Daiwa BG-60 BR-4500

[mario_veg]

I have a Daiwa BG-60 and a Shimano Baitrunner 4500 and I have to replace the rods... I dont't know if I should use the Daiwa for jigging or popping. Please tell me whats better, I have it with powerpro 65 pounds. I don't know if I should throw away the baitrunner buy a reel for it or what to do with it. Please help. I'm low on budget thats why I dont buy new reels.

[Sea Draggin]

I looked at my 6500 baitrunner when I first started deep jigging. I have 3 of them that have probably caught close to 500 dolphin combined. They were great for picking them off the teasers and blind casting to pick off followers.

However....for deep jigging I don't think they will do. First they don't have the drag capability needed. Second, the arm or whatever its called that connects the reel to the foot is not very strong. I feel a much stiffer frame is needed to do what we do.

In the end I ordered a Diawa expedition and have been 100% satisfied.

I have not tried the BG, but have wanted to review them as a starter budget reel. Like the us made penn slammer they might get you started. But after about 2 trips with us, I can guarantee you would want something different.

[mythosbeer]

I have the BG60, but haven't used it for jigging yet. Jim is right....I basically started jigging on a trip with Jim and I haven't even looked at the BG60 since.

As far as looking at it as being ok for jigging, I think so. The thing is built very well and is tough. I have never used mine with the heavy drag I use for jigging but I think it would work. If I had to choose, I definately would pick the BG60 over the baitrunner for the reasons Jim said above. These are all just my opinions and guesses though, since I haven't used it for jigging.

As for the baitrunner, don't toss it away...you can sell that puppy. Many baitfisherman could definately use that thing.

Mitch

[mario_veg]

So would you rather use the BG 60 for popping or for jigging? What rod would you recommend

[mythosbeer]

I think it would be better for jigging! The gear ratio is 4.7:1 which is pretty good for jigging. For popping, a higher gear ratio is prefered.

As far as the rod goes, it depends on a lot of variables. Depth, target species, length prefered, etc. It would be hard to say what rod to use without more details.

Mitch

[Sea Draggin]

At only 17lbs of drag, I would wear gloves so you can palm the spool on big runs.