Shimano?

[BottomBouncer]

aren't they making a Thunnus anymore? I didn't see it in the BPS catalog. I don't see why they would make it, the original BTR more than gets the job done.

Hey FM.....do they have a suped up BTR over seas?

[Flatheadmaniac]

QUIT IT!!!
I liked the Thunnus a lot..but for the money here in the US there are far better baitrunner "STYLE" reels out there...i dont think thier sales of the Thunnus did as well as they thought it would...why would you spend $200+ on a bait runner when you can buy an Okuma Epixor that is WAY better for under $100???

Anyway, over-seas..yea buddy they have the better ones over there for sure...my UK Shimano Big Baitrunner Long Cast is the exact frame as the Thunnus(6 ball bearings) but has the "big pit" style spool as the long didtance surf reels(holds 600 yrs of 12lb line!)
The "TOP of the LINE" in the US right now is made by Daiwa..its called the Grand Wave..its just an American Version of the top baitruner in the Uk called the Infinity(the UK verson will run ya about $500) heres the link..but WARNING, this is not a cheap priced reel, i know right now a carp angler that has TWO of them..but hes got $1000 of dollars in just carp tackle!
http://store.yahoo.com/tackle/daiwagrandwave1.html

In my opinion, the Big baitrunner long cast is a better reel and costs a bunch cheaper(even with the $30 shipping i paid) than the grand wave from Daiwa.


I have had the original BTR's from shimano for YEARS and have landed so many fish on them(both the 3500 and 4500) but i just changed over to the Okuma Epixor and its a far better reel for sure!
10 ball bearings compared to the 4 ball bearings of the newer "B" series shimanos...it costs about $30-$40 less than the shimano..comes with TWO alum. spools, and they make WAY more sizes that just the basic 3 of shimano..PLUS they do make 3 KINDS of baitfeeders to choose from incase someone doesnt want to spend $80 on a new baitfeeder..from 2-3 ball bearings all the way to the 10 ball bearing reel!
Sizes..EB20, EB30, EB50 & EB60 (thats just the Epixor...the Cornado goes up to CD90 size now(its BIG)
I just got not long ago 2 EB50's for my new 13ft Carp rods and they are SWEET, i was going to put two BTR4500's on them, but after fishing with an Epixor EB baitfeeder..theres no comparison(again MY opinion).
Also if your in the market for a sweet light spinning rel for lures, check out the Metaloid(10bb) or the regular Epixor(10bb) for the price they cant be beat and im sad to say they are way smoother tham my high dollar Stradics:(

I got my yongest son Christopher(who just turned 7 Dec. 30th) his very first spinning combo, its a 5' UL rod with titanium eyelets and i put an Okuma Avenger AV15(95 yrds of 6lb test) on it for him..this UL reel has 6 ball bearings and is awsome..im going to buy my son Tyler one for his Fenwick for next year....its WAY better than his UL Sedona 500FA hes been using!

[cwcarper]

I was just looking into the Okuma baitrunners today. Glad I saw this post. I've already got a Shimano BTR 4500, but I'm looking for another reel or two. Never heard of Okuma, but the Epixor looks like a good reel. So, sounds like you'd recommend them. Anyone else have an opinion of the Okuma Epixor reels?

[rrbski]

just had a friend buy 3 of them in Bass Pro (Cincy) last weekend...so they do carry them. And the new 4500b BTR's are really sweet to....with a definate track record. A thing to remember...Shimano is the original maker of baitrunners. BB...check out http://www.tacklebox.co.uk/ and order one of their free full color great catalogues. It'll show you most of the equipment available...and many top notch versions of baitrunners. I'm going on 5 years usage on my Shimano Aero GT's...exposure to around the clock rain on many occasions and have never let me down and have accounted for many big fish.

Can't comment on the Okuma Epixor's yet...don't know enough anglers that have used them a couple seasons with repeated extended weather exposure and big fish captures. I'll be watching them though as Scott seems to be happy with them thus far.

