So I need some new reels for carp fishing and barbel fishing I will be mainly using them on my fox 2.75tc flood water rods but I want to be able to use them for casting upto and just over a 100 yards for carp fishing when I finally get some new carp rods.
My dilemma is I've not fished for over 8 years so I'm out of touch on new tackle. I've been looking at Okuma LS Baitfeeder Reels but I'm unsure if they are well built and will take the punishment of strong river water and barbel as well as the odd lump of a carp. Any recommendations will be appreciated but I don't want to spending any more than £120 a reel thanks. 👍
My dilemma is I've not fished for over 8 years so I'm out of touch on new tackle. I've been looking at Okuma LS Baitfeeder Reels but I'm unsure if they are well built and will take the punishment of strong river water and barbel as well as the odd lump of a carp. Any recommendations will be appreciated but I don't want to spending any more than £120 a reel thanks. 👍
In all honesty I think the biggest limitation will be your current rods, you need to consider 3lb or 3.25lb test to comfortably hit 100 yards.
I would also be looking at a reel with a bigger spool like 14k size.
If your an excellent caster using 12lb line, a shock leader you might hit that distance with your current rods but not going to be easy.
I would also be looking at a reel with a bigger spool like 14k size.
If your an excellent caster using 12lb line, a shock leader you might hit that distance with your current rods but not going to be easy.
In reply to Post #2
Yeah, I’m planning on getting some proper carp rods in the near future, but for now it’s more about finding reels that will comfortably cover both roles. I used to be able to hit 100 yards all day long with an 8000 GTE-B on a 2.75lb rod, using just a single hookbait and lead. I’ve been fishing since I was about 8, so I suppose it’s just a case of practice and getting my casting back to where it used to be 🤷🏻♂️
Yeah, I’m planning on getting some proper carp rods in the near future, but for now it’s more about finding reels that will comfortably cover both roles. I used to be able to hit 100 yards all day long with an 8000 GTE-B on a 2.75lb rod, using just a single hookbait and lead. I’ve been fishing since I was about 8, so I suppose it’s just a case of practice and getting my casting back to where it used to be 🤷🏻♂️
I use okuma t rex 7000 reels for my barbel fishing and they are very able for the job, i suppose it boils down to whether you want baitrunners or front drag but either way okuma reels will be up to the job👍
If you can stretch your budget a bit the okuma obsidians are brilliant for the price and would cover your barbel & carp fishing, I even sold my tech mgs reels as prefer the obsidians to them and when black friday deals come on you'll probably get them around your budget.
If you can stretch your budget a bit the okuma obsidians are brilliant for the price and would cover your barbel & carp fishing, I even sold my tech mgs reels as prefer the obsidians to them and when black friday deals come on you'll probably get them around your budget.
Can’t go wrong with the old shimano bait runners
I still have a couple myself for when I get back into my chub/barbel fishing 👍
I still have a couple myself for when I get back into my chub/barbel fishing 👍
Emcast 25a's or GS4000's could fit the bill. Both great reels emcast probably easier to cast and definitely more cranking power
In reply to Post #3
Exactly, you could go for a standard baitrunner or a 5500 size Shimano and comfortably hit 100yds with a 2 3/4lb TC rod, with the correct technique. You definitely don't need powerful rods and 14000 size reels in most circumstances.
Exactly, you could go for a standard baitrunner or a 5500 size Shimano and comfortably hit 100yds with a 2 3/4lb TC rod, with the correct technique. You definitely don't need powerful rods and 14000 size reels in most circumstances.
In reply to Post #1
Get a set of used Shimano X-Aero 8000 or 10000 Baitrunners.
The only difference is the depth of the spools.
I think this type of reel is overlooked these days for some reason.
I use them on my 10’ set up and can cast a 3oz lead 100 yds and if the the wind picks up a 4oz flys out.
They come with spare spools too so you can mix and match depending on your fishing at the time.
If you’re not keen on 2nd hand you could keep an eye out for a Black Friday Deal
Get a set of used Shimano X-Aero 8000 or 10000 Baitrunners.
The only difference is the depth of the spools.
I think this type of reel is overlooked these days for some reason.
