Lipless Crank Baitcast Reel

[Bassfisherman94]

Wondering what the best gear ratio reel is best for lipless cranks? I've used both a 5.4:1 and a 6.4:1 but just dont know whats right for keeping the bait moving and for ripping it. 

[Goose52]

I nearly always use a 6.4:1 (26 IPT) reel for lipless cranks.  I occasionally go up to a 7.0:1 (29 IPT) when I want to burn the bait.  I have used reels as low as 22/23 IPT but it seems like I have to crank like mad to work the bait so I'm not fond of using those lower ratios.  I think my ideal IPT would be 27-28".

[dodgeguy]

i use an abu mgx 7.1 to 1

[Bluebasser86]

I use an old Curado B for my traps that has s 6.2:1. IMO anything slower is too slow for shallower water or ripping the bait through weeds. If you're slow rolling them or fishing them in deep water you can get away with a slower reel. 

[Sam]

Lipless cranks are so versatile you don't want to limit yourself to a specific ratio.

 

The presentation depends on the time of year, where you are fishing, the depth, if baitfish are around or balling for the fall, water depth, water clarity, water color, weight of the lipless crank, structure, cover, docks, piers, boathouses, grass, etc.

 

Be flexible. Use different retrieves to find out what the bass want at that time with the understanding that after you find a pattern it could change in a New York minute.

 

You may want to select a reel ratio that you feel comfortable or have confidence. This may take a while so just enjoy throwing those lipless cranks for now and keep notes on how you did with each rod/reel combo.

 

If you are tired at the end of the day fishing lipless cranks than your ratio is too low and you are working too hard at the presentation.

[ROCbass]

I use an Abu Garcia C4 4600 as my primary lipless reel. This reel has a 6.3:1 ratio. This reel is also my primary spinnerbait reel, so occasionally I throw the lipless cranks on a different combo if I want both tied on or only have 1-2 rods with me bank fishing, but they all have reels with gear ratios in the 6:1 range as well. I don't own any reels with a 7+ gear ratio, and I didn't really like throwing them on my Curado E5 the couple of times I tried it.