10 Best Baitrunner Reels 2025 in the United States

The PENN Spinfisher VI Live Liner is a solid choice for anglers looking for a reliable inshore fishing reel. Its IPX5 sealed aluminum construction offers excellent resistance against corrosion, making it suitable for saltwater fishing. With a gear ratio of 6.2:1, it recovers line quickly at a rate of 40 inches per crank, ensuring efficiency during your fishing trips. The 6 stainless steel ball bearings, including an anti-reverse bearing, provide smooth operation, which is crucial when battling fish.

One of its standout features is the HT-100 front drag system, equipped with carbon fiber washers, allowing for a maximum drag of 20 pounds. This ensures that you can handle larger catches without excessive strain. The superline spool makes it easy to attach braided line, which is a plus for those who prefer it over monofilament. The reel’s size (4500) offers good line capacity, accommodating various line types and weights.

Although the reel is well-built, it does weigh in at 1.96 pounds, which some users may find a bit heavy for extended use. The design favors ambidextrous handling, but the right-left handle position might not be ideal for everyone, depending on personal preference. Additionally, while the reel’s features cater well to inshore fishing, dedicated offshore anglers might require a more specialized option.

The Shimano Baitrunner 12000D is a solid choice for anglers targeting larger fish in offshore saltwater environments. Its most notable feature is the secondary drag system, which facilitates free spooling with the bail closed — ideal for live bait fishing. This function makes the bait appear more natural to fish, increasing the likelihood of a catch. The reel's gear ratio of 4.4:1 offers smooth and steady retrieves, although it might feel slow if you're used to higher-speed reels. With a maximum drag of 20 pounds, it provides adequate power to handle heavy fish, which is a key advantage in saltwater fishing.

In terms of line capacity, it can hold a significant amount of both monofilament and braided lines, making it versatile for different fishing techniques. The inclusion of six bearings (3 ball bearings and 3 roller bearings) ensures a smooth performance, though some might expect more bearings at this price point for enhanced smoothness. Weighing in at 30 ounces, it's on the heavier side, which might feel cumbersome during extended fishing trips. However, the design incorporates larger, more comfortable grips that help offset this by enhancing comfort.

The Dyna-Balance technology is a standout feature, eliminating wobble during retrieval which supports a stable and sensitive fishing experience. Yet, the reel's weight might be a drawback for those who prefer lightweight gear. Additionally, while its line retrieval rate of 37 inches per crank is decent, the reel's performance might not suit everyone's speed preferences. Ideal for bass and trout fishing, this reel is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate the baitrunner feature and are willing to accommodate its slightly hefty build for the advantages it offers.

The Shimano Baitrunner 6000D is a solid choice for anglers looking for a baitrunner reel, especially in saltwater fishing. It features a unique secondary drag system that lets your bait move naturally with free spooling while the bail is closed, which is great for live bait fishing. The gear ratio of 4.8:1 offers a moderate retrieve speed, suitable for controlling your catch without rushing. With a max drag of 20 lbs, it provides enough power to handle medium to larger fish.

One of its strengths is the oval oscillation gear, which ensures the fishing line is evenly wound on the spool, helping to reduce tangles and improve casting distance. The reel includes 3 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, contributing to smooth performance and reducing friction, while the dyna-balance technology minimizes wobbling during retrieval for better sensitivity. In terms of line capacity, it supports a decent amount of both braided and monofilament lines, which offers flexibility depending on your fishing style. Weighing about 20 ounces, it is moderately heavy but still manageable for extended use. The aluminum handle and comfortable grips add to the overall durability and user comfort.

The reel’s weight might feel a bit heavy to some users, especially if you prefer very lightweight gear. Also, its gear ratio is on the lower side, so it won't retrieve line very fast, which might not suit all fishing techniques. Despite being a classic model available since 2001, it remains reliable but lacks some modern features found in newer reels. This reel is well suited for anglers who fish with live bait and want smooth drag control and solid build quality without the need for ultra-fast line retrieval. It balances functionality and durability, making it a dependable pick for saltwater fishing enthusiasts.