Daiwa Ninja BR LT 5000-C
Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT 5000-C Freespool Fishing Reel User Manual
Model: Ninja BR LT 5000-C | Brand: Daiwa
Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT 5000-C Freespool Fishing Reel. Designed for anglers seeking reliability and performance, this reel incorporates advanced features such as the LT (Light & Tough) Concept, Air Rotor, ATD Drag, and Tough Digigear for a smooth and powerful fishing experience.
Safety Information
- Always handle fishing equipment with care to prevent injury.
- Keep fingers clear of moving parts during operation.
- Ensure the reel is securely attached to the fishing rod before use.
- Avoid exposing the reel to extreme temperatures or corrosive substances.
- Rinse the reel with fresh water after use in saltwater environments.
Components Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components of your Daiwa Ninja BR LT 5000-C reel:
- Spool: Holds the fishing line. Features ABS Aluminium longcast design.
- Drag Knob: Adjusts the main drag tension.
- Handle: Used for retrieving line. Ambidextrous design.
- Bail Arm: Guides the line onto the spool.
- Line Roller: Reduces line twist. Features Twist Buster II.
- Freespool Lever (Bite N' Run): Engages and disengages the freespool function.
- Anti-Reverse Lever: Engages or disengages the anti-reverse mechanism.

Figure 1: Overall view of the Daiwa Ninja BR LT Freespool Fishing Reel. This image displays the reel from a slight angle, highlighting the main body, spool, handle, and bail arm.
Setup
1. Attaching the Reel to a Fishing Rod
- Loosen the reel seat nut on your fishing rod.
- Place the reel foot into the reel seat.
- Tighten the reel seat nut securely until the reel is firmly attached and does not wobble.
2. Spooling Fishing Line
The Daiwa Ninja BR LT 5000-C reel has a line capacity of 25 lbs / 160 yards for monofilament line and 29 lbs / 215 yards for braided line.
- Open the bail arm.
- Tie the fishing line to the spool using an arbor knot or similar secure knot.
- Close the bail arm.
- Hold the line under slight tension and begin to reel slowly, ensuring the line lays evenly on the spool.
- Fill the spool to approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) from the rim to prevent line overflow and tangles.

Figure 2: Close-up view of the spool on the Daiwa Ninja BR LT Freespool Fishing Reel. This image highlights the line capacity markings and the design of the ABS Aluminium longcast spool.
3. Adjusting the Main Drag
The ATD (Automatic Tournament Drag) system provides strong and smooth drag performance up to 26.40 lbs.
- Turn the drag knob clockwise to increase drag tension.
- Turn the drag knob counter-clockwise to decrease drag tension.
- Set the drag tension appropriate for your fishing line strength and target species. A common guideline is to set the drag to approximately one-third of your line's breaking strength.

Figure 3: Rear view of the Daiwa Ninja BR LT Freespool Fishing Reel, showing the main drag knob prominently. This image helps in identifying the component for drag adjustment.
4. Engaging the Freespool (Bite N' Run) System
The Bite N' Run freespool system allows fish to take line without feeling immediate resistance, ideal for bait fishing.
- After casting, ensure the main drag is set.
- Locate the freespool lever, typically at the rear of the reel.
- Flip the freespool lever to the "ON" or "FREE" position. This disengages the main drag and allows the spool to rotate freely with minimal tension.
- When a fish bites, simply turn the handle to automatically disengage the freespool system and engage the main drag, allowing you to fight the fish.

Figure 4: Side view of the Daiwa Ninja BR LT Freespool Fishing Reel, clearly showing the freespool lever (Bite N' Run) mechanism. This lever is crucial for engaging and disengaging the secondary drag system.
Operating Instructions
1. Casting
- Hold the rod and reel comfortably.
- Open the bail arm.
- Hold the line against the rod with your index finger.
- Swing the rod forward, releasing the line with your index finger at the peak of the cast.
- Close the bail arm manually or by turning the handle once the lure or bait hits the water.
2. Retrieving
Turn the handle to retrieve the line. The Tough Digigear system ensures smooth and powerful retrieval.
3. Using the Anti-Reverse
The Infinite Anti-Reverse feature prevents the handle from turning backward, ensuring solid hook sets.
- Locate the anti-reverse lever on the reel body.
- Flip the lever to engage or disengage the anti-reverse function as desired. For most fishing, keeping it engaged is recommended.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning
- After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse the reel thoroughly with fresh water. Do not submerge the reel.
- Wipe the reel dry with a soft cloth.
- Remove any dirt, sand, or debris from the spool, line roller, and other moving parts.
2. Lubrication
- Periodically apply a small amount of fishing reel oil to the line roller and handle knobs.
- For internal lubrication, it is recommended to have the reel serviced by a qualified technician or refer to a detailed service manual.
3. Storage
- Store the reel in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Loosen the drag knob slightly during storage to relieve pressure on the drag washers.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Line twists excessively | Improper spooling, worn line roller, or incorrect lure action. | Respool line correctly, clean/lubricate line roller, check lure action. |
| Drag slips or is inconsistent | Drag washers are wet, dirty, or worn. | Clean and dry drag washers. If worn, replace them. |
| Handle is stiff or noisy | Lack of lubrication, dirt in gears. | Clean and lubricate internal components (professional service recommended). |
| Freespool not engaging/disengaging | Lever mechanism obstructed or damaged. | Check for obstructions. If damaged, seek professional repair. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Ninja BR LT 5000-C |
| Item Model Number | 10150-505 |
| Reel Size | 5000-C |
| Gear Ratio | 5.2:1 |
| Weight | 315 g (11.11 oz) |
| Line Retrieve per Crank | 34.2 inch |
| Max Drag Force | 26.40 lbs |
| Monofilament Line Capacity (lbs/yds) | 25 lbs / 160 yards |
| Braided Line Capacity (lbs/yds) | 29 lbs / 215 yards |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Special Features | LT Concept, Air Rotor, ATD Drag, Twist Buster II, ABS Aluminium longcast spool, Infinite Anti-Reverse, Cross Wrap System, Tough Digigear |
Warranty and Support
Warranty information and specific support details for the Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT 5000-C Freespool Fishing Reel are not provided within this manual. Please refer to the official Daiwa website or contact Daiwa customer service for the most current warranty terms and support options.
For further assistance, you may visit the Daiwa official website.