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Info on shimano bait runners

Daniel Earl

Daniel Earl

Senior Member & Supporter
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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They were all Japanese built back then and I would say completely unsuitable

The smallest one is a 5000/5010 size and it makes a 4000d look tiny and feel feather light.

It will be way too big and clumsy for an Avon rod
 
I’m no expert, but the first Baitrunners were the Triton sea spin version.

The smallest size was 3500 and I bought a pair for carp fishing. The line lay was rubbish, but apart from that they were solidly built, good reels.

The next version was 3500/4000/4500. I had 3x GT 4000 for carp and pike fishing - excellent reels and I still own 2x.

I’ve never had a 3500 from that series - but (as Rich has just said) that would be the only possibility size wise. There is a pair on eBay…..

PS For Avon type rods my choice would be (and still is) an early Shimano 4000 fighting drag reel.
 
Tim Marks said:
I’m no expert, but the first Baitrunners were the Triton sea spin version.

The smallest size was 3500 and I bought a pair for carp fishing. The line lay was rubbish, but apart from that they were solidly built, good reels.

The next version was 3500/4000/4500. I had 3x GT 4000 for carp and pike fishing - excellent reels and I still own 2x.

I’ve never had a 3500 from that series - but (as Rich has just said) that would be the only possibility size wise. There is a pair on eBay…..

PS For Avon type rods my choice would be (and still is) an early Shimano 4000 fighting drag reel.
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I think the 3500 GT was the early version of the 5010 which replaced it
I’m pretty sure they were the same size.
 
Aero match were tiny, I sold my late fathers unused last year to a chap who wanted it for small rod/river fishing for chub. I would imagine you may be able to find a pair.
 
What about the Aero reels with the fighting drag function, which when left on light setting, could be used as a bait runner. Think the models were called something like Aero 3010 and 4010 GTE or GTM? I used to use them for light Barbel fishing 30 years ago.

www.ebay.co.uk

SHIMANO GTM 4010 FIGHTING DRAG REEL CARP TENCH BREAM ROACH FLOAT MATCH FISHING | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SHIMANO GTM 4010 FIGHTING DRAG REEL CARP TENCH BREAM ROACH FLOAT MATCH FISHING at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
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Personally I would avoid the older rear drag shimmys. Great reels in their time, but not so much now. Built to last and good line lay, but the snatchy nature of the rear drags is a downside. Not an issue if you backwind though.

I think newer Shimmy 2500 DL's FB's are excellent value reels. I have them on my Chimera Avons. Excellent front drag, super line lay and understated looks with no shiny gold or silver. The 2500 XTFA's are also very good. Better than the DL's but not so easy to find these days.
 
@Daniel Earl .... 3500RE or 3500GT. They're 'classics', and bulletproof. Both weigh ~410grms with a loaded spool, which is the same as 4000D/4000OC (weigh 385/380g with an empty spool). I still use 3500's from the 1980's on a very regular basis and have never had a problem with line lay. I've owned 4000D's but moved them on, as it's possible with them to get line stuck under the spool. Yes, the front adjustment clutch is better/smoother on D's/OC's, but I've never had a 'problem' with the clutch on 3500's.
Others may/will disagree, but this is my personal experience with these reels, over the last 40+ years.
 
Terry Simner said:
@Daniel Earl .... 3500RE or 3500GT. They're 'classics', and bulletproof. Both weigh ~410grms with a loaded spool, which is the same as 4000D/4000OC (weigh 385/380g with an empty spool). I still use 3500's from the 1980's on a very regular basis and have never had a problem with line lay. I've owned 4000D's but moved them on, as it's possible with them to get line stuck under the spool. Yes, the front adjustment clutch is better/smoother on D's/OC's, but I've never had a 'problem' with the clutch on 3500's.
Others may/will disagree, but this is my personal experience with these reels, over the last 40+ years.
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Bit heavy for an Avon though don't you think Terry? The 4000 Ds/OCs too big for that type of rod, IMHO.

Aren't the 3500's roughly the same size as as the 5000 RE's etc?
 
Good Morning
I have a pair of Shimano Aero 5000 RE Baitrunner reels. Double handle. Included with two spare spools. Excellent condition. Minimal use. Loaded with 10lb Gold Label Pro Clear in March 2022.. (quality line, so hard to find now). These are NOT a big reel in my opinion and would not in my opinion be out of place on an avon type rod. I used them on my pair of Drennan Tench rods....very well balanced. Now the wrong side of 70 so downsizing (slightly!). I would sell the pair for £80 collected or post at cost. No problem if they are not what you are looking for.
Tight Lines!
 
Joe Winstanley said:
Bit heavy for an Avon though don't you think Terry? The 4000 Ds/OCs too big for that type of rod, IMHO.

Aren't the 3500's roughly the same size as as the 5000 RE's etc?
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Similar-ish size, but 5000RE bodies are longer and heavier. I don't know of any "Classic Shimano Baitrunners" any smaller than 3500RE's, which is what Daniel is looking for. 'Match' are smaller, but that's not what he's after. I've got 2, 3500's on a pair of John Wilson Masterline Avons, and they feel great.
 
@Daniel Earl ive got a pair of excellent condition original shimano 3500 GT baitrunner reels with spare spools which I'd be happy to sell to you. They are a lovely set and balance very well woth avon rods. I have used them woth the early john wilson avons and 11ft daiwa v avon specialist rods and are def not too heavy. PM if interested and no worries either way 👍
 
@Daniel Earl useful link below to an article in Carpology which gives a quick overview of shimano baitrunners over the past 30yrs. FYI the original Shimano Aero 3500 baitrunner was launched in 1987 and the later 3500 GTs came in a bit later - late 80s / early 90s.
 
Evening Dan.

These are what I use on Avon style rods mate. They're shimano Exage 2500 FD reels.

That's what I'm currently using for the Chub fishing, whilst roving around mate.

Other than that. I do have a shimano Stradic 1000 size rear drag reel (those pearl white jobs)
Never seen the one I have come up second hand on ebay unfortunately, but they'd be perfect too. 👍
 

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