Another to be keeping an eye on to see how it holds up under continuous big fish and bad weather is the Penn Liveliner...initial reports are good...but, still haven't been on the market long enough or in use enough for me to recommend either. Penn's always been a quality outfit.

[rrbski]

TICA Sportera 4507 baitrunner. They're the size of the 4500 BTR. Costs less than $100...I own and fished 2 of them several times this summer and was very happy with them. They're HQ'd here in the U.S. for parts and repair (made overseas but main office is in SC) and have been getting rave reviews in the UK carping mags for a low cost baitrunner. UK guys are kinda tough on reviews...and when they talk about using a reel...they're "session" anglers who stay out a week or two at a time with lines in the water and reels exposed to the weather the whole time. No cleaning or lubing and lots of big fish. Nice and smooth. They also have a longer spool than the 4500's...tapered as well for longer smoother casts. That's saying alot too...I love my 4500's :) Also available at Wackerbaits.

BTW Scott....Paul P. (wackerbaits) is going to be buying a couple of those Okumas for testing and possible future selling based on your post about them. How long have you been using them? How Often? Number of over 15 lb fish? Overnight/exposed to rain and dew? Just curious as I've thought of buying a couple myself based on your post...and my trips are mostly 48 hours in duration and equipment takes some heavy use between opportunities to clean. Definately thinking about one of the ultra lite models.

[BottomBouncer]

I haven't fished with an Okuma, but I have sold them on several occassions and people seemed happy with them. For about $75, the Coronado(by Okuma) looks to me like a great reel. I'll have to stick with the tried and true BTR.

[MadCatter]

cwcarper ... if you get an Okuma EB baitrunner, you will never use your shimanos again .... that is a promise ... High quality, smooth as silk, adjustable baitrunner tension ... excellent drag system .. one of the best I have ever used ... smoother than most baitcasters ... Don't let the price fool you .. they are top notch from top to bottom .. if they were made by shimano they would be close to or over $200. Don't get me wrong I fish with no other spinning reel than shimanos ... but the Okuma EB baitrunners are in a different class than the Shimano baitrunners..
I have an EB 65 that I use for flats .... it has handled 30lb class fflats in currents with no problem .... I got it near the end of the season so I can't tell you that it will last a lifetime, but I can't see why it wouldn't. I hope to get some bigger ones in the upcoming season:D :D :D :D ...

[BottomBouncer]

Have any of you fellas used a Coronado? Any info on their performance?

[rrbski]

I hear ya on the tried and true BTR's BB...when I went up to the St Lawrence Sep 2001 to fish for the biggies...those are the one's I took with me. :) And most of the UK anglers I fish with in CAG events...always have a set of them with them for back up.

Here's a pic (no btr in this one though)...comparing the Shimano Aero GT Baitrunner and Tica Sportera 4507 Baitrunner(same size as a 4500 BTR) to a Mitchell 300 in size.

MadCatter...are you talking about Okuma baitcasters with clickers...or spinning reels with baitrunner? Reason I ask is you say you prefer your Okuma baitrunner's hand's down but then you say you fish with no other spinning reel than Shimano. Just curious as I've never used/touched any Okuma products and trying to learn a little something here about them.

http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/UserFolders/rrbski/PhotoImages/baitrunnner_compare.jpg

[BottomBouncer]

If anything, the Tica is a good looking reel! I always have a hard time buying rods and reels online if I have never felt their action. I bought one rod/reel from bps.....wish I hadn't.

[MadCatter]

No rrbski I am talking about the Okuma EB baitrunners ... I have had shimano baitrunners and they don't compare ... I know the baitrunners are technically a spinning reel but in my mind I classify them seperate. So in short I am saying that IMHO shimano makes the best spinning reel although I have never used an Okuma spinner so I can't comment on them .. nor have I used an Okuma Baitcaster .... I am an Abu man in that area... I hope I cleared it up a little ....

[rrbski]

Thanks for the clarification Madcatter. Good fishin to ya.

