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.
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
