Great Reels: Live Liner, Bait Runner etc.. I have by different luck/means all three - Penn, Shimano and a KastKing in two sizes - 4000 and 6000 (6-reels Plus others) I absolutely love them all Shimano - Expensive, >>> Penn - Median Price, >>>> KastKing - the least expensive. NOTE that I did NOT say that KastKing was cheapest, just least expensive. ALL work great - I have no complaints about any of them, and highly recommend ALL.!!!!
As a carp angler, there is an entire universe of reels that feature the rear drag. Typically when a carp runs, it will take your rod into the lake if your rear drag lever isn't set. I have a bunch of Okuma Avenger series reels, and they all feature the rear drag. These reels have held up well for me over the five plus years I've used them. Almost all carp reels have two drags.
I just bought 2 Fierce II 8000 LL's for two of my surf rods. Never fished any reel with a 2nd "live liner" style drag on it, can't wait to try it !! I see a lot of guides use them and they work much harder in that environment that what I'll be doing so hopefully I got a good piece.
I just bought one for cat fishing and can't wait to use it. You just turn the crank to disengage the spool drag. You don't have to flip it. The advantage is that you don't have to use a pole holder.
The dual drag reels are helpful for bait fishing. In total I have three, Penn SSV4500LL, Okuma ABF-40B and Okuma Corando 80. I have been looking at the Penn Fierce II. Love the SSV4500LL, good and solid. The ABF went back for repair due to blown gears. It also has an issue with the drag switch. It's still fishing but it's showing weak points in the design. The Corando has been fine but reel has a lot of flex with a large fish. All these reels have been used in salt and fresh water. They are a little heavier due to the extra drag but for bait fishing I wouldn't want to fish with out it. One word of warning is to check the spool after flipping the rear drag lever. If the handle is in a certain spot the front drag may be still active. If it is just move the handle a little bit and flip the lever again.
I have 2 okuma avenger baitfeeder reels and love them for sketchy fish I have been doing research on the fierce 2 live liner and the penn spinfisher v 6500 live liner just have not decided which one yet
You have the best and the most informative videos on fishing . Because I have a great deal of respect for your intellect you helped me decide to buy the Penn LL ... Thanks Sy..
I really like the Penn. I tried a few of the cheap versions from Alibaba and they collapsed in a heap of rust by the end of the season. Thanks for the kind words!
Okuma makes a good baitfeeder too. They also build cabelas salt striker and regular baitfeeders which go on sale occasionally for around 50 dollars. I have 4 and use them a lot and they work well.
They should be for twice the price. My Cabelas (okumas) have handled dozens of 40 to 75 pound catfish and are still going strong. Are Shimano's better, yes. Are Okuma's junk, no.
Hi there. You just need to wind the handle to set the drag on the live liner reel. It saves less time fussing with flicking the lever and then winding the handle. Thanks.
@@KayakhacksFishing Kastking will try and help you in anyway. I had a 4 yr old bait feeder go bad and they tried. No luck but I got more support than expected or asked for.
Thanks for the great explanation and demonstration of how the live liner feature works. I think I'm going to go buy one now. And geez your reels are all beat up man, but I guess that shows the durability of Penn reels!
Can you confirm that the bite alert only engages when the live liner drag is engaged? It looked like the bite alert was not audible or "on" until you switched the live liner drag "on" to put the tension on the line.
Hmmm. I am not aware of a bite alert on the reel. The drag screams when a fish hits the back drag since there is no resistance. That is the only alert I am aware of. I'll go look at the reel today when I go fishing.
What you heard was the normal drag, what you did NOT hear was the bite drag/alert. PENN does not have a loud bite drag unfortunately. Shimano is waaay louder.
Baitfeeders can lead to gut hooking if you're not careful obviously, but yes they are wonderful reels to have especially still fishing. If you've got rods set out behind you baitfeeders are invaluable in letting you know someone's at the back door.
