BAYLINER MK
Light inshore spinning rod tuned for spoon and plug sensitivity, made for rockfish and shore seabass
The Smith BAYLINER MK (ベイライナーMK) is a Japanese light-saltwater spinning rod made for anglers made for rockfish, small seabass, and similar inshore species with small spoons, minnows, and micro jig heads. The design priority is sensitivity during plug and lure work. Detecting lure action changes and subtle target contacts instead of raw power or heavy load capacity. It sits in Smith's shore/light-saltwater salt lineup, specialized for spoon and light-plug specialists.
Blanks are 24t carbon tubular construction. Guides are Fuji K-series with S-type SiC rings; butt-side guides use stainless KL-H and KL-M frames, remaining guides use titanium-frame K-guides. The two shorter 1-piece models (BL-661ML/MK and BL-681L/MK) feature a detachable offset grip for direct blank contact and finesse feel; the BL-702ML/MK is a 2-piece model with a fighting butt. All blanks have a matte finish. Three models cover 6'6", 6'8", and 7'0" in spinning configuration.
The 6'8" L-power model (81 g, 1–6 g lure) is the lightest and most finesse-oriented; the two ML-power models (86 g / 2–10 g and 89 g / 3–12 g) increase range and stiffness incrementally. The 7'0" 2-piece gives anglers transport convenience while matching the 6'6" blank taper at a modest lure ceiling increase. Retail in Japan is approximately ¥34,000–¥35,000 + tax.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 3 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 3 spinning
- Length
- 6'6"–7' 1.98–2.13 m
- Power
- L–ML
- Action
- MF
- Lure
- 1/32–7/16 oz 1–12 g
Rods in this series
3 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL-661ML/MK | 6'6" | ML | Buy from Smith | |
| BL-681L/MK | 6'8" | L | Buy from Smith | |
| BL-702ML/MK | 7' | ML | Buy from Smith |
Model notes
2 of 3 modelsLightest, most finesse-oriented model at 81 g with a 1–6 g lure range and 1.5 mm tip diameter. Suited to micro-spoon and light jig head work, including ajing-style minnow presentations. 1-piece construction with detachable grip.
The only 2-piece model in the lineup at 7'0", rated 3–12 g. Tip section taper is close to the BL-661ML/MK but the butt is half a power class stiffer for longer casts and heavier plugs. Pack length compresses to 110 cm versus 174 cm for the 1-piece models.