Choosing Right Reel

[bmorgan0714]

In choosing the right reel is gear ratio the most important part and what gear ratio would you choose as far as jig and worm, flipping and pitching,cranks, and buzz bait and spinners.

[livetofish28]

I use a Lew's tournament mg speed spool in a 6:4:1 ratio for jig and worm a 4:7:1 for cranks a 5:2:1 for spinners and a 7:1:1 for buzzbaits and other topwater. if your looking to get a new reel or reels the BPS pro qualifier is an outstanding reel for a 100 bucks. it comes in all the ratios i mentioned above. 

[Diggy]

6 ratio will work in all honesty. I have 6 and 7s and I use each without any thought. You said cranking so Id use a 6

[shootermcbob]

In choosing the right reel is gear ratio the most important part and what gear ratio would you choose as far as jig and worm, flipping and pitching,cranks, and buzz bait and spinners.

it depends on your budget. Lots of folks here are very technique specific...they have not only a specific rod but also a specific reel for jigs, spinnerbaits, cranking, flipping, soft plastics....etc.

 

If you are on a budget, and can only afford one reel...then the bass pro pro qualifier in the 6.4:1 gear ratio would be an excellent choice, as would the shimano citica 200G6 or 200E7. These reels can be used for any type of fishing, and have shown themselves to be an excellent value over time.

[deep]

6.x:1 or 7.x:1; either should serve you well (just reel a little slower or a little faster as and when needed).

[Teal]

6:1 gear ratio reel is pretty much good for everything. You have the ability to speed up or slow down if needed. If i didnt know what i was going to do with a certain reel or want it to do everything, this what i would get.

7:1 is something i like for my flipping/pitch/ punch rods. But i can use it for almost any bottom or topwater technique. I want to be able to pick up slack quickly, especially for topwater. As for punching or extremely heavy cover, its nice to be able to have those extra inches per turn to get that hog out of the slop and snaggy hazards as quick as possible.

4-5:1 i kinda reserve thisa ratio for heavyy pulling lures like big cranks... not needed for shallow or cranks under 12ft. (I use a 6:1 in that case)