In Need of a New Reel - Info Request

[LeafsFan]

I have not purchased any new gear in quite a few years (at least 10 years), I am happy with my rods and reels for the most part, but after doing some reading I am thinking I need to obtain a baitrunner.

 

So I currently run a Pflueger President (unsure of the exact model) as my main reel, however it has taken a few dives into the lake due to some carp hitting and running faster than I was prepared for over the years, which has me thinking it is time for a baitrunner.

 

I can't find much useful information to assist me with my search for what I need. For the most part the reel will be used for carp, catfish, and potentially pike if my honey hole for chubs has some, then it will be all about floating a chub. I am looking for something with a large capacity for the spools. Depending on how it handles it could push the President aside if casting abilities are good for spinner baits.

 

I am looking for honest opinions on any models or brands, this question got posted on another forum with very little useful info provided.

 

Thanks in advance,

[cuzza]

I have a pair of Shimano Baitrunners that must be almost 20 years old, never needed servicing and they're still going strong having landed loads of carp, were I to replace them, I'd stick with Shimano.

[Fisherpete]

Just bought a pair of Shimano Baitrunner 4000 OC 's when SAIL had their 15% sale on. They are incredible. Think it worked out to be $163 each all in. I spooled them with 150 yards of 40lb braid - plenty of line capacity.

Edited May 18, 2016 by Fisherpete

[MJL]

Baitrunners definitely make things easier. You just have to remember to switch them on once you put them on the rod rest (which many people forget to do.LOL)

 

Hard to go wrong with Shimano when it comes to baitrunners. I have an old Shimano Baitrunner 4500B, Shimano Thunnus 6000 and Shimano LongCast and put them through extremely heavy use.

 

One other alternative to the baitrunner is to just back off the drag when the rod is on the holder. I did this for years with a 4000 Shimano Stradic when I was a kid.

 

I also use a Daiwa Windcast Z big-pit reel which doesn't have a baitrunner feature but it does have a quick drag feature. I can go from free-spool to almost total lock-down in less than a full turn of the drag knob.

[esoxansteel]

I believe theres a 4000 Stradic in the classifieds barely used I believe Tom still has it

[Tom McCutcheon]

Yep....still available...It's not a bait runner though, but will handle a large carp or big pike.

[fishdawg]

Maybe give the Okuma Avenger a look

Edited May 19, 2016 by fishdawg

[LeafsFan]

Unless I do something stupid my choice has come down to the following two ...

 

Daiwa EMCBR4000A

https://www.amazon.ca/Daiwa-EMCBR4000A-Emcast-4000A-Spinning/dp/B00LDYJW60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463753260&sr=8-1&keywords=emcast+bite+run

OR

Okuma ABF40b Avenger

https://www.amazon.ca/Okuma-ABF40b-Avenger-Baitfeeder-Reels/dp/B00LDYL2FY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463753470&sr=8-1&keywords=okuma+avenger+abf+40b

 

Which would you choose?