Is Freespool Needed for Live Baiting?

[Bracey]

G'day Guys

Need a new reel for a 7' ugly stick that I want to have primarily as a live bait setup. I will mostly be at anchor or drifting and only occasionally trolling. My query is how important is it to have a freespool feature for live yakkas when anchored or drifting. The shimano baitrunner series get a big tick if you go this way but if you don't need to freespool then obviously there are lots of other options. Also, how are the DL baitrunners. I guess you get what you pay for but the price seems right.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers, Bart

[zephi]

I dont use any baitrunners, but for all my livebaiting, especially larger baits, I set my reels on low drag, just enough so it wont click away as I drift. Sometimes I put it up a few more clicks from there.

Having a pre-set drag upon strike is a nice feature on baitrunners. Saves the guess work out of how much drag to apply.

The DL's are built tough and solid, with higher drag and a larger choice of different sized spools.

Downside is, they are heavy and bulky. If you fish only with bait then they are an excellent choice. But if you end up fishing with lures as well.. I suggest a non-baitrunner. As they are lighter, smaller and stronger overall.

Just back your drag off and its pretty much the same as a baitrunner, except you just gotta increase the drag upon strike.

[Bracey]

Thanks Zephi

All those considerations make a lot of sense. Thanks for the reply.

Bart