When catching large fish with a feeder or regular bottom tackle, a reel with a baitrunner may come in handy. This mechanism will allow you to fish with several tackles at the same time, without fear that when a large fish bites, it will break the fishing line or drag your rod into the water.
After all, a fisherman, with this type of fishing, cannot always hold the equipped fishing rod in his hands, especially since, as a rule, there are two or more of them. After casting the tackle, they are installed on stands in anticipation of a bite.
Why do you need a baitrunner on a reel?
The baitrunner in the mechanism of operation of the inertialess reel acts as a second braking device, capable of both spontaneous release of the main cord and its rigid fixation. In combination with the clutch, the main brake of the inertia-free action, the possibility of a backup allows you to configure the reel to more effectively catch large fish and prevent the loss of gear as a result of its being pulled from the supports at the time of an aggressive bite or temporary loss of sight of the gear. Another practical feature of the mechanism is the function of measuring depth using a marker float.
Important! Ordinary fishing reels without this functionality differ from baitrunner reels in that they are lighter in weight and visually look less massive.
How the mechanism works
Operation in the activated state is the ability to provide the reel mechanism with complete disconnection of the spool from the transmission mechanism circuit. As a result of this action, the cord from the spool becomes free to spontaneously drop, which occurs fully automatically under certain maximum loads. The load on the cord is provided by the fish that takes the bait.
When a bite is detected, the fishing reel with the baitrunner is switched to normal operation by rotating the mechanism handle or bringing the function lever to its original position, which is identical to the actions of the fisherman during fishing. Further functions of the brake and control of the release of the cord are taken over by the clutch, which completes the manipulations of catching the trophy, bringing it to its logical end.
Tips for proper use
The operation process also has its own step-by-step description.
- First, a cast is made, after which it is recommended to install the fishing rod on a special stand. The brake system is switched to on mode.
- The brake system is turned off strictly before cutting. Then the catch begins to be landed.
- If a strong click is heard during the fishing process, it means the clutch is working.
- The next step is to press the small bayrunner lever. The handle begins to move freely. Then it returns to its original position. Provides complete control over the behavior of the fishing line.
- The baitrunner is closed with a slight turn of the handle when the line is completely tightened. After this, the normal adjustment mode should begin to work.
- Reverse motion is disabled at all times.
- The line should come off slowly even under load in the biggest bend. To do this, adjust the friction brake accordingly. Then the line will not break, and the likelihood of the entire fishing rod breaking off is reduced.
- The friction brake is constantly weakened if there is no point in active work. This attitude allows you to maintain the most stable working condition of the structure.
- For fishing with a spinning rod, a donk and a feeder, reels with a baitrunner can be used. In some ways, the system can be called universal. It is always popular among fishermen.
Scope of application of the function in fishing
Baitrunner reels are simply irreplaceable in bottom fishing for large fish. This is due to the fact that sometimes the fisherman has to wait quite a long time for a cautious fish to bite, and at the same time it is not always possible to observe the loaded fishing tackle. With this method of fishing, which is mainly carp fishing, several rods are often used simultaneously. In this case, simultaneous bites threaten the loss of the rod, simply pulling it into the pond. Therefore, a baitrunner on a reel is needed.
By activating the function on the rods located in the rod, the angler can calmly engage in secondary activities, only strictly reacting to the sounds of bite alarms. There is no need to worry about the integrity of the rod.
Important! The baitrunner ensures unhindered release of the cord before the operation of hooking the fish through the direct actions of the fisherman.
But the rod protection function is not the only advantage of such reels. A baitrunner on a reel is also an excellent opportunity to supply bait or lure to the fishing area. Fishermen carry out this technique when installing live bait or other bait, when they transport the installation by water to the fishing area and install it at a certain point. By activating the cord release function, the rod is delivered to the shore and mounted in its working position.