Valid concern. Luckily, the redfish I pursue always hit the bait strongly and run. That instantly sets the circle hook. In 6 years, I've only had one redfish swallow it. Thankfully, we are allowed to keep one fish a day and he visited the dinner table.
love live liners or bait runners. The okuma modules are nice too. And I like the diawa regal as well. Haven't tried the Penn yet but their stuff is usually bullet proof
Im looking at buying a penn right now.i own an okuma abf 80 and works amazing!i lost 1 pole earlier this year . i remembered using baitfeeder/baitrunner years ago.and i use live bait of all sizes i have to go with bigger models because the smaller 1s rear drag just does not get tight enough on bigger baits.shimano although really expensive surprisingly the rear drag did not get tight enough on the rear drag.especially in current the clicker was constantly clicking.sorry shimano fans.surprisingly kastking on their models the rear drag is really strong but unfurtanely the body is weak so sent those back had a pontus 5000 and sharky 6000.then moved to okuma for the extra $ its worth it.im guessing penn is just going to be better since its its an all metal frame.there is nothing wrong with okuma.just looking at wanting a penn right now.without lengthy explanation i prefer these reels over baitcasters.
I have a Penn Fierce 2 6000 LL and have opened it and now have an issue with the 2nd drag spring as i am not sure how it goes back. Dam good reel, will keep on trying.
I have managed to get mine back together. I am not sure if yours and the 6000 ll are the same but what i found is that the slide and pin which on the 6000 are attached to the cover need to be pulled back against the spring that holds them. The way i did this was to take some fine fishing nylon and hooked it around both and pulled them back, stretching the spring. It was then possible to replace the cover then pull the line out and replace screws. It works fine and I was most surprised that it was so simple. Maybe yours will be the same. Good luck. The reason I took mine apart is because the LL tension-er adjustment is stuck and will not turn and that is how it will stay , for now.
Sure. I do that all the time. The only drawback to the liveliner is that it is heavier than the same size regular reel because of the weight of the extra rear drag.
Good morning. I have 2 8000ll reels. If you just leave the LL lever forward next to the frame, it works like a conventional reel. Seems to work really well.
My Siemma had a rear drag and I never thought i was able to use the front drag .I always thought they put a rear drag in the backs for those that Like rear drag reel ,so I take it you can use both??/it would be easier to use the rear Drag would it Not ???.
Yes, you can use both. I recommend against using just the rear drag because you are loosing 1/2 the capability of the reel. Back for sitting and front for fighting.
I initially bought the 4000 and subsequently purchased two 2500s. For my inshore fishing, 2500 is all that is needed and I have caught redfish up to 37" on the 2500. I think the 4000 ends up being too big for my medium action rods.
I just got home from a weekend of kayak fishing in Avon NC. I got my Penn 2500 live liner in the mail a few days before I left and thank god I did, it preformed so well I can't recommend it enough and thanks for the help choosing the 2500. I Fished swim baits, rattle traps and even caught a 19 inch flounder on a diving plug. I also did some bottom fishing one night and got 2 25 inch red drum along with a bunch of smalls. Caught so many keeper sea trout I lost count and even a few small stripers. Anyway the live liner feature is really nice to have and those red drum made that back and front drag sing. Thanks again
Oh yes, and rear drags reels are the ones I love the most!!! I'm convinced the drag is more reliable and normally they have more washers in the system giving a better "drag quality" and drag control than the ones having a spring and a couple of washers on top of the bobbin. However this is s different situation, the rear drag only work when the lever is set in 'arrest" position...as soon you turn the spool is gone and the "working drag" is the one on the top of the reel...
Do you need more motivation to have a second one? what about paying 20 USD for a 3000 series great bait casting reel? It could be even better!!! What if you buy five of them , has to be a bulk buy (YES FIVE) by less than five packs of cigarrettes? lets say ...50 DOLLARS!!! And the quality is the same or better than a Daiwa or Shimano, Tested!!! Are you extra motivated? LOL...
Ok, this is exactly the reel i got almost a year ago, and I'm impressed by the high quality. Is a 3000 series with dual crank lever. This is the manufacturer i got it from. I paid around 26 dollars but if you buy 5 the price goes down to 10 dollars a piece. www.ifishing-tackle.com/product_260567/Wholesale-3000s-Baitrunner-Carp-Fishing-Reels-9BB-1RB-5-1-1-Made-in-China.html At that price you can have a good excuse for a chrismas or birthday gift (you pay less than a pack of cigarrettes for a great bait runner reel)
Hi does anyone know how to adjust the live liner free spool drag. I need a much loooser drag. I'm told I can adjust a screw at the back of the reel ? Anyone can help? Thanks
Ok, just in case...if you need to. I will put you a link where to by your next "liner reel" or also known as "bait runner" at around 30 USD ...(yes, China again...but this is a really good one I'm super happy with it)
I got it at a local tackle store in Goldsboro. EZ Bait and Tackle... I bought it 2 years ago and it works great. I just checked Amazon and they are less expensive now - amzn.to/2waFYsB
Yes, but it is so fun to flip the lever and yell "got ya!" :-) Thanks for pointing that out to the folks who are not familiar with these reels! I appreciate you filling in the blanks for them.
