The 8 Best Baitrunner Reels
Updated by · How we research
A second, light drag lets a fish run with live bait. Eight baitrunner reels from Shimano, Okuma, Daiwa and KastKing, with the Shimano Baitrunner D first. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Baitrunner is Shimano's name for its free-spool feature, and it became the common word for any spinning reel with a second, light drag that lets a fish take live bait and run before you set the hook. Carp, catfish and saltwater live-bait anglers use these reels with the rod in a holder or rest, on a river, a pier or a boat.
From the manual
- Flip the clutch bar at the back to free the spool; turning the handle switches back to the main drag for the hookset. p. 1
- The rear knob sets bait tension: clockwise adds pressure and slows a running bait, counterclockwise lets it swim more freely. p. 1
- Tighten the drag before rinsing, use cool fresh water after salt, and never soak the reel or dry it with a hair dryer. p. 1
- Uneven line lay is fixed by adding or removing a washer under the spool; oil the outside moving parts with light reel oil. p. 1
Compare the specs
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Product | Max drag (kg) | Weight (g) | Bearings (ball + roller) | Gear ratio (:1) | Sizes sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shimano Baitrunner D | 7-9 | 383-850 | 3+1 | 4.4-4.8 | 4000 to 12000 |
| 2. Okuma Avenger ABF | 3-12 | 218-503 | 6+1 | 4.5-5.0 | 500 to 8000 |
| 3. KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III | 8-12 | 318-456 | 10+1 | 5.1-5.5 | 2000 to 6000 |
| 4. Shimano Baitrunner OC | 7-12 | 380-825 | 3+1 | 4.8 | 4000 to 12000 |
| 5. Daiwa Black Widow BR LT | 10-12 | 295-320 | 1 | 5.2 | 2500 to 5000 |
| 6. Okuma Coronado CDX | 12.2-17 | 550-855 | 4+1 | 4.4-4.9 | 55 to 80 |
| 7. Daiwa Black Widow BR 4000A | 12 | 460 | 3 | 4.6 | 3500A to 5000A |
| 8. Shimano Baitrunner ST RB | 6 | 550-555 | 1+1 | 4.6 | 6000 and 10000 |
Ranges run from the smallest to the largest size each maker lists; the Black Widow BR 4000A row gives that size's figures. KastKing publishes pounds and ounces, converted here. Okuma's U.S. site gives the Coronado CDX a 4.8:1 ratio in every size, and Shimano's U.S. shop lists the 12000 D at 25 pounds of drag.
Sources
- Shimano Baitrunner D specifications (UK) Baitrunner OC specifications (Australia) Baitrunner ST-RB specifications (Spain)
- Okuma Avenger ABF specifications Coronado CDX specifications Coronado CDX, U.S. site
- KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III specs
- Daiwa 19 Black Widow BR LT (EU) Black Widow BR sizes (DaiwaCarp) 2025 catalog, p. 57 (PDF)
From the manual
- The handle screws in: to swap sides, take off the cap, turn the handle backward to remove it, then fit it on the other side. p. 1; CDX catalog sheet, p. 40
- A sealed drag keeps water off the carbon drag washers, and the bail wire is solid aluminum. CDX catalog sheet, p. 40
- Okuma warns against hot water, which damages the grease and oil, and against leaving the reel in direct heat or sunlight for long. p. 1
Editor's Notes
November 5, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
We rechecked every pick against the makers' own spec tables and added a spec table and notes from Okuma's baitfeeder manual. We corrected the Baitrunner 12000 D's drag to Shimano's 9 kilograms, the lightest-reel answer (Okuma's Avenger ABF 500 is lighter than the Daiwa), and the Coronado CDX caution, which now points to gear ratio. All eight reels are still listed by their makers, and we found no recalls.
October 18, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Shimano Baitrunner D keeps the top spot as the reel most anglers measure the rest against, though it's expensive right now. Of the 2020 list, half had fallen away. The Daiwa Regal and Okuma Ceymar are no longer sold, the Shimano Thunnus and Isafish Double have vanished, and the Shimano ST 2500 now comes with a wait of several months, so all five are out.
The Okuma Avenger ABF, Shimano Baitrunner OC, Daiwa Black Widow BR 4000A and KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III stay too, in the sizes readers ask about most. New picks fill the gaps: the small Daiwa Black Widow BR LT, the Okuma Coronado CDX for heavier saltwater bait and the big Shimano Baitrunner ST RB.
We found no lab tests of these reels, so we compared makers' and dealers' spec tables for weight, drag and line capacity, read angler forums and owner feedback, and searched for recalls of these reels. Penn's Live Liner reels are worth a look, but we couldn't find a current listing to price them.
Earlier notes
July 29, 2020, by Sam Kraft:
An array of factors led us to remove four items from the list. We slightly downgraded the Isafish Double — it’s a serviceable model at an affordable price, but it doesn’t offer the smooth drag and retrieval that some of the higher-quality reels do.
