Top of the Range
Our #1 Choice
Best Baitrunner Reel under $100
Our thanks to Shimano, who created a spinning reel in the late 80s called ‘Baitrunner.' It quickly swept across all manufacturers, and now it’s its own style of reel. With a free spool design and exceptional line managing capabilities, Baitrunner reels are now known for reeling in bottom-feeding fish and large gamefish, and a range of brands created series of them.
We’ve reviewed, compared, and critiqued some of the best baitrunner reels on the market today.
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Baitrunner Reels Comparison Table
Preview | Product | Reel Weight | Gear Ratio | Ball Bearings | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel | 20.1 oz. | 4.8:1 | 3BB + 1 RB | ||
Okuma Avenger ABF 50 | 16.0 oz. | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | ||
Daiwa Black Widow | 1.01 lbs. | 4.6:1 | 1 BB | ||
Daiwa Windcast Br 5500 | 21.08 oz. | 4.6:1 | 4 BB | ||
KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III 6000 | 16.1 oz. | 5.5:1 | 10+1 | ||
Penn FRCIII2500LL Fierce III 2500 | 9.9 oz. | 6.2:1 | 4+1 | ||
Yoshikawa 4000 | 15.0 oz. | 5.5:1 | 10+1 | ||
Shimano Baitrunner 12000D | 30 oz. | 4.4:1 | 3BB + 3RB | ||
Shimano Baitrunner 8000OC Saltwater | 29 oz. | 4.8:1 | 3 S AR BB + 1 S RB | ||
Mitchell Unisex Avocet R FS 6500 | 15.8 oz. | 5.1:1 | 2+1 |
When to Use Baitrunner Reels
Whether you call this reel type a free spool, live liner, bait feeder, or bite-n-run reel, this reel type is best known for reeling in impressive sized carp and catfish in freshwater environments. And, it's capable of reeling in bottom-feeding fish or inshore species in saltwater.
One of the main advantages of using a baitrunner reel is that you can fish multiple rods simultaneously. Since a fish can take your bait and run with it, you can then easily pick up one rod and begin to set the hook. Many anglers use multiple baitrunner rods and reels when sitting by a lake or stream for the day.
Choosing Baitrunner Reels for Free Spool Fishing
Baitfeeder & Drag Features
A baitrunner/bait feeder has a primary and secondary drag system. You can activate the secondary drag with a flick of a lever. The teaser lever is located at the top of the reel, behind the reel seat, and above the secondary drag. Once you turn the secondary drag on, it becomes light enough for fish to move with your bait.
Type of Fishing
Traditionally, freshwater fisherman used baitrunner reels the most to catch species like catfish and carp. Nowadays, brands have created exquisite, corrosive-resistant reels. More and more anglers use baitrunner reels in saltwater applications.
Catch bottom-feeding fish like snappers with a baitrunner reel in saltwater environments. Some other types of fishing you can do with a baitrunner reel is from a boat, kayak, or enjoy some surf fishing.
Reel Construction
Your new baitrunner reel will need to be solidly constructed with corrosion-resistant materials inside and outside the body. Graphite, aluminum, and metal are typically the material of choice for many baitrunners. Aluminum that has a CNC or hard anodized finish is usually the toughest material. Graphite tends to be the lightest in weight. And, metal is an excellent option for budget baitrunner reels as it’s still great against the elements in saltwater.
Gear Ratio
As we mention in one of our reviews, sometimes it’s easier to go slow on a baitrunner reel with a fast gear ratio instead of going fast on a slow baitrunner reel. Even though many baitrunners range in gear systems from 4.5:1 to 7.1:1, we find 5.5:1 to 6.4:1 to be the sweet spot for perfect line retrieval. It won’t wear your reel out by pushing it too hard, and it gives you, the angler, more room to grow.
Other Reel Features
Price
Value for money is always important. Luckily for you, there’s a range of baitrunner reels that will last you seasons for as little as $50. Some brands, like Yoshikawa, have created sturdy baitrunner reels using high-quality materials. The level of smoothness might not be on the same level as an expensive baitrunner reel. If you want to get a good, versatile, and mid-priced baitrunner reel, expect to spend $100-$150.