Why wouldn't you, just wondering. Closing the bail with the handle induces stress on your reel which adds up over time. I have never closed it with the handle, and most reels will not let you close them if you open them from the right with the bail vertical on the left so you have to close it with your hand anyway. I like being able to open the bail no matter what position it is in especially if I need to cast to a fish I have spotted.
I used it in saltwater all last year with no problems. The Penn website does not specify saltwater but does brag about corrosion resistance. Cabela's advertises a "Fierce II Saltwater Combo" with the Fierce II reel, so I think others agree that it will survive salt. Obviously, rinse it off when done, etc...
You will be happy with, I have two PENNs that are over 15 years old and all I have ever done to them is rinse them with fresh water and hit them with WD40 after fishing and then feel like brand new reels. I just bought the one in this video if my son so he doesn't have to deal with the drag when he is on. But, now I want one. I probably am going to get the spinfisher V with it. Just cause I am the Dad and I want a better reel.
The problem with the open bail is that the wind and current will pull line out. So, when the fish picks up the bait, you will not know. In addition, the extra line can tangle on things. Better to keep the line firm so you know what is happening.
Even if you could open the bail on a regular bait caster and not have the wind or current pull out line, if a big fish were to pull hard on the line suddenly, you will end up with a huge birds nest on the spool.
I totally agree I have 7 live feeders and Totally love them to the point where I’ve been giving my normal reels to Mates
Great Reels: Live Liner, Bait Runner etc..
I have by different luck/means all three -
Penn, Shimano and a KastKing in two sizes - 4000 and 6000 (6-reels Plus others)
I absolutely love them all
Shimano - Expensive, >>> Penn - Median Price, >>>> KastKing - the least expensive.
NOTE that I did NOT say that KastKing was cheapest, just least expensive.
ALL work great - I have no complaints about any of them, and highly recommend ALL.!!!!
As a carp angler, there is an entire universe of reels that feature the rear drag. Typically when a carp runs, it will take your rod into the lake if your rear drag lever isn't set. I have a bunch of Okuma Avenger series reels, and they all feature the rear drag. These reels have held up well for me over the five plus years I've used them. Almost all carp reels have two drags.
I just bought 2 Fierce II 8000 LL's for two of my surf rods. Never fished any reel with a 2nd "live liner" style drag on it, can't wait to try it !! I see a lot of guides use them and they work much harder in that environment that what I'll be doing so hopefully I got a good piece.
I love these. Very exciting when you hear the rear drag starting to spin!
I just bought one for cat fishing and can't wait to use it. You just turn the crank to disengage the spool drag. You don't have to flip it. The advantage is that you don't have to use a pole holder.
You will love it!
I like how noisy the clicker is. On the spinfisher vi it's a lot quieter but noise actually helps you when you leave it and walk away.
The dual drag reels are helpful for bait fishing. In total I have three, Penn SSV4500LL, Okuma ABF-40B and Okuma Corando 80. I have been looking at the Penn Fierce II. Love the SSV4500LL, good and solid. The ABF went back for repair due to blown gears. It also has an issue with the drag switch. It's still fishing but it's showing weak points in the design. The Corando has been fine but reel has a lot of flex with a large fish. All these reels have been used in salt and fresh water. They are a little heavier due to the extra drag but for bait fishing I wouldn't want to fish with out it.
One word of warning is to check the spool after flipping the rear drag lever. If the handle is in a certain spot the front drag may be still active. If it is just move the handle a little bit and flip the lever again.
I really appreciate the feedback on this family of reels. I'm heading out fishing again today and will check the rear drag lever issue - thanks!
I have 2 okuma avenger baitfeeder reels and love them for sketchy fish I have been doing research on the fierce 2 live liner and the penn spinfisher v 6500 live liner just have not decided which one yet
One thing I noticed on the Penn after using it for a long time is that the lever on the back starts to stick.
You have the best and the most informative videos on fishing . Because I have a great deal of respect for your intellect you helped me decide to buy the Penn LL ... Thanks Sy..
