Bait feeding spinning reel

[Texeye]

Has anyone tried one of these?

I don't understand how it feeds line.Does it do so with the bail closed? If so, do you have to flip a switch to set the hook?

The okuma spinning reels have this ability, and look like a nice reel.I was just wondering if it was a gimmick or if it really works.

[daveT]

I'm unfamiliar with said reel, or your question; but I think what you are referring to is a slipage of line, some reels have this feature; when a fish strikes, the line slips about 1 inch worth, therefore causing a "bait feed". Hope this helps.

[Dave in Mpls]

Not exactly sure about the Okuma, but you can check out the Shimano BaitRunner at:

http://www.shimanofishing.com/spinning/baitrunner/baitrunner.html#

Move your cursor over to "Bait Runner Features" at the lower left side of the page and you can read the hype.

Regards

[Bob G2]

Yes, it does work well. I have a couple of Shimano Baitrunners that I used primarily for breakwall/live bait fishing. The bail does not open at all, and with this particular reel, you can adjust the amount of free spool tension. These reels also have a very good drag. Only catch is nowadays the Shimano Baitrunners are too large for walleye fishing.

I have seen and played with the Okuma in the store. The reel is a little heavy, but I can't offer any comments since I haven't used one.

[Sluggo / NY]

I've been using both the Shimano Baitrunners and the Quantum Baitsensors for years. They both work great..no problems with either brand. I think the Quantums have been discontinued though. They both have a dual drag system, with both drags being adjustable. On the Shimano, you engage the main drag by just turning the handle. The Quantum has a lever that you flip. I use them mainly for downrigging. They're perfect for dropping the ball with just a little tension on the reel. Once at the right depth, just engage the primary drag. They're also great for drowning suckers for big northerns. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

[Texeye]

Thanks for the info. guys.This may be a good concept if the reels aren't too bulky.

[shadowman]

i have two of the shimano baitrunners, the older ones and they were a lot smaller than what they make now, the ones i have are discontinued, the ones that are one the market still are more of a saltwater reel but i would imagine you could use them if your catfishing, they are good reels and they do work well its no gimmick.

[pwrfshn]

Texeye,

Steve Pebley just picked up some Okuma's, not the baitrunner, but the ones that I run, the Epixor. Look for him and ask him to see it. He has been very impressed with the reel thus far.

Mine is going on its third season (not the baitfeeder) and it is my favorite spinning reel. The Baitfeeder reel looks the same with the baitrunner function. The drag on these are awesome.

Ask Steve about the 10# Striper that almost spooled his little 20 at the Butte with 8# line.


Good luck,

[Tom B]

Check out the European section of just about any reel manufacturers. They all make baitrunners, but they are way more popular in Europe as they are great for carp fishing.

A very neat alternative is a line release clip. DuBro makes them and Netcraft sells them. The advantage of a line release over a bait runner is line twist. When a fish runs with a baitrunner, tremendous amounts of line twist occurs. A line release "pops" and the line peels off just like when you cast. Of course, a line release doesn't make any noise, so you have to pay a little closer attention...

Another alternative is a baitcaster with a bait clicker. Garcia 6500's have them....

Tom B