[MadCatter]

your welcome rrbski:D :D :D

[flathunter]

I bought a new shimano 4500-B this year, the real broke before I could even use it..The bait runner wont disengage when you turn the handle like it is supposed to???? I still use it just have to flip the lever by hand, I really like it and caught a nice flat on it this year.

[flathunter]

I have disscused this with Scott....I really like the 6500, it is the only baitcasters I have...However if ABU would just design a reel exactly like the 6500, and have it hold twice the line would be great..I run 30-lb test mono on my 6500's and if you break off a time or to, not enough line left to fish with.

[BottomBouncer]

Have you looked inside yet? Spinning reels of any sort are very easy to fix. Probably just a loose spring or screw.

[flathunter]

No I have not taken it apart, scared I would not be able to get it back together:D

[BottomBouncer]

Since I have to clean mine up anyway, I'll open it up and see if there is a quick fix in there, if it looks like a mess of parts that no one should attempt I'll let you know. Should be pretty easy......

[flathunter]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[BottomBouncer]

Okay.....now remember what I said about looking like a mess of parts? Well, it does.....BUT.....it isn't so bad. It is just a matter of a couple springs that are probably causing your problem.
Now when you open it(you have to take the spring out of the lever, the left half of the lever will pull off and there will be a screw underneath) there is a plate that is held down by two screw. remove them and the whole assembly will come out in one piece. It is easy to line back up and put back together. Once you get that plate out of there you will see a big v-shaped spring, make sure it is attached at both ends, also the spring on the plate, make sure it is attached at both ends.

I had mine apart and together in less than 10 minutes, it's not that bad.......just looks messy!

[Flatheadmaniac]

I finally go back to work and everyone replys..geez!;)
Ok where to start..
First of all CW maddcatter is right..if you got to a shop that carrys BOTH the Okuma Epixor and Shimano BTR...compare them side by side for smoothness, construction, SLOP, listen to each reels clickers, test the free spool tension adj., and looks....
I did this same test(now mind you i am a die-hard Shimano fan...and i dont like or fish with cheap junk!!)As some of you already know;)
Epixor: Extremly smooth(10 ball bearings)
Shimano BTR: the new "B" series is a lot better than the old "A" series, but still needs improvement, like a rock soilid instant anti reverse like there other reels(ie stradic, sustain) and more ball bearings!
Epixor: made out of better materials, has a titainium lipped alum. spool w/ and extra alum. spool too . 30% larger drag system , 10 total ball bearings, INSTANT anti reverse, water proof drag!
Shimano BTR: graphite frame, 4 ball bearings, water proof drag, still has back play in the handle, NO extra spool!
Epixor:LOUD clicker with a wide range of adjustments!
Shimano BTR: low sounding clicker, ok range of adj.
Epixor:Looks awsome!
Shimano BTR: loks the same as it did 20 yrs ago with the only change being an alum. spool instead of gragphite like they used to be!

rrbski, i have only had my EB50's for a short while and they havent sen water yet..so how long will they last? im not sure yet..but i think they will handle anything i throw at them...the two EB50's are on my 13ft Fox RangemasterII rods for carpin.
I talked to Don Rogers about his Sporteras as i checked them out at East Harbor last C.A.G. outting, very nice looking reels and i too have heard great things about them..just after playing with the Epixors did i decide.

BB, the Coranado is a good reel..only thing is IF you are going to buy one..DONT look at the Epixor..or you'll change your mind.

Madcatter, my buddy bought a EB30 last season for live baiting smallies and he also got a regular Epixor 30 for casting lures while wading..its the same reel just with out the BTR feature..VERY smooth and casts GREAT!
I have been thinking of getting a Okuma Metaliod for smallies, but since i have about 10 reels already for smallies im holding off for now..but its a real SMOOOTH reel too(10 ball bearings).

Ok guys..i'll let you all in on a little secret..i can get you guys the Okumas cheaper than say Cabelas has them...anyone interested, drop me a PM and i'll give ya the info.