I really like the Penn. I tried a few of the cheap versions from Alibaba and they collapsed in a heap of rust by the end of the season. Thanks for the kind words!
I just bought the 6000 combo for 45.00 can't wait to try it
Okuma makes a good baitfeeder too. They also build cabelas salt striker and regular baitfeeders which go on sale occasionally for around 50 dollars. I have 4 and use them a lot and they work well.
I need to look at those. Thanks for the tip!
They should be for twice the price. My Cabelas (okumas) have handled dozens of 40 to 75 pound catfish and are still going strong. Are Shimano's better, yes. Are Okuma's junk, no.
I'm waiting for the sale :-)
Hi there. You just need to wind the handle to set the drag on the live liner reel. It saves less time fussing with flicking the lever and then winding the handle. Thanks.
Cool, thanks
I just ordered one myself cant wait to try it out
Would like to see a okuma / penn bait feeder review. I had 2 kast king bait feeders ran to fail no maint. Now have an Okuma next is a Penn. Thank you
I've been using the Sharky 3 for a full season and it is doing well. Just need to oil the reel shaft every once in a while.
@@KayakhacksFishing
Kastking will try and help you in anyway. I had a 4 yr old bait feeder go bad and they tried. No luck but I got more support than expected or asked for.
Thanks for the great explanation and demonstration of how the live liner feature works. I think I'm going to go buy one now. And geez your reels are all beat up man, but I guess that shows the durability of Penn reels!
Can you confirm that the bite alert only engages when the live liner drag is engaged? It looked like the bite alert was not audible or "on" until you switched the live liner drag "on" to put the tension on the line.
Hmmm. I am not aware of a bite alert on the reel. The drag screams when a fish hits the back drag since there is no resistance. That is the only alert I am aware of. I'll go look at the reel today when I go fishing.
What you heard was the normal drag, what you did NOT hear was the bite drag/alert. PENN does not have a loud bite drag unfortunately. Shimano is waaay louder.
Baitfeeders can lead to gut hooking if you're not careful obviously, but yes they are wonderful reels to have especially still fishing. If you've got rods set out behind you baitfeeders are invaluable in letting you know someone's at the back door.
Valid concern. Luckily, the redfish I pursue always hit the bait strongly and run. That instantly sets the circle hook. In 6 years, I've only had one redfish swallow it. Thankfully, we are allowed to keep one fish a day and he visited the dinner table.
love live liners or bait runners. The okuma modules are nice too. And I like the diawa regal as well. Haven't tried the Penn yet but their stuff is usually bullet proof
I would love to try the others. The concept is the key. I bet any reel that implements this idea well provides a heck of an advantage!
Kayak Hacks Fishing yes makes a world of difference. I originally learned about them from carp anglers.
Kayak Hacks Fishing and thanx for always responding back. That makes a difference as well lol
I learn a lot from you guys!
You are the King of the Hill
Wow. What a great review. 2 reels that I have been looking into. First time Subscriber here!
Awesome! Thank you!
i just got one of those, i dind try yet but i looks cool and easy to work whit it .i looks like in going to be a really fun combo what i got
It is so cool to hear the rear drag - the live line - spin as the fish picks up the bait.
You do NOT have to flip the lever. Just turn the handle will do it. Or my reel does.
thanks
Does it work for bottom fishing for pan fish ( perch, croaker, spot etc)?
I use it in shallow water for red drum. I don't know why it would not work elsewhere.
Im looking at buying a penn right now.i own an okuma abf 80 and works amazing!i lost 1 pole earlier this year . i remembered using baitfeeder/baitrunner years ago.and i use live bait of all sizes i have to go with bigger models because the smaller 1s rear drag just does not get tight enough on bigger baits.shimano although really expensive surprisingly the rear drag did not get tight enough on the rear drag.especially in current the clicker was constantly clicking.sorry shimano fans.surprisingly kastking on their models the rear drag is really strong but unfurtanely the body is weak so sent those back had a pontus 5000 and sharky 6000.then moved to okuma for the extra $ its worth it.im guessing penn is just going to be better since its its an all metal frame.there is nothing wrong with okuma.just looking at wanting a penn right now.without lengthy explanation i prefer these reels over baitcasters.
I liked the Penn. I just wish they had a Penn Battle liveliner.
They just came out with one this year i believe its on ebay amazon already its called long cast though.
