Your Expert Guide to Choosing a Baitrunner Reel from our range for sale
A baitrunner reel (or bait-feeder reel) is a specialised piece of fishing gear designed to solve a common problem: how to let a fish run with a bait without feeling any resistance. Understanding how this system works and choosing the right size is the key to maximising your success with this incredibly effective technique.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"For any serious bait angler fishing from the beach, rocks, or a boat, a baitrunner-style reel is a model we highly recommend. We've seen firsthand how effective they are for fussy species in our local area, like snapper off the Shellharbour church grounds and mulloway in the Shoalhaven, which often mouth a bait before fully committing.
A baitrunner gives the fish the upper hand of confidence to take the bait properly, and it's why we stock and recommend our comprehensive range for sale from the iconic Shimano Baitrunner to the tough, reliable similar options from Penn and Daiwa."
- Ben Czulowski and The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
How a Baitrunner System Works
A baitrunner has two separate drag systems:
- The Main Drag: This is your standard front drag used for fighting the fish.
- The Secondary Baitrunner Drag: This is a rear drag that is engaged via a lever. When engaged, it allows the spool to turn under very light, adjustable tension. When a fish bites, you simply turn the handle, which automatically disengages the baitrunner and engages the main fighting drag, setting the hook.
Choosing the Right Size Baitrunner
- Small Sizes (2500 - 4000): Perfect for light-duty applications in estuaries and lakes. They are an ideal choice for targeting species like Bream, Whiting, and Flathead with baits like prawns and worms.
- Medium Sizes (6000 - 8000): The versatile all-rounders. These sizes are the go-to for targeting Snapper on inshore reefs and for medium beach and rock fishing for Salmon, Tailor, and Mulloway.
- Large Sizes (10000+): The heavy-duty specialists. These are for serious land-based anglers or offshore boaties who need maximum line capacity and stopping power for big pelagic and reef dwelling fish.
Why Buy from Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)?
We live and breathe Australian sportfishing. Our passion is the foundation of our business, which has been serving anglers since 2001 (and online since 2005). We carefully select our range of Baitrunner and bait-feeder reels for sale from trusted brands, prioritising reliable drag systems and solid construction that can handle our tough local conditions. We also take into account all customer feedback when they visit our physical store for a chat, and we consistently keep an eye on reviews to see what customers are saying, which plays a huge role in determining which models we stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Shimano Baitrunner and other brands?
Shimano invented and owns the "Baitrunner" trademark, and their models are renowned for their smooth performance. Other top brands like Penn and Daiwa offer their own excellent versions of this technology, often called "Live Liner" or "Bite N' Run," which perform the same essential function.
When should I use the baitrunner function?
Engage the baitrunner function immediately after you cast your bait out. This allows a fish to pick up the bait and swim away without feeling any tension. Once the fish is running confidently, a single turn of the reel handle will engage the main drag and set the hook.
How do I set the baitrunner drag?
The baitrunner drag should be set very light—just enough tension to prevent the current from pulling line off the spool. The goal is to create as little resistance as possible so the fish doesn't suspect anything is wrong when it takes the bait.
Are baitrunner reels good for boat fishing?
Yes, they are exceptional for boat fishing, especially when targeting wary reef fish like snapper. The free-spool function gives these cautious species time to take a bait confidently without feeling the weight of the sinker, which results in a much higher hook-up rate.
Can you cast lures with a baitrunner reel?
While you certainly can, it's not their primary design. A standard spinning reel is generally a lighter and more suitable choice for repetitive lure casting. A baitrunner truly excels in any situation where you are fishing with stationary baits.