This feature of a spinning reel performs approximately the same function in trolling fishing. Here the angler activates the mechanism for free release of the cord while the boat is moving, when it is necessary to move a wobbler or other similar equipment to a certain point with particular precision. Leaving the wobbler on the surface, lower the required length of cord, transferring the reel to the clutch operation. When marking and determining depths, it is quite rational to use the capabilities of a coil with this function. Having moved the depth gauge equipment to the required point, after casting it, the free feed mechanism is turned on and the depth level is determined by measuring the cut of the fallen fishing line or braided cord. Using a baitrunner in all the cases presented above is quite simple, comfortable and effective.
About the advantages and disadvantages of the system
The positive aspects will be as follows:
- You can be sure that the rod will not be pulled into the water, even when the bite is powerful.
- The ability to measure the distance between the bottom and surface of a reservoir. Simply attach the marker float to the reel.
- Significant simplification of the overall fishing process.
- Lack of vibration, which can significantly complicate the fishing process.
- Smoother and more balanced operation compared to systems that do not have specialized equipment.
But there were some downsides:
- Such coils have their own operating characteristics. It will take some time to get used to them.
- High cost, which not everyone can afford.
- Lack of durability properties of the system. Quite often repairs are needed.
- Serious weight.
Coil Setting
Important! The main condition for setting up the mechanism is its synchronization with the main brake or clutch.
The baitrunner adjustment itself, which adjusts the tightening force of the line by means of the spool rotation speed, is carried out by a clamping mechanism, which, when tightened, increases the load on the rotation of the spool, and when loosening the screw, it is completely removed. By adjusting the clamping force in this way, they pull the cord from the spool, determining the desired parameter for the magnitude of the applied force.
But in this case, it is worth noting that not all models of spinning reels that have a baitrunner function are equipped with a mechanism for its fine regulation. Often a function in a mechanism can be either completely turned on or completely turned off using the lever already described above. With this option, there is no practical need to synchronize the two brake mechanisms, but in the opposite case, the clutch settings are made more rigid than the baitrunner settings.
Having lowered the fishing line and switched the reel to the clutch operating mode, the cord should only be pulled in with extreme loads exceeding the strength of the fishing line, which for the operating conditions of a baitrunner descent is not the main and primary task.
How to choose a reel with this system
An angler who has decided on the question of why he needs a mechanism with a baitrunner must also understand the principles of choosing the appropriate thing, based on its appearance and functional capacity. It is worth choosing a spinning reel in a metal case and preferably made of light alloys, since the presence of great functionality of the product significantly increases the bulk of the reel.
The components of the case must be screwed together without flaws, which indicates the high quality of water resistance of the mechanism. The operation of braking systems is determined by the application of force to a piece of cord tied to the spool. The movements of the spool should be even and smooth, without lameness or extraneous noise. The regulating mechanism should allow maneuvering the tightening forces of the cord both upward and downward, which should be clearly felt.
A good product has adequate weight, it is not very light, it has a neat appearance, without sagging in the coatings or dissimilarities in the gaps. We can definitely say that cheap plastic plagiarisms will show their weaknesses even at the first significant load, and their practical implementation will only cause frustration from missed opportunities.
Rating of reels with baitrunner
The rating of reels is based on their quality and cost characteristics, which allow the fisherman to combine the reliability of using the mechanism and at the same time not put undue pressure on his budget, observing the principle of democratic accessory cost.
- Mechanisms produced by Shimano are very popular among carp anglers. Exage 4000 RC reel in the manufacturer’s line deserves special attention. After all, the lightweight body and high gear ratio provide the most comfortable conditions when catching large fish. The price relative to other top companies is much more pleasant, but the reliability of this company has been tested over the years and is beyond doubt.
- The well-known Daiwa is no less loved by anglers. Its fishing accessories are valued for the reliability and balanced operation of the mechanism. The price of the company's products is only slightly higher than that of the previous top manufacturer, but such an excess is not a hindrance for fans of the brand. I would like to mention the lightweight reel with the Regal 3000 XIA . Smooth running and meticulous adjustment of the brake mechanisms provide ideal control over the fishing of especially trophy specimens.
