Shimano Baitrunner DL RB

The Shimano Baitrunner DL RB is a reel that needs little introduction on the banks of British fisheries. For decades, the Baitrunner name has been synonymous with carp and specialist angling, and this DL RB model continues that legacy. It sits in the middle of Shimano's range, offering the legendary freespool performance in a package that's both affordable and reliable. Finished in a subtle 'smoke-grey' that looks the part on any modern setup, it's a true workhorse designed for anglers who value function and durability over flashy cosmetics and feather-light materials.

At its core, the DL RB is for the thinking angler targeting specimen fish. Shimano offers it in two distinct sizes to cover a huge range of situations. The larger 10000 model is aimed squarely at the carp angler. It has the line capacity needed for the longer casts often required on bigger lakes and balances perfectly with standard 12ft carp rods. The smaller 6000 size is a fantastic tool for the specialist angler. It’s ideal for targeting hard-fighting tench and bream on lakes, or for barbel fishing on rivers where a freespool facility can be essential for handling savage, unstoppable takes.

The magic of the DL RB is, of course, the Baitrunner system itself. This iconic Shimano innovation is controlled by a simple lever at the rear of the reel. When engaged, it disengages the main fighting drag and allows a fish to take line smoothly against a finely adjustable secondary drag. This protects your setup from being pulled in on a violent take and gives perfect, low-resistance bite indication. As soon as you turn the handle, the system instantly disengages, the main drag kicks in, and you’re in direct contact with the fish. It’s a simple, foolproof system that has been proven time and again.

Inside its tough XT-7 composite body, the DL RB is all about dependable performance. It runs on three of Shimano’s Shielded Stainless Steel bearings plus a roller bearing, providing a smoothness you can feel from the first turn of the handle. Casting is managed by the combination of an AR-C spool, which has an angled lip to reduce friction as line leaves the reel, and Varispeed line lay. This ensures the line is laid evenly back onto the spool, preventing bedding-in and promoting trouble-free casting. Both sizes come with a beautifully balanced double handle, which eliminates any wobble on the retrieve and provides plenty of cranking power for controlling big fish.

In a typical UK fishing session, the DL RB feels right at home. A pair of 10000s on a rod pod, behind a set of alarms, is a classic carp fishing scene. They have the capacity for confident fishing on most day-ticket and club waters, easily handling casts up to 100 yards. For the specialist, the 6000 model on a 1.75lb test curve barbel rod or a dedicated Avon-style rod is a superbly balanced setup. It’s just as effective for fishing a method feeder in the margins of a commercial for big tench as it is for rolling a lump of meat through a river weir pool.

Before you buy, the main decision is which size best suits your angling. This isn’t a case of one being 'better' than the other, but about matching the tool to the job. If your fishing is mostly on smaller lakes or rivers with lighter rods, the 6000 is the logical choice. If you’re a dedicated carp angler fishing a variety of medium to large waters, the 10000 offers greater versatility and line capacity. The weight difference between the two is a negligible 5 grams, so the choice really comes down to spool size and how the reel balances on your chosen rods.

One of the standout features at this price point is the inclusion of a spare spool. This is a huge practical benefit, allowing you to load one spool with heavy-duty mono for snaggy conditions and the other with a lighter line for long-range work, or even braid. When making your purchase, be sure to double-check the model code – BTRDL6000RB or BTRDL10000RB – to ensure you’re getting the size you want, as many shops group them together on one product page.

Ultimately, the Shimano Baitrunner DL RB is a reel you can trust. It doesn't pretend to be the lightest or most technologically advanced reel on the market. Instead, it delivers the core, reliable Baitrunner experience that has helped anglers land countless fish over the years. It’s a solid, no-nonsense piece of engineering that does its job without fuss, representing fantastic value from one of the most respected brands in fishing.