We added some details to the listing for the Daiwa Regal, indicating that the spool system was built specifically to prevent line backlash, which can cause clumping and twisting during a cast. Other factors that can lead to backlash include low-quality line, insufficient tension on the spool, an overfilled spool, and windy conditions.
Anglers who shoot for quantity over size may want to consider the Shimano ST 2500, which is lightweight but sturdy, making it a nice option for use with ultralight rods. On the other hand, those looking for a bit more power may like the Daiwa Black Widow better. It allows the user to cast for considerable distance, and its retrieval mechanism is quite efficient, pulling in 85 centimeters of line per crank. [2026 update: Daiwa lists 79 centimeters per crank for the Black Widow BR 4000A on this list; the 4500A and 5000A take in 86.] The Shimano 800OC is a dependable reel for saltwater fishing as well.
April 5, 2019, by Sam Kraft:
As long as you go in with reasonable expectations, the Sougayilang 12 should provide some respectable bang for your buck. It’s not built with the highest quality components, the ball bearings are not fully sealed, and it won’t withstand years of saltwater use — but as one of the most affordable models available, it’s more than serviceable as a backup option or for occasionally targeting small to medium-sized fish.
While the three Shimano models share several attributes that contribute to their popularity (quality craftsmanship, durability in saltwater conditions, a line system that resists getting gnarled up, to name a few), the positive reports regarding the Shimano Baitrunner D and its smooth, easy-to-use drag system drove it to the top of the list. Even when used in heavy surf and strong winds on species like blue fish that are notorious fighters, it appears to perform consistently and admirably.
Some anglers may be in need of a big, sturdy reel that can handle large catfish, pike and carp, yet most heavy-duty models are too expensive to fit in their budget. In these cases, the Daiwa Regal is a solid option. Users report that its free spool drag system isn’t the smoothest in the world, but it provides the power and balance necessary to reel in trophy-sized fish.
Special Honors
Drennan Series 7 Specimen BR Drennan, a British maker of carp and specimen tackle, builds the Series 7 Specimen BR, a small-bodied freespool reel for anglers who want the feature without a big carp reel. It runs on nine bearings, including a roller bearing, and comes with two spools: a 36-millimeter aluminum spool and a spare 45.5-millimeter composite one. Rubber line-marker buttons are included. Drennan sells through tackle shops rather than directly. drennantackle.com
How A Baitrunner Works, And What To Call It
Set it just firm enough that wind or current can't pull line off.
A baitrunner is a spinning reel with two drags. The main drag, usually the knob on the front of the spool, fights the fish. The second one, switched on with a lever at the back, lets the spool turn under light tension while the bail stays closed, so a fish can take a live bait or a carp rig and swim off without feeling much pull. Turning the handle, or flipping the lever back on some reels, brings the main drag back in for the hookset (Anglers Warehouse: Shimano Baitrunner D). The rear drag is light by design. Okuma's baitfeeder manual explains the dial: turning the rear knob clockwise adds pressure and slows a running bait, and counterclockwise lets it swim more freely (Okuma: baitfeeder reel manual). Set it just firm enough that wind or current can't pull line off.
Baitrunner is Shimano's trademark, but anglers use it for the whole type. Okuma says baitfeeder, Daiwa uses BR, Bite N Run and freespool, and Penn sells Live Liner models. They do the same job. What differs is how firmly the lever clicks in and out and how smoothly the light drag starts, which a buyer's guide to these reels names as the thing to check first (The Tested Hub: baitrunner guide).
These reels are made for a rod in a holder or rest. Cast with the free-spool off, set the rod down, then switch it on. With braid, keep fingers off a spool that's paying out fast, and check local rules on how close you must stay to a set rod, since many waters have them.
Pick The Size For Your Fish
Reel sizes are rough labels, and they don't match across brands, so compare weight, drag and line capacity instead. Shimano's Baitrunner D table is a good yardstick. The 4000 weighs 383 grams with 7 kilograms of drag, the 6000 weighs 587 grams with 9 kilograms, the 8000 weighs 615 grams with the same drag, and the 12000 weighs 850 grams, still rated at 9 kilograms (Shimano: Baitrunner D specifications). Shimano's U.S. shop lists about 270 yards of 15-pound braid on the 4000 and about 505 yards of 50-pound braid on the 12000 (Shimano: Baitrunner D line capacity).
As a starting point, a 2500 to 4000 suits small carp, river fish and small live bait from a kayak. A 6000 covers most carp and inshore live-bait work. An 8000 fits catfish and surf, and a 10000 to 12000 is for long-range carp, sharks and big pelagic fish (The Tested Hub: baitrunner guide). Weight matters if you hold the rod: anything over about 550 grams tires the arm, but it makes no difference in a rod pod.