10 Best Baitrunner Reels Reviewed
1. Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel
Our Top Pick
Reel Weight | 20.1 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 4.8:1 |
Ball Bearings | 3BB + 1 RB |
Max Drag | 20 lbs |
Water Type | Designed for Saltwater |
This classic does this live bait reel perform smoothly and naturally, but it looks good, too. The Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel has Shimano’s classic feature, which allows you to free-spool with the bail closed. This means your live baits will move effortlessly.
This baitrunner gives you the confidence you need when tackling carp, sailfish, or tuna. It’s available in 4 sizes, and all of them are designed for saltwater environments. Pick the size according to the species of fish you intend to catch.
With patented Shimano features like Dartainium dual drag, Super Stopper instant anti-reverse, Varispeed oscillation, and Fluidrive II gearing, you’re bound to have enough added extras to keep you busy for seasons. This is our top pick for the best Shimano baitrunner reel out of all they’ve released to date.
The price tag will have you happy as well. It’s an excellent mid-price range reel that can cover a variety of species and situations. With a waterproof drag system, you’ll be casting accurate and smooth baits with this reel in no time.
Pros
Cons
2. Okuma Avenger ABF 50
Top of the Range
Reel Weight | 16.0 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 4.5:1 |
Ball Bearings | 6BB + 1RB |
Max Drag | 18 lbs. |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
The Avenger ABF 50 by Okuma is another top-class reel, with some top to the range features. Thanks to its 6-ball bearings, this reel will operate smoothly, straight from the box. It has an anti-reverse bearing, too, so the drag can engage properly. This is just one of the many great features of this spectacular bait feeder reel.
The ABF Series all feature a graphite rotor and body, so it’s stronger and lighter than most aluminum-bodied reels. Even though this material is great with saltwater, we advise rinsing this reel every time you bring it to saltwater environments (which we hope will be a lot). The gearbox is completely sealed, so sand and debris shouldn’t get in there when you're on your fishing adventure.
You don’t need to worry about left or right-handed orientations with this model, and it’s easily reversible for easier retrievals. And, the T-shaped handle is placed perfectly so you can use it, even when wearing fishing gloves.
The exterior clicker for the dual drag system is easily turned on or off.
Andy52 added this on Catfish1,
“The bait feeder system works well even in heavy current, however, if you're looking for that "clicker" sound you don't get it on a bait feeder, Okuma, the line just plays out smoothly without much sound.”
Okuma incorporated Japanese oiled felt drag washers into the drag system, which helps the reel feel smooth when the line is being pulled off the spool. This is a big problem with some lower-priced reels, as it will leave you with a reel that’s jerky. You won’t have to worry about this with the Avenger ABF 50; that's why it's our choice for the best 'Top of the Range' baitrunner reel.
Pros
Cons
3. Daiwa Black Widow
Best Baitrunner Reel under $100
Reel Weight | 1.01 lbs. |
Gear Ratio | 4.6:1 |
Ball Bearings | 1 BB |
Max Drag | 22 lbs. |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
If you’re looking for a baitrunner reel that’s capable of catching carp, not a budget, then you’re probably looking for the Black Widow Baitrunner reel. This reel combines good looks and impressive technical features, and it’s below $100.
This reel is available in 4 different sizes, all suitable for various fishing environments and species. These include:
We used the 4000 reel size and thought it was a perfect reel for intermediate anglers looking to catch mid-large sized species. The reel operated quite effortlessly. This also could be thanks to the ATD drag system. Each model in this series offers a huge drag power, up to 22 lbs. Watch this video to learn more about the Black Widow's drag system and how it performs on the water.
With an aluminum frame and corrosive resistant materials used for the gears and drag, beginner deep-sea anglers can use this reel in freshwater along with saltwater environments. The gear ratio is 4.6:1, which means the line won’t rotate too quickly like other baitrunner reels. With these features and more, it’s hard not to love the Black Widow Reel by Daiwa.
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4. Daiwa Windcast Br 5500
Best Big Pit Baitrunner Reels
Reel Weight | 21.08 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 4.6:1 |
Ball Bearings | 4 BB |
Max Drag | 22 lbs. |
Water Type | Saltwater |
Our next reel on our list is the Windcast Br 5500. This is the second reel by innovative Daiwa. The company has the type of innovation that has left a visible mark on the majority of tackle manufactured today. And this innovation is apparent with the ‘Big Pit’ Baitrunner reel.
