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Daiwa Free Swimmer BR 3000 and 5000

Since Daiwa released its Free Swimmer BR range, snapper anglers have been eagerly waiting for smaller sizes to complement the already impressive 8000 and 10000 models. The good news is that Daiwa has listened, delivering the much-anticipated 3000 and 5000 sizes that are perfect for southern snapper fisheries such as Port Phillip Bay. These new sizes are a game changer, offering a balance of lightweight design, solid drag performance and a user-friendly free spool function that makes them feel like a natural extension of your hand.

Size Matters

I’ve been using the Free Swimmer 10000 and 8000 for some time now, and while these larger sizes excel at targeting gummy sharks and kingfish, they were often overkill for smaller species such as snapper. That’s where the 3000 and 5000 sizes really shine. Both feel like they’ve been made for Port Phillip Bay’s snapper fishery. I paired the 5000 with the new Daiwa Saltist PE3/4, a rod that’s a near-perfect match for snapper fishing with its long EVA butt, perfect guide train and medium-fast action. This combo has accounted for multiple fish this season, including a solid 5.5kg snapper, and has performed exceptionally well.

The 3000, on the other hand, was matched with my tried-and-true Daiwa Tierra 4-8kg rod, a lighter option that’s been in my fleet for a few years. I never felt undergunned on the 3000 despite its smaller size. For the majority of snapper fishing in shallow waters, this reel is more than capable of handling everything from smaller models to solid 5-6kg fish.

Free Swimmer System

One of the standout features of the Daiwa Free Swimmer series is the Bite ’N’ Run (BR) system. For those unfamiliar, this allows anglers to engage the reel in free spool with the flick of a lever, which is perfect for live baiting or letting a fish pick up a dead bait without feeling resistance. It’s a critical feature for snapper fishing in Port Phillip Bay, where bites are often timid. The Free Swimmer’s BR system is incredibly smooth and efficient.

The free spool mechanism itself is seamless, with the drag knob easy to adjust and the clip that brings the reel into free spool working flawlessly. I’ve never had any issues with missed hooksets or drag misfires during testing. The tension adjustment on both models provides just the right level of sensitivity – tight enough to handle larger baits, but forgiving enough that even the most finicky snapper can pick up the bait without feeling any weight. It’s a refined system that really enhances the overall fishing experience.

Balanced

Another area where the 3000 and 5000 Free Swimmers excel is their balance and feel in the hand. The rounded EVA power knob provides excellent grip and comfort, particularly when you’re cranking on fish after fish with wet slimy hands from handling bait and berley. While this EVA knob may seem insignificant, it really makes a big difference out on the water and it shouldn’t have taken this long for anyone to fit this style of reel with a knob like this. Both reels are beautifully balanced and well-matched to their respective rods, which makes them incredibly comfortable to fish with for extended periods.

The weight savings of these smaller reels over the 8000 and 10000 models make a real difference, particularly in terms of sensitivity. Smaller reels are naturally lighter, and this translates into a better sense of what’s going on at the other end of the line. The line lay on both reels is superb, providing smooth, consistent winding with no noticeable backlash or irregularities. In terms of how they feel while fighting fish, the 3000 and 5000 sizes have an edge in terms of comfort and sensitivity.

Smooth Drag

Both the 3000 and 5000 models feature Daiwa’s ATD drag system, and pack a massive 10kg of drag that you’ll probably never need even half of when baitfishing for snapper. However, if you were targeting kingfish with braid it will be welcome on the 5000. The drag is exceptionally smooth and consistent. Whether you’re dealing with a powerful snapper or smaller fish, the drag performs beautifully across multiple captures. I’ve had the chance to put both sizes through their paces on a variety of snapper, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their ability to absorb long, powerful runs and short bursts on the initial hit while maintaining steady, controlled drag pressure.

The build quality of these reels is what we’ve come to expect from Daiwa – rugged, reliable and well-engineered. There’s zero flex in the body, and the reels feel solid throughout the fight. This is particularly important when you’re targeting snapper, as you need a reel that can stand up to the occasional big fish without buckling under pressure.

Line Capacity

I spooled the 5000 with Shogun IGFA Green 16lb mono, a reliable line but nothing amazing as it is relatively thick. I managed to get almost 300m on it. I spooled the 3000 with 16lb Sunline Super Natural and got a perfect 150m. This is a thinner, more finesse line, and this is more than enough. Even though it’s not as robust as the 5000 or 8000, I’ve never felt the 3000 lacks the line capacity to handle the fish I’ve been targeting. If you were fishing in deeper offshore waters, I could see the 3000 struggling with longer runs, but for inshore snapper fishing, it’s ideal.

The 5000, with its slightly larger spool, offers a bit more peace of mind should you hook into a really big fish. While I still don’t think you’d risk being spooled on the 3000, the 5000 will give you a bit more capacity for those larger, offshore snapper or when fishing deeper. Both models excel in terms of line management, with no tangling or performance issues, even with me keeping slack lines out in the racks and winding it up at speed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daiwa’s Free Swimmer BR 3000 and 5000 reels have quickly become two of my favourite set-ups for snapper fishing. They offer a perfect balance of size, performance and ease of use. The free spool system is smooth and easy to use, the drag system is flawless, and the overall build quality is as solid as you can get. The best part is the price – at $239 they offer excellent bang for buck. Would I recommend you go and buy five for your fleet, and do I think you’ll get at least five years of trouble-free use? Yes, I do. If you’re a snapper angler – especially in southern waters – these reels should definitely be on your radar.

Words & Images: Kosta Linardos

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