I have been looking into Baitrunner reels for catfishing. The more research I do the more I find out that this style of reel is more focused/marketed to Carp Fisherman.

One thing I have learned in life is don’t reinvent the wheel. Or in this case, how about we go to the subject matter experts. LOL.

What brand bait runner reels would you recommend?

Senecio, bank fishing for catfish in a body of water 65 acres in size or smaller.


Thanks in advance.

Duane

I have several Okuma bait feeder reels. Really like them. They are several years old and still work great. They do not make the models I have anymore unfortunately. They should work for catfish as well as the carp.

https://www.okumafishing.com/en/category/Baitfeeder-Reels/A0109.html

I think the Okuma avenger BF reels are the best reels for the money in the market.

Thank you for the responses!!

I don’t have any experance with Okuma reels. The only thing I know about them is Luke from Catfish and Carp likes to use them. LOL.

This does help and helps put me in the right direction.


Duane

Okuma: I own 3 Avengers: bigger(ABF6000) is "real good"; smaller (3000) are "just good".
I also like inexpensive Penn's Fierce III Live Liner in sizes 4000 and 6000.
Of course, you must understand that they all are not as good as Shimano Baitrunner D (not OC!) or Thunnus.

You are so awesome!!! Thank you for replying.


The Daiwa 5000 Emcast came in yesterday. It’s OK, has to much play in the frame for my taste.
But it was 60 shipped. LOL. Plus, this reel is for my youngest and should not be tackling any large catfish.
So my son and I put 20 lb braid on it last night. He was so excited.
This reel should handle any fish he can manage right now.

He was handling it like a champ casting 3/4 of an once of lead. I think he would have slept with it if I let him.


However, I see the Penn Fierce III LIve Liner in the not so distance future.