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Info on shimano bait runners

Sorry opening this up again, Just having a mess about with some old rods and reels in my archives, What would be a smaller Shimmy reel this era to a Baitrunner Aero 4010 ? The Super match ? Match style areos ? Reel Fighting / Rear or bait runner.,

Just trying to work out the history and sizes
 

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As has been said, Shimano didn’t do ‘small’ Baitrunners in the early days.

They did very good small rear drag reels - either simple match ‘float’ reels like the Aero Match 3 or fighting drag reels such as the 3000 GT which morphed into the 4000 super GT In about the mid 90’s. I still own both (actually all 3 If you include the Match 3) and they all take the same sized spools ! The fighting drag reels are fantastic and can cope with line up to about 10 lb.

The modern rear drag 4000 fighting drag reel (GT-RD) is a bigger reel and will happily fish 12 lb line. I now use them for Summer barbelling and chub fishing.
 
All the old XT7 shimano baitrunners had the same size bodies.

The 3500-4000-4500 were superseded by 5010-6010-8010.

The 3500 had a smaller rotor and bail arm than the bigger two but the bodies are the same size. The biggest 4500/8010 had deeper spools but the sam diameter as the 4000/6010.

The GT had silver lipped spools, extra bearings and 'go faster' blue decals.

5010/6010/8010 GT's had double handles.

The 3500/5010 is a pretty small reel and would be perfect for an Avon rod in my opinion.
 
I use 3k biomasters rear drag on virtually all my rods save those for bigger carp. My avon harrison 1.6 too. Far easier IMHO to minutely operate the clutch without removing hands from the rod as they are thumb operated
 
Daniel Earl said:
Sorry opening this up again, Just having a mess about with some old rods and reels in my archives, What would be a smaller Shimmy reel this era to a Baitrunner Aero 4010 ? The Super match ? Match style areos ? Reel Fighting / Rear or bait runner.,

Just trying to work out the history and sizes
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I’d not go with the gtm’s and and super aero’s etc for a specialist rod or Avon rod.
the gear ratio is too quick They are match reels with a 6.2:1 ratio.

Dan why 90’s shimano? They were great don’t get me wrong but daiwa had it nailed on with the ss750.

Don’t fight it anymore mate just get the SS 🤣
 
If it's a choice between and old shimano or an SS then it's a no brainer, gor for the Daiwa.

I love the old XT7 shimano's but they don't compare to original SS's.

Personally I think the 750 is too small but I suppose if your holding the rod then weight might come into consideration.

I have a 1000 on my 11ft Torrix and always used them on my 9ft, albeit, carp rods and then old GS2000 size on my 10ft's.

Appreciate others have better knowledge on reel sizes for Avon/specialist rods but I've always wanted the biggest reel I can get away with, rather than the smallest.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
I’d not go with the gtm’s and and super aero’s etc for a specialist rod or Avon rod.
the gear ratio is too quick They are match reels with a 6.2:1 ratio.

Dan why 90’s shimano? They were great don’t get me wrong but daiwa had it nailed on with the ss750.

Don’t fight it anymore mate just get the SS 🤣
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my biomaster rear drags 3k are 5.0"1 which is a nice retrieve rate I find. I have browning mgti which are 4.6:1
 
You don’t get a ‘fighting drag’ on an SS.

I’ve used Shimano fighting drag, rear drag reels since the early ‘90’s. Brilliant Stillwater feeder fishing reels and also great for river work with up to about 10lb line. Mostly 5:1 gear ratio.
 
Daniel Earl said:
I am after some classic bait-runner Shimano’s to go on Avon type rods low test curve I’m not very versed in shimano daiwa yes.. what size is a good size ? And any in particular I should look for like the Japan models etc ? Prefer a single handle is it the areos that where Japanese made ?

And the gt where not ?

It’s that era style I’m after ( see attached ) but after something 3000 / 4000 size to match the rods I’m using.
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It's a no brainer, the 5500 ci4 medium Baitrunner, is the best Baitrunner produced by Shimano!
 
Richard Isaacs said:
Na! For a barbel reel on the river, the thunnus ci4 tears strips out of it. Shimanos strongest gearing and best designed clutch is always fitted into their top end saltwater reels.
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I will need to check but if memory serves, they were 300£ plus. Way beyond most pockets. Sorry I didn't try one though. Big fan of the c14 range and had most of the rear drags.
 
I do agree with you on sw reels Richard. I have had a few, mainly daiwa, essence etc. Settled now on a small bass reel, abu mgx, 3000 for my float rods. Brilliantly light, well built and extremely smooth.They are happy catching fiesty mid double carp too which on match rods is fun. Only fault I can see is they are front drags, Ha!
 
Alec Hague said:
I will need to check but if memory serves, they were 300£ plus. Way beyond most pockets. Sorry I didn't try one though. Big fan of the c14 range and had most of the rear drags.
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They can be picked up in the uk but all are imported so you’ll pay in £ what the Americans and Australians will pay in dollars by the time any import duty and taxes are applied. £230-280 model dependent is about usual new and imported.

These reels are way over engineered for anything we want to hook anywhere in inland in the world. I’m including big cats, alligatorgar, you name it, the gearing in this reel along with that amazing bearing assist over carbon slipper plate clutch will take it and more.

The medium versions were designed with barracuda and sail fish in mind which makes you ask the question where does the 12000 limit go to 😳

The thunnus is the best baitrunner reel I’ve ever come across as far as durability is concerned and I’m not just talking about shimano either
 
Thanks for that Richard. Informative and interesting as ever. For my part, I bought bait runners a few times but never felt them right for me. I had the drag set weak as I simply do not like the thought of a sudden snatch effect on a fish, on the take. I decided a conventional reel suited me better.
 
Agree with comments regarding Thunnus, I’ve had the 4000 for a while and find the smoothness of the clutch superb. Loved them so much I had to get a pair of 6000…all the glory of the 4000s but with gearing and solid cranking power for bigger rivers/feeders etc, they are sublime and worth every penny IMO
 
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