If you’re unsure what the term big pit is, it simply means that the spool is designed to hold higher quantities of line than your everyday baitrunner reels. The bigger the spool means better line lay as the oscillation on the spool moving up and down is slower. On the 5500 sized Windcast BR reel, you can fit 380m of 18 lbs of monofilament or even braid. That means this reel is perfect for long casting into seas, lakes, or off a boat into the ocean.
As for the construction, you get incredibly tough materials being used by Daiwa, making it saltwater friendly. The Windcrest Br features a CNC cut aluminum body and handle. It also has an aluminum long cast spool and a spare aluminum spool, just in case you need it. This spare spool is also great if you want to try fishing with 2 types of line.
The gear ratio is an easy-to-manage 4.6:1. This ratio and the wide spool diameter enable a high line retraction, giving you more stability when you reel. And the 4 ball bearings work well at keeping the reel smooth without making too much noise. It’s our top pick for the best big pit baitrunner reel that's on the market today.
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5. KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III 6000
Best Carp Baitrunner Reels
Reel Weight | 16.1 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 5.5:1 |
Ball Bearings | 10+1 |
Max Drag | 26.4 lbs.-Front, 4.6 lbs-Back |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
If you’ve been fishing for carp before and you got a bite, you probably know the amount of jerking that happens throughout the rod and reel. Having a tug of war match isn’t easy, but we believe the KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III 6000 is the perfect warrior to take down a carp fish. The trendy black and red color scheme will look great on any baitrunner or spinning rod. And it has a lot of KastKings signature features, which thoroughly sets it apart from other reels.
The Sharky Baitfeeder III 6000 is constructed of a high modulus corrosion free graphite body, with a CNC aluminum Shark Fin Braid Ready Spool.
Some old-school anglers might be disappointed to hear that this reel has a computer balanced rotor. You won’t need to direct any line onto the spool when it's being retrieved. Instead, the rotor will use vibrations to position the line, so it's evenly distributed onto the spool. Oh, and by the way, if one spool isn’t enough, no worries. KastKing provides a second spool so you can have it braid ready.
The carbon fiber drag washers are used for a smooth operation, leaving the reel feeling more reliable. You can consistently reel in for up to 26.5 Lbs. KastKaing Sharky Baitfeeder III has the smoothest fishing reel carbon drag, making it the best baitrunner reel for carp fishing.
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6. Penn FRCIII2500LL Fierce III 2500
Best Baitrunner for Surf Fishing
Reel Weight | 9.9 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 6.2:1 |
Ball Bearings | 4+1 |
Max Drag | 12 lbs |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
Standing at a shoreline or wading in the surf, looking for saltwater species may become tedious, especially if your gear isn’t up for the test. Even if you cast your line out to the “Skinny” (water up to your knees), you still need a reel and rod suitable for the environment. Baitrunners and a lot of anglers go to reel in these scenarios. We loved the Penn FRC III 2500 Spin Reel for surf fishing and inshore fishing.
This model features a full metal body and side plates, and the interiors are quite impressive, too. You’ll get Penn’s patented HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers, along with precise gear alignment, even under heavy loads.
Penn mentions on their website, the FRC III 2500 Reel has a 4+1 shielded stainless steel ball-bearing system to ensure smooth retrieves every time you reel your line. These bearings and anti-reverse bearings worked well, but it wasn’t the most silent baitrunner reel we’ve used. Nevertheless, the heavy-duty aluminum bail wire and superline spool were great at managing the line, and it’s a perfect match for monoline or braid.
Usually, surf fishing reels have a gear ratio between 5:1-6:1. If you want a slower retrieval, then we recommend sticking with the 2500 size reel. This size reel in the FRC III Series has a gear ratio of 6.2:1, so it’s on the faster side for surf fishing. This ratio worked for us as it’s easier to retrieve slower on a fast reel, as opposed to going fast on a slow reel.
“If you're just starting out getting into surf fishing or want to add another reel ( or two ) to your arsenal without breaking the bank I recommend the Fierce.III.”
- Review from Castingcutbait on Penn’s website.