@@KayakhacksFishing i just looked penn battle ll live liner long cast
I did not know they made one now! thanks
I have a Penn Fierce 2 6000 LL and have opened it and now have an issue with the 2nd drag spring as i am not sure how it goes back. Dam good reel, will keep on trying.
You hit on the reason I have not done a video on the LL. I was not able to get the cover back on no matter how many adjustments I made.
I have managed to get mine back together. I am not sure if yours and the 6000 ll are the same but what i found is that the slide and pin which on the 6000 are attached to the cover need to be pulled back against the spring that holds them. The way i did this was to take some fine fishing nylon and hooked it around both and pulled them back, stretching the spring. It was then possible to replace the cover then pull the line out and replace screws. It works fine and I was most surprised that it was so simple. Maybe yours will be the same. Good luck. The reason I took mine apart is because the LL tension-er adjustment is stuck and will not turn and that is how it will stay , for now.
Thanks for the tip! I appreciate it.
i've never used a live liner before, but could you use this style of reel when you're fishing with lures as well?
Sure. I do that all the time. The only drawback to the liveliner is that it is heavier than the same size regular reel because of the weight of the extra rear drag.
Oh ok, thanks! I was just wondering if live liners were meant exclusively for bait fishing. Appreciate the info!
Good morning. I have 2 8000ll reels. If you just leave the LL lever forward next to the frame, it works like a conventional reel. Seems to work really well.
hey I have both of pen battle 4000 and pen battle fears 2 and I like them both same one you have in this video
I agree. I thought it would bore folks to have everything normal speed. Wrong decision.
How to open good liner drag Reel...to clean,,and put garis..,can you show..step
Sadly, I never figured out how to get a baitrunner/liveliner back together. I have a video coming up that discusses an alternative.
My Siemma had a rear drag and I never thought i was able to use the front drag .I always thought they put a rear drag in the backs for those that Like rear drag reel ,so I take it you can use both??/it would be easier to use the rear Drag would it Not ???.
Yes, you can use both. I recommend against using just the rear drag because you are loosing 1/2 the capability of the reel. Back for sitting and front for fighting.
Do you have a video on cleaning or repairing a reel? My Penn reel's. rotor is very loose. Maybe lost a screw?
Sorry, I do not. I no longer have the Penn reels so I cannot go back and make one.
@@KayakhacksFishing Thanks!
Is this reel a 2500 LL or 4000 LL? I've been wanting one but not sure the size I should get.
I initially bought the 4000 and subsequently purchased two 2500s. For my inshore fishing, 2500 is all that is needed and I have caught redfish up to 37" on the 2500. I think the 4000 ends up being too big for my medium action rods.
That's what I was leaning towards. Thanks for the reply Sir and the great videos. I'll stay tuned for more.
I just got home from a weekend of kayak fishing in Avon NC. I got my Penn 2500 live liner in the mail a few days before I left and thank god I did, it preformed so well I can't recommend it enough and thanks for the help choosing the 2500. I Fished swim baits, rattle traps and even caught a 19 inch flounder on a diving plug. I also did some bottom fishing one night and got 2 25 inch red drum along with a bunch of smalls. Caught so many keeper sea trout I lost count and even a few small stripers. Anyway the live liner feature is really nice to have and those red drum made that back and front drag sing. Thanks again
rear drag reels have been around for 50+ years the bait runner reels from shimano being the most renowned
Oh yes, and rear drags reels are the ones I love the most!!! I'm convinced the drag is more reliable and normally they have more washers in the system giving a better "drag quality" and drag control than the ones having a spring and a couple of washers on top of the bobbin.
However this is s different situation, the rear drag only work when the lever is set in 'arrest" position...as soon you turn the spool is gone and the "working drag" is the one on the top of the reel...
I am glad I finally got motivated to try one! Love it.
Do you need more motivation to have a second one?
what about paying 20 USD for a 3000 series great bait casting reel?
It could be even better!!!
What if you buy five of them , has to be a bulk buy (YES FIVE) by less than five packs of cigarrettes? lets say ...50 DOLLARS!!!
And the quality is the same or better than a Daiwa or Shimano, Tested!!!
Are you extra motivated? LOL...
I am motivated!!!
Ok, this is exactly the reel i got almost a year ago, and I'm impressed by the high quality. Is a 3000 series with dual crank lever.
This is the manufacturer i got it from.