Also heres a news flash..the Epixor line up has just grown..they now offer an EB20, EB30, EB50, EB60 and now the NEW EB80..its BIG!
http://www.okumafishing.com/products/reels/expioreb/epixoreb.htm

[cwcarper]

Thanks for the input on the Okuma reels, guys. I'm not planning on retiring my shimano 4500 BTR anytime soon, it's just that I need one or two more baitrunner style setups. Right now I'm looking for a smaller model, similar to shimano's 3500, which is what made me give the Okuma Epixors a look.

[BottomBouncer]

I wonder if Fisherman's will ever carry them? They already have the low end Okuma......they should get the good stuff!

[Flatheadmaniac]

I already got on matt's case about that..teasing that im going to have to shop at Cabelas all the time if they cant stock the good Okumas..lol

[BottomBouncer]

Hey Jack, did you open that BTR up yet?

[flathunter]

No not yet I am going to take all my reels apart next weekend for cleaning, I am going to do it then!

[BottomBouncer]

Sometimes you gotta get the ole' game face on, atleast I do....some of those reels are a pain, but it's all worth it when the season starts. Nothing worse than having equipment problems.

Let me know how it goes!

[katfish]

The Abu you requested is being made. The CL version has a 2 speed retrieve.

Abu 10000 CL (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1986570745&category=1494)

Don has 2 and they are a pretty reel (with a stiff price tag)

You know that if it rains or blows hard enough to turn an Abu handle that they are in gear and thus susceptable to becoming the property of a big flathead.:eek:

[mrfish/OH]

One thing I noticed on the 7000C3's is they DON'T have instant anti-reverse, so you have some leeway on the handle turning before they engage. If I put my 6500C3 on the ground, it can engage real easy by bumping it a little. Also gives a good argument for the 7000C4 Leverdrag reels (or any leverdrag reel)too. I'm just using Calcutta 700's and the C4 leverdrags, I wish they made the CT700 in a leverdrag......:D

[mrfish/OH]

Here's my son's 6500 BTR, it's had alot of use & is still going strong.
http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/UserFolders/mrfishohio/PhotoImages/6500%20BTR.jpg

[Flatheadmaniac]

They have been making the 10000 size Abu's for many years..i think i still have an old Off Shore Angler that has them listed on thier Abu page. Only place to still find them is over seas , but your right the carry a hefty price tag.
My buddy Dave just got one of the new Abu 7200 reels(black & gold), its the same size as the 7000, 7500 and 7800 reel(same frame that is) he says its nice? He also has one of the Abu 7000 lever drags too, along with a 6500 lever drag.

Jim, "I wish they made the CT700 in a leverdrag......" you might not have to wait very long for that one;) :cool:

[mrfish/OH]

Dip just showed me his new reels when we fished a few weeks ago, I REALLY like the 7500C3- it has chrome sideplates & is the same as the big game CL only in cosmetics. Thye aren't real pricey either.
I'm not planning to switch off any reels anytime soon. I'm going on fishing trips. For what a CT700 runs, I can spent a week at Santee if I haul my own boat !!;)
I'm going to get one more 7' or 7'-6" musky rod for one reel, and I'm done with cat tackle. I like to stay in pairs, and have 2 7'-6" now & one 7'....I like them both :(

[BottomBouncer]

The reasoning for the 7000 type reels not have an anti-reverse is that they were meant for saltwater use. Most saltwater casting/trolling type reels don't have an anti-reverse simply because they wouldn't last very long......no matter who made it or where it came from. Even the Penn SS spinning reels don't have an anti-reverse.

On that note I picked up the Musky model of the 6500 last night! Next will be the 6500 Big Game.

