AznVinc3nt

Hi AznVinc3nt
Have never done this style of fishing, so I can't really help, but just wanted to say there are HEAPS of Youtube videos, telly shows, and things like that out there on this style of fishing. 
I think some of those species you'll also get OK ones on spoons/blades, and even spinning pillies, opposed to poppers. 
Cheers Hamish 😛 🙂 

I agree, I have a thunnus and two D series baitrunners, and the thunnus is a class above the baitrunners. Not that the baitrunners aren't a good reel. I have a 6 and also a 12 and I use them especially for threadies. I use the 12 out on the reef and it's got good drag. Nice and smooth. They're complicated to replace parts but I had to change the main drive gear in the 12 which was interesting. Ordered the part from shimano and that worked out fine. Thunnus is a really smooth reel.

I personally haven't noticed any difference in using bait runners vs plain spinning reels apart from  that the baitrunners are a bit larger than the equivalent plain version and a also bit  heavier, hence all my spin reels are the baitrunner types, as you don't have to use that feature and just use it as a plain spinning reel.

Hey AznVinc3nt
As ellicat said above, I don't think you should be getting a baitrunner reel when using lures. I believe baitrunners are designed to sit in a holder, while you wait for the fish. 
If you plan on doing a lot of beach/rock fishing, a spin reel would be better. I catch salmon just fine on my normal spin reel so maybe that one (the spin reel) is the one you might want as it is more versatile. 
Cheers Hamish 🙂 

Weight might be another factor to consider. I have an 8000D baitrunner. It is great for baitfishing with circle hooks when you can just leave it sitting in the rod holder as @ellicatsaid, but it is quite a heavy reel and I wouldn’t want my spaghetti arms casting with it for extended periods. Horses for courses I guess.

Personally I use the Penn Spinfisher Liveliners in the 2500, 4500 and 6500 sizes and use a reel depending what I think may be about, but must admit I don't do a lot of surf fishing. If I want to go after Sharks/Trevally in the surf then I will use my Solterra SLR 10CS overhead. Ballooning off the rocks specifically for larger sharks  it will be the Makaira 30 or the 50W,  rockfishing in general I prefer to use overheads and  will use the Fathom 15  and Tica Uzio. Surf fishing  more often then not, will have a strong offshore breeze so the spinning reels are less problematic in casting out the bait/lures.
The 2500 and the 4500 is for small to largish fish, the 4500/6500 will handle quite large Jewfish/Spanish mackerel. However you should pick a reel that has adequate line and drag  capacity 'cause if you are lobbing a bait 100m into the sea a smaller reel may not have enough line left in reserve on it to play a larger fish if it decides to go for a run.
There are gazzilions or reels/brands out there so just get the one that feel comfortable to use and has the capacity you require. One thing to be aware of with  Daiwa's is that some of the their reels use a magnetic oil and which wasn't available to retail sales, so could be a problem if you like to service your own reels. Not sure what models or even if they still use it.

The BG will be more of a bulletproof reel. That is not saying the Baitrunner can't take any punishment. Both are great reels but the ability to have a secondary drag would sell the Baitrunner to me. Don't go the 'OC' series. Make sure it's either the Thunnus (great reel) or the 'D' series. I also recommend the BG. Both are fantastic reels.

Yea I think a spinning reel would be better in that case as it’s a more simple design Has less things to go wrong with it and is more suitable for that type of fishing . Also if you decide to get the daiwa bg wait till the new model is in stores that recently came out as it’s better I think it will be in stores in a few weeks or so not sure it’s called daiwa BG MQ might want to check them out 

good point!

Usually if I use bait i'll target bream, jewies and Threadies.
For surf and rocks, I target mackerel, sharks, Australian salmon, tuna.
all land based

Hi all,
I'm looking to buy a new reel mainly for surf/rock fishing. I usually use circles hooks with dead/live bait but want to get into lure fishing/jigging as well.
I've read through the pros/cons of baitrunners but wanted to see what you guys have personally experienced with them?
If I choose a baitrunner, i will go with the Shimano Baitrunner 6000D
If i choose a spinner, I will go with the Daiwa BG 4500

What do you guys suggest? Cheers

Maybe the gearing and line retrieval will factor? If you want to spin metals other spinning reels will have better gear ratios and line retrieval compared to the baitrunner?

