Reel Ratios...

[mayer74]

I'm not exactly sure about all these gear ratio differences. I have spinning reels and just getting into baitcasting. I notice that basically there are the 5 to..., 6 to..., and 7 to... ratio reels. Each should be specific for certain uses but the boxes never say? How is a newer angler to wisely make a choice? As a female I have a heck of a time at my local shop. The sales guys usually ignore me until I flag them down and then just hand me something and just say it will be fine for me but I don't even know why! Arggggg! Can't wait till my new BPS opens this year! It only has three walls up so it will be a while. I think frogs, Crankbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastics, jigs...are all better at different ratios but which? Thanks!

Sorry for the ramble...

[J Francho]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/reel-gear-ratios.html

http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/big-fish-in-ponds.html

There's a ton of info in our articles section. That's a good start. Though it comes down to preference, there's a few rules of thumb.

[RoLo]

Your 'reel ratio' is simply the happy medium you choose between 'Speed' & 'Power',

you can't have it both ways (6:1 is the mean). Just like 'colors' however,

reel ratios serve as an enticing selling feature.

 

Roger

[scbassin]

I would have a hard time shopping at that store if I was treated like that.. I doubt if BPS will be much better for most of there will not know much. Your best bet is to ask questions here.

If I am fishing heavy cover I prefer a high speed reel (7.1:1 or higher ). This helps to move the fish away from the cover so it will not wrap you up. I also use that speed when I bottom fish worm,jig, etc.For shallow crankbaits , jerkbaits etc, I use a 6.1:1 or so. For deeper Crankbaits & spinner baits I use the 5.1:1. There are some good online stores that are helpful also. In another I'll be on the water most of the time so if you have further questions pm me,for I don't spend a lot of time on the fishing sites. I just check for messages.

[fishballer06]

A 6:1 ratio is pretty much the best all around ratio there is. If you're going to have one baitcasting reel to handle everything, that's what I would suggest going with. 

[flyfisher]

The other thing to consider with gear ratios, which is probably in the threads posted above, is that gear ratios are pretty much meaningless.  Look at Inches Per Turn instead.  That is a much better way to compare reels, especially from different manufacturers.  I have stopped looking at ratios entirely when making any type of reel purchase. 

 

My general rule of thumb is less IPT for cranks and faster for baits i want to move quickly or reel in slack faster for hook setting purposes.  Being that i reel with my left hand, there aren't quite as many choices but i manage just fine with 20" IPT for cranks and around a 26" for pretty much everything else.  I did pick up a bass pro shops pro qualifier with around 29" IPT during their sale but not sure what I am going to use it for just yet.

[F14A-B]

LOL! Yea ok, when BPS opens you will be even more frustrated! Reels nowadays have bigger gear sets plus factor in Shimano's xship and a 7.2.1 ratio has speed plus a good bit of leverage, as far as raw cranking of very high resistant lures

( deep diving cranks) or heavier any kind of rigs, think 5.1 or 5.5.1 ratio... Those are my choices

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

Look at inches-per-turn more than ratios. Different gears mean different things in different reels. For example, a 6.3:1 5600c4 has about the same lpi as a 7.x:1 low-profile.

A good all around reel has 26ipt.

I fish three 23ipt reels, one 26ipt reel, and one 31ipt reel. I generally like to fish slowly, but I have speed when I need it!

Regards,

Josh

[WIGuide]

There's no real right or wrong answer to your question. Most people use slower gear ration/ipt for crankbaits or big baits that have a lot of resistance. They use faster ones for presentations they want to move fast or presentations where taking up slack quickly really pays off. Something where you are pitching a lot would be a good candidate for a high speed reel  as it allows you to get your bait back to the boat quickly and get it into the next target. You don't have to follow those guidelines though. It's all about whatever works for you. I fish just about everything with 7.1:1 ratio reels and I don't have any problems catching fish or slowing down for that matter. 

[fishinphilly]

5.0 to 5.8 i use for crankbaits

 

6.4 to 6.8 i use for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, swimjigs, jerk baits and most texas rigs

 

7.0 to 8.0 i use for frogs, punching, and jigs

[mayer74]

Thanks all! That's all been good information. This is where I will be asking my questions.

[BassmanDan]

You can keep things simple in the beginning and I would suggest an all around ratio of 6.whatever to1 as a good starting point. Check out the articles on this site as suggested and it will greatly help your learning curve. 

 

I would not hesistate to ask employees at your local BPS. I work there and we have many knowledgeable people on staff in our fishing dept who eat sleep and breathe fishing, including tournament fishermen.

[SirSnookalot]

I've been fishing for over 60 years and I'm confused with so many responses, not really but I could understand how a new angler would feel.

I'd find a new store, hopefully you'll get better service.  Go with their recommendation as a starting point, in time you'll know exactly what is best for you.