Alright i was lookin at the larger shimano baitrunners and new rod but dont know which one. I am planning on using live bait this season and thought this would be a good reel. i also thought that it would be good because you could use it for cut bait and you will really be able to tell when he takes it if you have the bait lever down because it will be bale to free spool and you will be able to tell when he takes the whole bait. This a good reel? pros and cons? any others i should look at? what rod should i get? i like the larger rods (9-10 feet). my budget is prolly about $150 for the whole out fit maybe a lil more. any good out fits you could tell me about would be real nice. Thanks alot

Anthony

Tightlines

Anthony - I own two Baitrunners, a 3500 and a 4500. I love them both, they are excellent for bait fishing and livelining. Everyone I have met who has one also loves them. I was attracted by the dual drag system, and not disappointed. I would suggest the 4500 for baitfishing for stripers....

The baitrunners are good reels. I've used a couple of them and they never really gave me any problems. The first couple times I couldn't get used to the baitrunner feature. I kept palming the spool. Soon I caught on. They are pretty good. I'm not too crazy about any extra gear. My philosophy is Keep It Simple Stupid. Any of that extra gear could break.

Can't tell you too much about a rod for the reel. For a 4500 though, you are looking at an 8.5-10.5 foot rod. You want something a little heavier action for handling live bait and chunks

I also have the 4500 and like it for bait, especially livelining bunker - as he said the dual drag is handy as it kinda lets you limit your "free spool" depending on the conditions.
I think for your budget, a Diawa sealine x would be a decent choice, I have a 10' that is a decent bait stick.