- Okum has presented a masterpiece in this field of fishing products. Epixor Eb Dfitfeeder model is distinguished by high water resistance and a large spool volume, which in addition has a titanium non-wearing finish on the side and the base itself. The budget is also reasonable.
- BANAX GT Extreme-3000 is worthy of being among the top buyrunner representatives. The manufacturer was able to achieve high reliability of the mechanism by making the working gear transmission from a brass component, and the body itself from a duralumin alloy, which significantly reduced the weight of the product and eliminated the possibility of corrosion, without compromising its performance qualities. Price is in the middle range.
- The top five will be closed by the representative of the Salmo company, the hard worker Diamond Baitrunner 5+1 RD . A lightweight reel with an elegant main aluminum spool with a hinged side and the ability to wind up to two hundred meters of line. Five bearings of the mechanism guarantee reliable operation and fast winding. The price is budget.
I hope that the presented list will help a beginner save on money and get a reliable base of gear at the beginning of his career, and will provide food for an experienced fisherman for a comparative analysis with mechanisms proven by personal experience in practical use.
Possible problems and their solutions
Repairing reels with a baitrunner, as described above, is possible with your own hands, and then this will help save a lot of money. However, not all problems can be solved independently, and it is not easy to get the necessary parts; in this case, the coil will have to be carried by specialists. Let's look at the main defects.
Noise is heard inside the case
Its appearance can be caused by many reasons, from dust and dirt getting inside to failure of bearings or other elements. If any suspicious creaking appears, it is better not to use the inertia-free system, so as not to aggravate the situation. In any case, it will have to be disassembled and either cleaning and lubricating, or replacing failed elements.
Self-tightening friction brake
If this happens during a forest fall, it becomes a serious problem. It should be noted that coils of not the highest quality are characterized by such a defect. If you don’t react in time, there will be sad consequences in the form of broken equipment and a broken rod, not to mention the failure of the inertia-free rod itself. In most cases, it is rarely possible to cope with this problem on your own.
Self-resetting scaffold stacker bracket
The defect is no less serious than the previous one and can lead to exactly the same consequences. The problem is caused by the line guide clamp snapping into the rewind position. If the equipment is quite heavy, for example, a feeder, the minimum you can get away with is shooting the bait.
You can try to fix the problem yourself. The first step is to tighten the bolts that secure the bracket. If the problem persists, the cover under which the spring is located is dismantled, and a gasket is placed on the rod. In some models, the gasket cannot be installed, so the spring will have to be replaced.
The appearance of defects on the side of the drum
Often, an angler has to note with regret the appearance of various scratches, dents and other unpleasant defects on the side of the spool. Due to the increasing friction of the scaffold, this, on the one hand, leads to a decrease in the range of the tackle, and on the other hand, irreparable damage is caused to the thread itself.
The only way out of this situation is to clean and polish all problem areas with further polishing. However, you shouldn’t get too carried away, since you can inadvertently remove the coating of carbide metal from the side, for which high-quality inertia-free motors are famous.
Inoperative reverse stopper
It is quite simple to determine that the reverse stopper on the reel has suddenly failed. In this case, the meat grinder handle begins to rotate easily in the forward and polar directions, despite the activated blocker. Unlike older models, the stopper works thanks to an overrunning clutch.
It is here that it is necessary to look for the cause, since in most cases the accumulation of dirt or thickened lubricant leads to failure. Whether you like it or not, you will have to dismantle the coupling and apply liquid lubricant to it. True, disassembling this unit is a very complex operation, and if you are not sure, you should not do it yourself.
Scaffolding
On some meat grinders that have a front friction brake, the nut that secures it is for some reason located a couple of millimeters above the edge of the drum. The scaffolding tends to cling to it, which leads to a cliff. The independent solution to the problem is as follows.
To begin with, the entire mechanism is dismantled: the fixing nut is unscrewed and the friction washers are removed. After removing the felt washer, it becomes clear why the protrusion is formed - it is too thick. As a replacement, you can choose a thinner one made of plastic. After assembly, the protrusion disappears.