If you intend to use it as a sit in the rod holder and play the waiting game then I would go the baitrunner. If not, then the spinning reel.

I have the same baitrunner and can't fault it. However I don't see why you would use it to surf/rock fish unless you will be sitting it in a rod holder ??
I'd go the spinner for my style of rock/surf fishing, where I hang on to the rig all the time.
What fish are you targeting ?

Looking to buy the Wilson 8ft 3/4in Draw String Cast Net from BCF.
Not looking to invest too much into my first net. Has anyone had experience with the Wilson Draw String nets? Hows the Quality?
Deciding whether to get the draw string or the bottom pocket.
Cheers guys!

Hi,
My tip would be go to a minimum of 10ft. Most adults of reasonable size and fitness should be able to comfortably through a 10 foot. Then if you get into prawning it will be more useful compared to an 8ft. Quality of the BCF nets (surecatch / wilson) same. Custom nets available locally are a step up (but not cheap). As a first net you are bound to snag and rip your net at some point while you are learning of finding new cast net spots so I'd go the cheapie to learn.
Also go top pocket if you are thinking of prawning. Otherwise i typically wouldnt go drawstring as it is one more thing to break.
 
 

Hey AznVinc3nt
I would go what you have currently selected if you're just catching livies, but if you want to getinto prawning then a top oocket would be more suitable. 
A smaller net, such as an 8 foot net, is better if you need to learn of if you are a bit shorter, as it is harder to throw the net the shorter you are. If you are tall, then you will be finding it easier to throw your net. 
Cheers Hamish 

Looking to buy the Wilson 8ft 3/4in Draw String Cast Net from BCF.
Not looking to invest too much into my first net. Has anyone had experience with the Wilson Draw String nets? Hows the Quality?
Deciding whether to get the draw string or the bottom pocket.
Cheers guys!

Hi AznVinc3nt. Was your leader scuffed or was it a clean cut? A clean cut could mean it was a shark or mackerel and a scuffed line might mean it was a jewfish. Really, it could be anything big as I have lost many a fish off piers. That's just the nature when you're fishing near barnacle- encrusted pylons. One tip would be to have a heavy outfit rigged up for fish like these. Just hook the biggest bait you have and leave it in freespool or a light drag. You can then fish with your light outfits for the usual catch. Once the heavy outfit starts screaming, you will have a fighting chance.

Use the berkley gulps. Almost entrily made with liquid and biodegradable. 👍
 

That's what I'm thinking Hamish, help to set the hooks and also if it is something toothy it makes it harder for it to keep engulfing the bait. Obviously it depends what it is but that's what I'd be trying 🙂 

I was using a 4/0 or 5/0 Gamakatsu circle hook on a 20lb mono leader.
my drag was so light that when the fish pulled, my spin reel span faster than the line (almost like a mini baitcaster birdnest).
I went to buy some 3/0 gang hooks and 40lb mono leader so we'll see how that goes 🙂
I'm curious as to what's the reasoning behind a slightly tighter drag and not giving it any slack?

 

I was using a 4/0 or 5/0 Gamakatsu circle hook on a 20lb mono leader.
my drag was so light that when the fish pulled, my spin reel span faster than the line (almost like a mini baitcaster birdnest).
I went to buy some 3/0 gang hooks and 40lb mono leader so we'll see how that goes 🙂
I'm curious as to what's the reasoning behind a slightly tighter drag and not giving it any slack?

 

Hi AznVinc3nt 
The reason may be because the fish can drop it easier if your drag is looser, and a bit of tension can help set the hooks. kmcrosby78 will probably have a better idea though, I am just guessing.
Cheers Hamish 🙂 

I was using a 4/0 or 5/0 Gamakatsu circle hook on a 20lb mono leader.
my drag was so light that when the fish pulled, my spin reel span faster than the line (almost like a mini baitcaster birdnest).
I went to buy some 3/0 gang hooks and 40lb mono leader so we'll see how that goes 🙂
I'm curious as to what's the reasoning behind a slightly tighter drag and not giving it any slack?