Alvey as baitrunner

[Scottie]

Hi guys, I was fishing the other day with one of my spinning outfits for some big catfish, when it dawned on me how nice a baitrunner would be for that purpose. So I thought to myself, why wouldn't my Alvey 6000BC-V work. Well it does. I simply set the drag to the desired tension and then flipped the drag on/off lever to the off position. I was also able to adjust the tension to the freespool using the tension knob at the end of the spindle screw set, and I set the fish alert to the on position. When a big cat took the bait and began to run and I felt it was time to set the hook, I simply flicked the drag on/off lever to the on position. Presto, instant Alvey baitrunner. It worked like a charm. Have any of you guys used your Alvey's in this way?

Cheers, Scottie, Chicago, Illinois

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

you got it scottie, the original & the best. Anglers have been doing a similar thing in Queensland estuaries for ever.

For whiting (a bottom feeder sort of like a bonefish but not as big)we use a simple alvey cast out & rest the rod on the transom with just enough drag on to stop overrun, let the whting nibble away & take line until a solid run then lift the rod & apply more drag by fingering the spool as you strike.

For flathead an ambush predator that lies on the bottom, you drift bouncing the bait on the bottom fingering the spool. When a grab/bump is felt you let the spool run out to give the flattie a chance to swallow & bingo!

In the surf I use an alvey stardrag for big predators like tailor & jew. You have the drag set but the anti reverse off. You don't strike the bite but wait for the run letting line free spool with touch of tension like you do but your right hand near the spool to stop overrun on a big take. Then you hold the spool underneath with your right hand to apply tension for the strike. Then I click the anti reverse in for the fight & let the star drag do its thing.

I would not reccomend slamming the anti reverse into gear on a running fish to set a hook with an alvey, they are a tough reel but not designed for that & there's a good chance something could shear off.

GO ALVEY !! Great to see a quality Queensland product being enjoyed overseas.

tight lines scottie,
seeyainthesurf,
chris

[Scottie]

Thanks Chris for the good tips. Yes indeed, GO ALVEY!

Scottie

[Rosso]

I am tempted here to say "Why try and re-invent the wheel? Just go out and by a REAL baitcaster (like ABU)"

But on second thoughts i might start a war :P

Rosso.

[Andrew]

Alveys are wheels - fishing wheels - LOL ha ha ha ha! (sorry) ;D ;D ;DAJ

[Scottie]

Rosso, I think you're a bit confused on this one. We're talking baitrunner not baitcaster. And how an Alvey with a drag and drag on/off switch can function similarly to a baitrunner. A baitrunner being a spinning reel with a separate and adjustable freespool function, not a baitcaster which is a different animal.

Scottie

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

to use a baitcaster as a baitrunner...

Set the drag & cast out,

Keep the reel in free spool & tighten the casting friction control knob to the desired setting

When you you get the run, thumb the spool, turn the handles to engage BINGO

It means you are adjusting the friction control back & forth to cast etc but it works - I actually do this for estuary jewies with an ABU 6000 & 7000 mounted on uglysticks. I prefer it to an alvey as the overheads give me a free hand for the gaff & much greater control close to the boat.

chris

[Scottie]

Man, you think of everything, don't you Chris? If I had a baitcaster I'd try it, but I don't, so I can't. I wonder how many guys use their baitcasters like you've described?

Cheers, Scottie

[SteveCan]

We use the baitcaster like that when fishing for snapper with unweighted baits - I find it's actually 'better' than a Baitrunner because the friction control is more sensitive than your typical baitrunner anyway.

Shimano has obviously done a fantastic job with marketing the Baitrunner - there are many reels with basically the same feature including baitcasters and Alveys but everyone acts as if the Baitrunner is a unique system. I have a Shimano baitrunner 4500 which is a fantastic reel - in fact a threadline without a baitrunner feature seems a waste of time really. It just adds a lot of facility and ease of use to the reel.

The point I am trying to make is that the baitrunner was developed to give threadlines a capability that just about every other fishing system has - the ability to fish in a freespool mode.

Cheers
Steve.

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

well said steve !!!

personally I only use threadlines (spinning reels) for casting lures & when my gorgeous wife & young kids / nephews come for a fish - they are at the very least easy to use.

chris

[Rumpig]

That's the way to do it!

I use my 650E5 (from memory) like that all the time live baiting. Works a treat! The best thing about it is that you can then turn round and use it for drummer or grouper off a washy platform then go for jewies, tailor or salmon off the beach at night. I've also used it for spinning.

Tell me about another reel that'll do this and not skip a beat!?

As Miss Richens said "I'd like to see that!"

All the best

Mick