I paid around 26 dollars but if you buy 5 the price goes down to 10 dollars a piece.
www.ifishing-tackle.com/product_260567/Wholesale-3000s-Baitrunner-Carp-Fishing-Reels-9BB-1RB-5-1-1-Made-in-China.html
At that price you can have a good excuse for a chrismas or birthday gift (you pay less than a pack of cigarrettes for a great bait runner reel)
Good review. Thanks for the info. 👍🏼
Glad it was helpful!
I think it will be great for bite Indicators and finnick fish
Hi..spinfisher live liner 8500 or standard 9500 is better to bye plz reply.
Thanks for the tip
Hi does anyone know how to adjust the live liner free spool drag. I need a much loooser drag. I'm told I can adjust a screw at the back of the reel ? Anyone can help? Thanks
Good luck! I tried to maintain my liveliner and never could get it back together :-)
Wondering this too
Neat features. Great vid.
Thanks!
U don’t need to flip the Switch u just reel and sets on it’s own
Just like switching the bail, I prefer doing it manually to reduce wear
They are very popular for carp fishing.
Yes - I just learned that from buying two of the inexpensive Chinese versions to test. All were advertised as carp reels.
Looks like a good reel and drag option.
Yes... and the price has dropped a lot since I bought mine last year.
Absolutely right!
And don't desassemble that reel!!! It might be pandora's box..
Right! Not until I have to!
Ok, just in case...if you need to.
I will put you a link where to by your next "liner reel" or also known as "bait runner" at around 30 USD ...(yes, China again...but this is a really good one I'm super happy with it)
You should get a okuma avenger baitrunner because it goes from $35 to $60. It also has a live liner system
I just bought 2 cheap Chinese versions to test for around $25. It will be interesting to see how they perform.
Where did you get it for 90
I got it at a local tackle store in Goldsboro. EZ Bait and Tackle... I bought it 2 years ago and it works great. I just checked Amazon and they are less expensive now - amzn.to/2waFYsB
You don't need to flip the lever with your hand, all you have to do is to start reel in and that it. Thank's for your videos.
Yes, but it is so fun to flip the lever and yell "got ya!" :-) Thanks for pointing that out to the folks who are not familiar with these reels! I appreciate you filling in the blanks for them.
Why wouldn't you, just wondering. Closing the bail with the handle induces stress on your reel which adds up over time. I have never closed it with the handle, and most reels will not let you close them if you open them from the right with the bail vertical on the left so you have to close it with your hand anyway. I like being able to open the bail no matter what position it is in especially if I need to cast to a fish I have spotted.
Yes, never just crank the handle to close the bail. I think Ramonp485 assumed I would close the bail and then begin reeling.
This is a Reel good review! :D
Thank you! I fish inshore with live mullet and it is perfect for that.
is this a SALTWATER reel? IM LOOKING FOR A GOOD SALTWATER SPINNING REEL THAT IS SALT WATER PROOF YET ON THE SMALL RANGE THE BIGGEST 20
I used it in saltwater all last year with no problems. The Penn website does not specify saltwater but does brag about corrosion resistance. Cabela's advertises a "Fierce II Saltwater Combo" with the Fierce II reel, so I think others agree that it will survive salt. Obviously, rinse it off when done, etc...
My person opinion is if you are going into saltwater you better have a PENN.
You will be happy with, I have two PENNs that are over 15 years old and all I have ever done to them is rinse them with fresh water and hit them with WD40 after fishing and then feel like brand new reels. I just bought the one in this video if my son so he doesn't have to deal with the drag when he is on. But, now I want one. I probably am going to get the spinfisher V with it. Just cause I am the Dad and I want a better reel.
Those reels are good!
I just found your channel. Cool video! I like the green screen
Thanks! Now that fishing season is kicking back up, the vids can move back outside!
Thank god! I can't wait for these bass to start being more active
"Baitrunners" it's hard to go back to old style spnners
can't you just use a baitcaster with an open bail?
The problem with the open bail is that the wind and current will pull line out. So, when the fish picks up the bait, you will not know. In addition, the extra line can tangle on things. Better to keep the line firm so you know what is happening.
Even if you could open the bail on a regular bait caster and not have the wind or current pull out line, if a big fish were to pull hard on the line suddenly, you will end up with a huge birds nest on the spool.
My one crapped out. Penn - made in China. From chinesium
It's that a shame ... can't depend on quality any longer.