Baitrunner design and use

[WickerDave]

Having recently purchased my first baitrunner (an Okuma Epix EB-30, based on recommendations on this site and elsewhere), I was surprised that setting the reel into free spool mode does not also temporarily set the reel into anti-reverse mode (i.e. temporarily overriding whatever setting the anti-reverse switch has). Don't you always need the anti-reverse on when the reel is in free spool mode? - or am I missing something? Is this a standard design on all baitrunners, or do some do the override?

 

Also any tips on using a baitrunner? - apart from remembering to set the reel into free spool mode . Presumably the main drag must be fairly loose to prevent problems with the transition from free spool on to off after a take - especially as you need a second or two so you can turn the anti-reverse off so you can backwind if needed.

[Ed Matysiak]

I think bait runners are over rated. They cost loads beacuse they were introduced by Shimano (the big money people). Give me a good performance normal old reel and im happy.

[poledark]

Just checked my 6010 baitrunners and you can set the baitrunner(free spool?) with the anti reverse on or off. I use mine with the main clutch set to put a good bend in the rod, so when I wind down and strike the clutch comes into play instantly,

 

I rarely use the reel with the anti reverse off.

 

Den

[Newt]

I agree with poledark.

 

I really don't understand backwinding if you have a good clutch on the reel and if the clutch isn't good, replace the reel.

 

That being said, I have used both UK and US versions of the Shimano Baitrunner reels and of the two, I prefer the US ones. 4500 in the older ones or the new 3500B which is about the size of an older 4500. Main reason for the preference is I feel the clutch performs better. Smoother release when a large fish decides to take line.

 

For any that are interested, the term Baitrunner is trademarked by Shimano and other companies have to use a different term for the feature.

[chesters1]

it used to be called "slackening off the clutch" in old fashioned front clutched reels and "bite alarm " was a penny falling onto a metal plate from the spool but then electricity came to the bank

[Zinky]

quote:

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it used to be called "slackening off the clutch" in old fashioned front clutched reels and "bite alarm " was a penny falling onto a metal plate from the spool but then electricity came to the bank

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Proper fishing chesters those were the days