable with that goal.
I never understood why you'd want to drift as far as some do with centerpins, and most medium ranges can be done by spinner reels so I am thinking a baitrunner may be a good option. As I am not that big of a centerpin fan.
Jim
I never understood why you'd want to drift as far as some do with centerpins, and most medium ranges can be done by spinner reels so I am thinking a baitrunner may be a good option. As I am not that big of a centerpin fan.
Jim
Fishheads
Float Fishing Superstore
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- Dec 1, 2010
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yesterday I was fishing the mouth of a river. the fish were holding about 50-75 yards off the shore line. With the wind blowing on shore it took almost 4 - 5 mins for my bait to get to where the fish were. Could not have been done with a spinner reel but maybe with a baitrunner. I have seen over the years many steelhead fishermen using a baitrunner and it seemed to work for them. Still think for Steelhead fishing Centerpin reels are the way to go, but to each their own and it's not about the equipment used it's about who is using it.
Jim with my bait runner there is still a bit of tension on the line when it is engaged in bait runner fashion and it would not allow my float to take line freely. In other words I would still have to feed it line as I would with any spinning reel with the bail open. I've caught countless numbers of steelhead under a float with spinning reels , but I fish them differently than I fish a center pin. I find it best when using spinning equipment to fish at right angles to the river flow and to make much shorter drifts so that I don't have to feed line off my reel. Therefore I have to move several times to cover a run. With a center pin reel I can position at the top of the run and cover the entire run from one position.
I've been using spinning reels for many years as float fishing rigs since I saw a article about it in a magazine. Since there is little drag on the baitrunner in bait running mode, it beats having to open the bail to feed the float out. Which is why I associated it to the centerpin. It might not be the best comparason however.
Jim
Jim
I do not think that a float rig would pull line off a bait runner when the reel is set in bait runner mode ,although I've never tried mine.I personally would never choose my bait runner spinning reel over one of my normal spinning reels if I was choosing a spinning reel to use for steelhead.
As long as you are willing to assist the line coming off the reel then it should work out fine. If you are going to buy one for steelheading than don't buy the largest reel.I would reccomend one that will hold about 200 yds. of 6 lb. test.
