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My Finnor reel has the external bail trip like the big Penn's do. ( Couldn't find a pic of the Ahab 20, but this penn is the same)


I am giving serious thought to cutting that knob off. It is a PITA and I always close the bail by hand anyway.

If ya don't like it the way it is "and can afford ta replace it if ya break it" GO FOR IT

Just convert it to a manual style like the "Big Boys" do

I can,t think why the external bale arm closure is a PITA .
If you have only recently bought it, why not exchange it ?
Alternatively, sell it and but something else.
Isn,t that a $250 reel ?
If so, I wouldn,t mess about trying to convert it.

It's a PITA because I am used to bringing the line roller to the top before I pick up the line with my finger and open the bail. If the rotor turns a fraction past top center the bail won't open, or much worse it will open but the bail stop will keep it from going completely into the open position . If you happened to be getting a rather large rush of adrenaline at the time, like maybe you were tossing an eel to a big Ling, you might not notice this condition and the bail might close by itself on the cast

I wish reel manufactures would not put ANY bail trip, internal or external on their reels. I think it is not needed and just adds one more thing to go wrong.

It is an expensive reel but I could not find anything in that size I liked better.

Baitrunner?

Baitrunner? Yes, yet another unnecessary complication. (IMHO)

Sounds like you are not going to be happy unless you saw it off

I say go for it

Shimano Baitrunner comes in that size and I don't think that it has the external bail stop

Next weeks topic: Does anyone know a good aluminum welder?

I use Shimano baitrunners, for the specific reason they were designed and manufactured for.
I would agree however, if you don,t need/like a facility, or specific design element of a reel, don,t buy it.

Cranfield wrote:I use Shimano baitrunners, for the specific reason they were designed and manufactured for.

Ledgering Carp with hair rigs?

Spot on Ken, carp and similar species, also ledgering and "popping up" dead baits, for northern pike.
For fish that pick up the bait and run like hell, they are the tool to have.