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7. Yoshikawa 4000
Best Saltwater Baitrunner Reel
Reel Weight | 15.0 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 5.5:1 |
Ball Bearings | 10+1 |
Max Drag | 28 lbs. |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
We’ve listed the best baitrunner reel for under $100, but now we have one for under $50. Let us introduce to you the Yoshikawa 4000. This company started up in Japan, and the name of the company is the name of the town in which it was created. Nowadays, Yoshikawa is known by anglers as a company that makes cheap but sturdy reels. Even though this reel is priced under $50, you can reel in tarpon, kingfish, mackerel, big salmon, and more.
This bait feeder spinning reel has a Cool-gray finish and is available in 4 sizes. From 3000- 6000, you can choose a size depending on the fish you plan to target. And, this can be in fresh or saltwater applications. For a reel that’s only $50, you’ll get Yoshikawa’s TITAN Graphite Construction. Along with:
This means this reel can stand up pretty well against saltwater splashbacks, or the occasional dunk or two. Be sure to clean and maintain the reel after saltwater use. You wouldn’t want sand, small rocks, or debris to get into the 10+1 ball bearings. They are ‘High-Power, Corrosion-Free ball bearings,’ but they will wear and tear if not maintained.
With a 5.5:1 gear ratio for a secure and fast retrieve and a max drag of 28 lbs, it’s hard not to fault this reel, especially at this price tag. That’s why it’s our number one choice for the best baitrunner reel for under $50.
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8. Shimano Baitrunner 12000D
Best Saltwater Saitrunner Reel
Reel Weight | 30 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 4.4:1 |
Ball Bearings | 3BB + 3RB |
Max Drag | 20 lbs |
Water Type | Designed for Saltwater |
Shimano promises, ‘Better castability, better line lay, less backlash, wind knots or tangles, less friction on the line’ once you have this reel in your fishing arsenal.
We’re not going to lie; the Shimano Baitrunner 12000D didn't cause us any problems with line management or backlash. That’s why it’s our pick for the best saltwater baitrunner reel on the market today.
Most of the reels we’ve listed are suitable for saltwater, but this reel shines for its uniqueness in its excellent craftsmanship. The 12000D is built out of aluminum and carbon. This reel is packed with features that are perfect for saltwater fishing trips.
These are just a few features within the Shimano Baitrunner 12000D. You can target bass, sailfish, or tuna with this reel, as the max drag is an impressive 20 lbs. It’s the best saltwater and offshore baitrunner reel in the mid-price range, and it’s backed with Shimano’s 10 Year Warranty.
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9. Shimano Baitrunner 8000OC Saltwater
Best Baitrunner Reel for the Money
Reel Weight | 29 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 4.8:1 |
Ball Bearings | 3 S AR BB + 1 S RB |
Max Drag | 20 lbs |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
The Shimano OC Series was first released in 2013, and over the years there have been many tweaks to keep it up to date without losing its core value. Shimano has said the OC model is, Today's Technology with Legendary Performance and Durability. We believe this is apparent with each OC Series that was produced.
Before this OC Baitrunner reel had stainless steel, A-R (anti-rust) ball bearings, now it’s 3 S A-Rs(silent, anti-rust) ball bearings. There’s also an anti-reverse roller bearing inside this reel, too. These act like shields and reduce salt or sand from getting into the bearing's position.
Another added feature Shimano added to this reel is the computer balancing rotor. This dynamic-balance feature eliminates wobble when retrieving the line. It redistributes the rotor’s weight to enhance sensitivity and smoothness. This rotor also eliminates vibrations and does it without much noise at all.
This model has many more Shimano features that are on other baitrunner reels by this company. These include:
Choose between 4 sizes, ranging from 15 lbs of max drag to 25 lbs. We prefer the 8000OC model. It has a max drag of 20 lbs, and it has an easy to handle gear ratio of 4.8:1. It’s the best baitrunner reel for the money, especially if you’re a beginner looking to improve your skills.
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10. Mitchell Unisex Avocet R FS 6500
Best Small Baitrunner Reel
Reel Weight | 15.8 oz. |
Gear Ratio | 5.1:1 |
Ball Bearings | 2+1 |
Max Drag | 18 lbs |
Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
Even though you might have a 10 or 12-foot rod, your reel certainly doesn’t need to be big as well. Big doesn’t always mean better, and this powerful yet compact baitrunner reel proves we’re right. These Mitchell Avocet 6500 FS RTE reels are a free-spool design just like traditional baitrunner reels, yet they also have built-in audio and visual alarm systems.