Match the reel to the rod, too. A big 10000 on a light rod is awkward to cast and balance, and a 2500 on a heavy surf rod won't hold enough line for a strong fish.
Bearings, Drag Claims And Saltwater Care
Ball-bearing counts are a poor guide. Shimano's Baitrunner D and OC have three plus a roller (Anglers Warehouse: Baitrunner OC), while some budget reels claim 10 or more. Shielding and fit count for more than the number. Published max-drag figures need care as well. Even one maker can disagree with itself: Shimano's spec table rates the Baitrunner 12000 D at 9 kilograms, about 20 pounds, while its U.S. shop lists 25 pounds. So this page prints drag from the makers' own spec tables. Comparison sites copy these numbers too, and sometimes disagree (BestAdvisor: Okuma Avenger ABF vs Shimano Baitrunner D).
Owners mostly worry about the free-spool mechanism itself. On a New Zealand forum, anglers rated Shimano highest and praised Okuma for value, while one owner reported failed switches on another brand's live-bait reels (Fishing.net.nz forum). On a German forum, one angler reported six free-spool reels running without failures, and another feared the mechanism as a weak point (Alle Angeln forum).
For salt water, graphite bodies and shielded bearings help, but they don't replace care. Okuma's manual says to tighten the drag before rinsing, use cool fresh water after salt, never soak the reel and skip the hair dryer, which harms the grease. Back the drag off again before storing it so the washers don't compress. We found no recall of any of these reels in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notices (CPSC recalls); Shimano's 2026 CPSC penalty concerned bicycle cranksets, not reels.
How we researched this
We compared about 20 baitrunner and baitfeeder reels and read the makers' spec tables for the eight picks: Shimano's charts for the Baitrunner D, OC and ST-RB, Okuma's for the Avenger ABF and Coronado CDX, KastKing's Sharky Baitfeeder III chart, Daiwa's Black Widow BR LT page and its 2025 catalog entry for the BR 4000A. Okuma's baitfeeder spinning-reel manual was the only owner's manual we found, and we also read Okuma's 2018 Coronado CDX catalog sheet; Shimano's and KastKing's warranty pages and two angling forums, one in New Zealand and one in Germany, filled in the rest. A search of CPSC recall notices found no recall of any of these reels; Shimano's 2026 CPSC penalty was about bicycle cranksets.
Sources (21)
- BestAdvisor: Okuma Avenger ABF vs Shimano Baitrunner D
- Hometosight: baitrunner reel roundup
- The Tested Hub: best baitrunner reels guide
- Fishing.net.nz forum: bait feeder reels
- Alle Angeln forum: Freilaufrolle
- Drennan: Series 7 Specimen BR
- Okuma Fishing
- CPSC recalls
- Shimano: Baitrunner D specifications (kg, g)
- Shimano US shop: Baitrunner D
- Shimano Australia: Baitrunner OC specifications
- Shimano Spain: Baitrunner ST-RB specifications
- Shimano US warranty
- Okuma: Avenger ABF specifications
- Okuma: Coronado CDX specifications
- Okuma: baitfeeder spinning reel operating manual (PDF)
- KastKing: Sharky Baitfeeder III
- KastKing warranty policy
- Daiwa: 19 Black Widow BR LT
- Daiwa Italy 2025 catalog (PDF)
- CPSC: Shimano civil penalty, bicycle cranksets (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is a baitrunner reel?
It's a spinning reel with a second, light drag that you switch on with a rear lever. A fish can take the bait and pull line freely while the bail stays closed. Turning the handle or flipping the lever brings back the main drag for the hookset.
Is there a difference between a baitfeeder and a baitrunner?
Not in how they work. Baitrunner is Shimano's name. Okuma calls the same feature a baitfeeder, Daiwa uses BR and freespool, and Penn uses Live Liner. Compare the reels on size, drag, weight and build, not on the name.
What size baitrunner reel do I need?
A 2500 to 4000 suits small carp and light live bait, a 6000 covers most carp and inshore work, an 8000 fits catfish and surf, and a 10000 to 12000 is for long-range carp and sharks. Sizes vary by brand, so check line capacity.
What is the smallest baitrunner reel?
Among the reels here, Okuma's Avenger ABF goes smallest: its 500 size weighs 218 grams on Okuma's table. The Daiwa Black Widow BR LT 2500 weighs 295 grams, KastKing's Sharky Baitfeeder III starts at a 2000 size, and Drennan's Series 7 Specimen BR is another small-bodied option.
Can I use a baitrunner reel in salt water?
Yes, most are built for it, with graphite or aluminum bodies and shielded bearings. Rinse the reel in fresh water after every trip and let it dry. Big sizes such as the 12000 are made for sharks and other large saltwater fish.
Can I cast with the baitrunner switched on?
It's better not to. Cast with the free-spool off, put the rod in its rest, then switch it on. A spool that turns freely during the cast or retrieve can tangle line.