[Flatheadmaniac]

Yea those Abu 7500 can be had for a pretty easy price and are a great looking reel for sure..but whats much better about them than a regular old 7000C3? they have the same line caps. and same amount of BB's..plus just like the big 10000CL they dont have instant anti reverse?
Yea the cost of a CT700 is steep for most guys compared to Abus, but once ya get into the new TE models you step a good bit over $350 then..if ya get the chance at purchasing the Conquest 700 its over $450 unless ya got connections;) , BUT comparing the CT700 to the Conquest is really no comparison at all..the CT is the basic Calcutta..the Conquest is the new improved version(and isnt sold in the US market).:(

Speaking of price of trips compared to prices of reels...i should have sold all my Shimano's reels and St. Croix rods and took that trip to South America for Peacock Bass and Amazon Cats..lol
But hey i wouldnt of had any gear to fish with down there..lol

[Flatheadmaniac]

Sounds good on that Abu Musky 6500 Trophy Collection reel..you'll like it a lot .
I have the whole set of Trophy reels..just cant bring my self to use them;)
Hey i had a long talk with Matt yesterday about some stuff(i tell ya all about it later;) ) but he told me that they bought 80 of the 6500 trophy collection catfish reels..i think that reels going to be a hot seller this year for sure!

[BottomBouncer]

I was talking with Mark yesterday.....when were you there? I was there around 5ish? Any who I asked him about the Custom Ugly sticks and their large line in general. He had not seen them yet. I told him I would bring in my Offshore Angler to show him.....hopefully they'll get some in stock?

I almost bought the Calcutta 400, the one without the level wind.....just didn't feel comfortable spending that much right now. The Musky will be in the starting line up this year, right next to the Cat. Thought about a Stradic, but decided against another spinning reel since all I really use them for is crappie, saugeye and bass. My Fin-Nors should get that job done. BUT when I do get another spinning it will be the Stradic MG on the new Croix surf rods.......those Falcons looked nice!

[Flatheadmaniac]

I talked to him on the phone just as he walked in the door of Fishermans at noon.
I try to stay away from there..because of my tackle addiction ya know;)
We talked about Docs tourny and Fishermans helping Sponsoring it, about them stocking the full line up of Okuma reels;) ..we talked about carpin gear, over seas tackle...and thier big shipment of 2003 St. Croix rods:D

Heres the deal..those guys would stock a whole lot more IF they get asked by many anglers to do so...if no one asks..they dont think theres a demand! So i set him straight about the ton of e-mails and PM's i get everyday asking about tackle...
I do have to make a stop in there very soon as he got me a great deal for helping them out...two oak St. Croix rod racks are going to look very nice in my tackle room;) :cool:

[mrfish/OH]

I get the CT700 for $180, the TE700 for $330 and the 400 Conquest for $340. I went to Lake Marion for about $250 for 5 days including everything.... I didn't have to sell any reels, just an old chair....and still had enough left to get a new St Croix rod & a new CT700 !! ( from 1 old chair);) -( not to mention th eothe rone that I got $660 for *LOL*)

[BottomBouncer]

I use my tackle box for a chair, think I could get anything for it?

Here are my reels to get for '03:

6500 Big Game

Trinidad 12

Stradic MG

That should do me for this year.......countless rods to.

Need two for my Fin-Nors, one for my Senator(which may end up doubling as a Big Rig for the Big "O") another big cat........:o

Then rods for the above:rolleyes: :)

[mrfish/OH]

You got my curiosity up....which model Fin Nors do you have ?

[BottomBouncer]

Quests, Mega lites.......don't really like the mega too much.

[mrfish/OH]

I have too many, I have an old collectable Garr Wood #3, 2 Questlite 2000, one 3000, I think 3 new tycoons( still in the boxes), 1 -5BB & 2 -7 BB; Mega lites, 2 -1000, 1 -3000 , 1-4000; Mega drags, 1 #8 , 1 #12, 3 #16 and 1#20
Some I like better, the Questlites 2000 have a tendacy to let the bails close prematurely sometimes 9got them on a special sale $50.00 for 2 including shipping- brand new in the box) All the Mega's are great.

[MISFIT]

hey jim,if you're not happy with those 2 reels,i'll buy 'em.35 bucks for both(incliding shipping),since they are now considered "used":D ;)

[mrfish/OH]

I've put them to good use on the boat for trolling walleyes.....:D

[BottomBouncer]

If anything, use them to troll for skips!