I use them on my 10’ set up and can cast a 3oz lead 100 yds and if the the wind picks up a 4oz flys out.
They come with spare spools too so you can mix and match depending on your fishing at the time.
If you’re not keen on 2nd hand you could keep an eye out for a Black Friday Deal
For heavy barbel work you need a reel with more cranking power to haul 6oz+ feeders.
I use daiwa emblem x 5000t reels, quick drag the spool, fit better line clips for the carp use and they will last forever.
I use daiwa emblem x 5000t reels, quick drag the spool, fit better line clips for the carp use and they will last forever.
Really don't think 8 or 10k bait runners are the way.
Terrible retrieve, really bad clutch and spools are tiny so hitting any reasonable distance consistently will be impossible.
Also if you replace your rods in the future you would need to replace the bait runners too, but if you got some baby pits now they will go over to a more powerful rod no bother 👍
Terrible retrieve, really bad clutch and spools are tiny so hitting any reasonable distance consistently will be impossible.
Also if you replace your rods in the future you would need to replace the bait runners too, but if you got some baby pits now they will go over to a more powerful rod no bother 👍
In reply to Post #10
Agreed the Retrieve isn’t great but they easily cast 100yds which is more than most people cast regularly and the clutch is pretty good on the X-Aero IMO.
As I said I’ve got these on my 10’ set up and Technium XTC’s only 13’ set up and have barely used the big boy kit for the past 2 years on a 50 Acre plus snaggy old pit.
They are also ideal for a bit of Pike Fishing as and when needed.
Agreed the Retrieve isn’t great but they easily cast 100yds which is more than most people cast regularly and the clutch is pretty good on the X-Aero IMO.
As I said I’ve got these on my 10’ set up and Technium XTC’s only 13’ set up and have barely used the big boy kit for the past 2 years on a 50 Acre plus snaggy old pit.
They are also ideal for a bit of Pike Fishing as and when needed.
In reply to Post #11
I really rate my 8k X-Aero baitrunners aswell .... Much prefer them over the 5500 XTB's.
The Okuma Inc 6000 are also a good options (a bit less money too)
I really rate my 8k X-Aero baitrunners aswell .... Much prefer them over the 5500 XTB's.
The Okuma Inc 6000 are also a good options (a bit less money too)
I use Castizm BR25As for all my barbel fishing set ups primarily for the baitrunner function but also their compact size and cranking power . . .for my 10' Carp Rods I use Whisker 25QDs which are effectively the same reel size (25mm spool concept) but without the baitrunner . . .
Unfortunately Castizm BR25As are now discontinued but prior to these I had the Emblem BR25As which are the same reel albeit a gloss finish / no mag seal / no spare spool but half the price!. . .they are actually a few grams lighter than their more expensive cousin but operate in the same way . . .still have a pair - one for my Barbel Spopper rod and another for my 10' Spod set up . . .another alternative is the Emblem 25C QD (no bait runner) which is the new update of the original Castizm! (confusing I know)
Basically the 25mm Spool concept reels are a good compact compromise - small and light enough to re-cast regularly (for rivers etc) but also cast 100yds if required whilst retaining decent cranking power etc. They balance well on all rods from 10-13' . . .
Unfortunately Castizm BR25As are now discontinued but prior to these I had the Emblem BR25As which are the same reel albeit a gloss finish / no mag seal / no spare spool but half the price!. . .they are actually a few grams lighter than their more expensive cousin but operate in the same way . . .still have a pair - one for my Barbel Spopper rod and another for my 10' Spod set up . . .another alternative is the Emblem 25C QD (no bait runner) which is the new update of the original Castizm! (confusing I know)
Basically the 25mm Spool concept reels are a good compact compromise - small and light enough to re-cast regularly (for rivers etc) but also cast 100yds if required whilst retaining decent cranking power etc. They balance well on all rods from 10-13' . . .
Thanks for all the replies after much consideration and falling in love with the castizm baitrunners I had given up on finding some in decent condition and price. But I got lucky and found a pair on eBay for £280 more expensive than I had planned but I'm chuffed 😁 ps one of my local tackle shops still has these in new but they are £260 each! I'm all for supporting local shops but sometimes you have to look else where. 👍🏻