You’re probably wondering how this is helpful to your fishing game. Well, when the spool spins in free-spool mode, the blue, red, green, or orange-colored rear section lights up, and an alarm sounds. Some anglers will hate it, and others will love it. We found it very useful, but it's not the main reason this is the best small baitrunner reel.
The R FS reel is available in 2 sizes, 5500 and 6500. These sizes feature an anodized aluminum spool, a multi-disc drag system, a large handle, and soft-touch knobs. Partner these features and materials with a full metal body construction, and you’ve got yourself a baitrunner reel that’s saltwater friendly.
This reel is below $50, so don’t expect a top-performing, tournament-level reel. It's an excellent reel for beginner-intermediate level anglers. Or for older children and teens. We believe it’s the best cheap baitrunner reel that's on the market today.
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How Baitrunner Reels Work
The purpose of a bait runner fishing reel is to provide a second drag system that can be engaged or disengaged with a simple switch. Once a fish takes the bait and starts to swim with it, the reel will allow the line to come off the spool very easily.
This is called a "controlled free spool," meaning the drag is light enough so a fish can take the bait and run with it without feeling the very light drag of the line. Switching off the bait runner function allows you to strike and play on the standard drag system that’s on most spinning reels.
Conventional vs. Baitrunner Spinning Reels Compared
These reels might be mounted the same way as baitrunner reels, but they don’t have the secondary drag system that we’ve mentioned above.
The secondary drag is also referred to as the rear drag on most of the Baitrunner style reels. The line also comes off the spool straight, rather than in a looping, tornado shape with traditional spinning reels.
With bait runner spinning reels, you’ll have a ton of control on your line, but it requires a lot of practice. Some anglers will choose conventional reels for saltwater gamefish and baitrunners for freshwater gamefish. Both reel types work wonders at catching gamefish, so the final choice is entirely up to you.
Baitrunner Reel Size Guide
The size of the baitrunner reel you choose will ultimately determine the line and fish you can catch. Don’t worry; many baitrunner reels have powerful drag systems, so you can still target a range of fish.
Here’s a sizing guide so you can better determine the reel and line weight to go for. The exact line capacity will be on each model, but here’s a good indication.
Baitrunner Reel Sizes | Recommended line and weight |
1000-3500 (Small size) | Mono 2-10 lb or braid 4-15 lb |
4000-6000 (Medium size) | Mono 14-14 lb or Braid 15-60 lb |
7000-14,000 (Large size) | Mon 14-40+ lb or Braid 15-80 lb |
People also Ask (FAQs)
What fish are baitrunner reels primarily used for?
From striper bass to snapper fish with bluefish, jewfish, and salmon in between. The scale of fish species you can target is enormous. Of course, some reels are specifically designed for certain species. We’ve spoken about this in our reviews.
What types of live baits should I use with my baitrunner reel for carp fishing?
If you’re in an area that’s low on carp, then you’ll need a good bait. Mussels are a carps favorite and the best food source. Otherwise, corn is a great bait, especially in the winter. Be it canned, frozen, or whole kernels. Carp fishes love it, and they see it very easily as well!
Are there any special maintenance steps for this type of fishing reel?
Oiling and cleaning your baitrunner reel is going to keep your reel looking good and lasting for seasons. If you’re primarily using your baitrunner in freshwater, then a deep clean after every 5 uses is enough. For saltwater use, be sure to clean your reel after every use.
To oil your baitrunner reel, simply add a few drops of a fishing-approved oil or degreaser between the gears and the body itself. Let the oil sink into the reel. You can spin the rotor to help the oil get to the bearings.
Where can I buy these baitrunner reels?
If you're in the States, all of these baitrunner reels can be delivered to your door if you order them directly from Amazon. You can read other angler’s opinions and ask questions yourself before committing your next new reel.
Conclusion
Get ready to switch the teaser lever, engage the secondary drag, and reel in a tuna or carp fish on your next saltwater adventure. The Shimano Baitrunner D BTR6000D will be your perfect companion to take down some large species in saltwater, and freshwater, too. We believe it’s Shimano’s best baitrunner out of the list of models that they’ve released, guaranteeing you a fishing trip that will go swimmingly to plan.