Crankin' Reel

[pjmags]

Whats the best gear ratio of a baitcaster to use for crankbaits/jerkbaits/spinnerbaits?

[Mikey]

(Ratios of 4.3:1, Retrieve at 4.7:1) the best.

[Bluebasser86]

I like a 5.1 for cranks, 6.2 for jerks and spinnerbaits but you can use whatever is comfortable for you. I know some guys use all slow reels for everything and some use high speed reels for everything.

[rockchalk06]

I don't throw enough spinner baits to really know what works, but for crankbaits and jerkbaits I love as slow as I can get. My Pro Qualifier is a 4.7:1

[Arv]

I got a 5.5:1 Citica that works great, but I wouldnt mind getting a second set up with a 6._:1 reel also. Go with whatever you like.

[BradH]

If you are tossing deep cranks you might want to use a differnet reel than you would use for jerkbaits. I use a fast reel for jerkbaits. I'm not moving the bait with the reel. With a fast reel you can take up slack between jerks. Deep cranks 5:1, shallow and mid cranks 6:1, jerkbaits 6:1 or 7:1, normal spinnerbaits 6:1, bigger spinnerbaits 5:1, rattle baits 6:1 or 7:1.

Unless you are using deep cranks a six something to one (mid 20s IPT) will be the bast all around ratio.

[11justin22]

I use a 5.4 for cranking and a 6.2 for both jerkbait and spinnerbaits

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

IPT (Inches Per Turn of the handle) is the most accurate mearsure of a reels cranking power. The ratio works in combination with spool diameter to determine IPT. For deep cranking a reel with an IPT near 20 (typically 5.x:1) is an advantage. The same might be said for slow rolling really big spinnerbaits. Beyond that the differences are subtle and even more a matter of preference.

[J Francho]

I can throw jerkbaits with any ratio, since you're just reeling up slack. Sometimes I like a high speed reel for spinnerbaits, but something middle of the road works fine for me. My cranking reels are all Alphas/Sols and are around 23 IPT with their 5.8:1 ratio.

[MarkH024]

5.4.1 for my cranks, 6.4.1 for just about everything else except I have a 7.0.1 on my pitching rod.

If you're looking to accommodate all 3 lures you mentioned, go with a 6.x.1 if you're limited to one reel.

[The Next KVD]

5.1:1 for medium to deep diving cranks, 6.2:1 for spinnerbaits,lipless cranks,and jerkbaits.

[iceintheveins]

I prefer something in the five range for all those techniques. With jerkbaits I like having a bit of slack in the line, so a slower reel helps with that.

[bassinbrian]

6.x is a great do all ratio. If your doing a lot of deep divers lower is better. Daiwa Crazy Cranker