Reel Ratio For Jig/pitching Setups

[FloridaBassDude]

Alright, so I have the oppurtunity to score two killer deals on some awesome reels (Revo Premier and Lew TP). I plan on using these reels for a flip/pitch comebo, and a jig combo. Both of these combos I hear are best thrown on a reel with a high gear ratio. Only problem here, it the Revo is a 6.4:1, it's still 27.5 inches per turn, which isn't bad I guess, but it's not as high as the Lews. So the question is, out of the two setups I have planned, which would be easier to deal with, using a lower gear ratio than suggested? I think I am leaning towards the flip/pitch, due to a lot of my jigging will be in fairly deep water.

 

Thanks!

[Darren.]

Take this FWIW. I like a 7.1:1 ratio for everything. Just like the fast retrieve. I slow down the cadence of my retrieve if I need to. But when I want to reel in the lure and not look like Road Runner winding up for a sprint, 7.1:1 rocks for that. I'd up to a JDM 8.x:1 ratio if I could afford it.

[iabass8]

i use anywhere from 6:4 to 7:1 for jigs and pitching. a higher gear ratio good to pick up line quickly. for jig fishing and pitching, the comfort of the reel in your hand is more important than a couple of IPT difference as you'll be holding the reel nearly the same all day. you'll notice a little difference in the gear ratios but it's minimal to make a major effect.

[rockchalk06]

When pitching jigs I want as fast as I can get. Something around 30 IPT is great. For swim jigs I want to slow it down some and look for something around 26-28 IPT.

[BrianinMD]

I also will go fast as possible on these setups, you work the bait with your rod for these so the reel is only for retrieve (well obvious cast to but that doesn't play into this question). So the advantages of the faster retrieve are getting the bait back quick for a faster follow up cast, and to get any fish out of cover as quickly as possible.

[retiredbosn]

Back when the high speed reels first came out, the speed came at the expense of torque, and I typically at that time advised against high speed.  Now with the advances in design you don't give up the needed torque to gain speed, so it is a matter of preference.  I use a 6.4:1, but mainly because most of my reels except the cranking reel are that speed, it is 26 ipt, I do have a burner reel but it is a small finesse type reel so it isn't used for pitching jigs.

[smalljaw67]

The faster the better for jigs and plastics. My rule of thumb is use a fast reel for any technique in which you use the rod to move the bait, use a slow to medium speed reel for any technique in which you use the reel to move the bait, and so far this rule has helped me but in your case a 6.4:1 isn't bad but if there is a faster option then I would go that route.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It really boils down to personal preference in this case. Mine is for a faster reel for jig fishing but the only application where ratio/IPT make a real difference is deep cranks. A slower more powerful reel is less tiring over a day of cranking.

[ChiCityBasser]

My flip/pitch combo is 7.x:1

[Nice_Bass]

a 6:4:1 is plenty fast for what you are wanting to do.  Your rod is doing most of the heavy lifting anyhow, and the "extreme speed" of the higher ratio reels really is fluff in my mind.  Lower gears make a huge difference for cranking- but on your average pitch your rod removes fish from cover, not the reel.  

2.5" per turn should not make or break you even in deep water.