Shimano Baitrunner OC freewheel reel in the test

For the new carp season I wanted a new free-wheeling reel for me I had the choice between the Baitrunner OC and the US Baitrunner, which are very similar in price. But since I like to fish by the sea and the two reels are very similar, I decided on the Oceanic reel, which was originally developed in Australia for liveline fishing on Barramundi. The Saltwater suitability but it’s just a bonus that I’m happy to take with me. The main area of application will be bottom fishing for carp, even if this test has only taken place at sea so far.

First impression – a robust and all-weather workhorse

Shimano Baitrunner OC on rocks by the sea — On the black rocks of the Canary Islands, the role was allowed to show what it can do for the first time.

The first test crank shows how smoothly the roller runs. There is hardly any difference to the US Baitrunner. Because In terms of ease of movement, it is in no way inferior to many spinning reels. What I particularly like about the reel is the maintenance screw, which can be easily removed and allows me to simply re-oil on a regular basis. The shackle is typically a bit thin for Shimano, but still stable. Stable technology was also used for the crank, which you screw in and which is not countered as it used to be. This makes the role more stable and less vulnerable. Of course, you can mount the crank left and right, which allows the reel to fish for both left-handed and right-handed people. There is a lever for the backstop on the reel, which surprises me a little, as this is a rather unnecessary technique, which surface is for the salt water to attack.

Also back in Germany: I was able to hold this Kaptial Carp in my arms after a short fight.

The freewheeling of the roller works flawlessly and can be easily adjusted at the rear. It jumps over with a rich click as soon as I turn the crank. The roller bracket jumps just as nicely when you turn the crank. Only in one position does it not make it that easy, which is nothing new with any fishing reel that is not extremely expensive. The brake settings of the freewheel and the strong front brake are easy to handle and the lightly rubberized crank knob is easy to hold.

Finally, the line lay, whereby I decided to use a braided 40 lb line for salt water use, which is laid cleanly.

Overall, the role affects me a lot stable and robust and I’m already looking forward to the practical application.

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Salt water baths and permanent splashes were plentiful for the role.

Technology and models

The translation of the role is quite low with 4,8 : 1which is normal for free-wheeling reels. Especially with the size, the line is drawn in well. The roll size is comparable to Okuma rolls. The free-wheeling reel only has 4 ball bearings, but runs, as already mentioned, silky smooth. More bearings are not really necessary as long as they are in the right place and are of good quality.

There are four models of the roll: 4000, 6000, 8000 and 12000

Here are the features of the role:

3 Shielded Stainless Steel ball bearings + 1 ball bearing
Varispeed transmission
Easy Maintenace
Floating Shaft II
Super Stopper II
AR-C coil design
Dyna Balance

Practical test

The practical test was, as it should be for a saltwater roller at the sea in the Canary Islands. Spooled with a braided 40 lb line, we went for congers, moray eels and rays at night and smaller ones during the day

A record-breaking saddle bream has bitten pieces of squid.

Fish like saddle bream. Wigs or a loss of line have not yet been reported, as the reel winds really nicely. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any big fish on the line, but smaller sea fish also put pressure on me, which of course didn’t have any problems with the reel. The brake can be adjusted very widely, but this requires many turns. Here I would have liked something that would grip more quickly, whereby I can also fine-tune my brakes. The Freewheel was easy to adapt to the conditionsso that the often strong waves could not pull a line, but fish could set off easily without being suspicious. Another positive thing I noticed was that the roller still cranks very smoothly even under load. In this way, you can easily pull in even heavy assemblies and what is really important, you can also pull in line quickly and comfortably in the fight.

The use of salt water was not noticed on the role, as it should be with a role that is advertised as being suitable for salt water. Of course I rinsed the reel with fresh water after a week of fishing.

The practical test will be extended as soon as I have been able to catch a few more carp here, although it currently makes little sense to pull her to the quarry pond or river due to the ice and low temperatures. The role already had a short residence at the lake, but nothing was on the line here.

Conclusion

Great technology and a slightly cheaper alternative to the US Baitunner D. You can’t go wrong with the Oceanic Baitrunner for under € 100 you get a great free-wheeling reel, which you can also take to the sea without having to worry about the technology. So far I have nothing to complain about the role and I can do it recommend without hesitation.