Gear Ratio For Deep Diving Crankbaits - 6:4:1 The New Standard ?

[Jeff H]

I can tell whether a reel is right without decimal points or three-letter-acronyms. I do it by feel. I think the best feeling reel was a Daiwa Sol, so now I have a few more and some Alphas (JDM version). I think that the IPT is about 23, from the 5.8:1 ratio.

Ha!  I'd like to know how you manage that??  From what I understand, you don't fish enough to figure any such thing! 

 

I have a TD-Z 100M that I was going to gear up, but I didn't yet so I could try the stock gearing on some crankbaits or spinnerbaits.  I have a 5:1 Tatula that I throw deep divers on.  It didn't get used much last year, maybe 30 casts total as I just don't crank deep very much....cuz I'm no good at it! 

[DCales84]

I've seen a large majority of Timmy Horton's shows on WFN and he has used a 6.4:1 reel for a ton of techniques. As an example the last show he was flipping grass and using a 6 ratio reel. Guess it's what works best for him and you will also see that he uses his 7'3" signature series rods for a large majority of what he does. I don't recall a single show where he has had more than one rod on the deck.

[WRB]

Bumped this to go with current cranking reel post

Tom

PS, measured IPT @ full spool for the Lew's RB3 = 23.5". Compare this to Shimano Cardiff 300 series = 25" IPT with 5:8-1 ratio, similar diameter spools, the RB3 is approx 5:3-1 ratio.

[clemsondds]

Just curious if everyone is still using lower ratios to crank with.  I saw a deep cranking video a couple months ago and they used 7:1 for even 10xd...said it helps with the start/stop action, as well as more action and control.  I was looking at getting a 4:9:1 until I saw that video...what are your thoughts? 

[Jermination]

8xd plus i use a 6:2:1 old curado cu-200. ive started using at least 7:1 on my squarebills, it's easier to reel it down then sweep it along the rocks as opposed to constant cranking. suspending plugs like the old xcalibur/rebel shad-r i always use at least a 7:1 to catch up because they will hit on the pause a fair amount of the time

[Team9nine]

Nothing over 5.1:1 for me, including some older “high 4” reels (4.8, 4.9). Squarebills and shallower diving baits (Shad Raps, Bandits) get higher, but actual deep divers don’t. If I have to move the bait faster to get bit, I’ll troll ? I don’t buy the argument that you just reel slower...not the same

[A-Jay]

I use 5.3:1 and 5.8:1 ratio 150 & 200 sized reels for large lipped deep divers.

And there is No Way I could deep crank all day with a 7 speed anything reel.

I can 'speed up' (to a point) but for me SLOW winding an 8 or 10 XD or a Norman DD22 HD

with a fast reel is like torture. 

I'm with @Team9nine - in the rare instances I need to cover water or speed up a deep presentation like this,

I'm long lining it - or getting my troll on.

A-Jay

 

 

[Hook2Jaw]

I've got my eyes on a Daiwa Tatula 150 5.5:1.  I've been throwing some 22' divers on a 6.3:1 and I don't find it comfortable at all.

[J Francho]

There's a few outliers using faster reels for deep plugs, but the consensus is still lower IPT for deep crankers, even after a half decade.

[clemsondds]

Is there a too low ratio?  eg 4:9:1... Trying to figure out if there's a sweet spot.  I know it also depends on brand and IPT is more important

[J Francho]

Depends.  I build a cranking reel for a customer with 3.7:1 gears.  IPT was somewhere around 18-20.

[Team9nine]

6 hours ago, clemsondds said:

Is there a too low ratio?  eg 4:9:1... Trying to figure out if there's a sweet spot.  I know it also depends on brand and IPT is more important

IMO, yes - anything under 4.8 or so. Several companies used to make 3.8:1 ratio reels and they were simply too slow. In IPT terms, David Fritts swears 21” is the sweet spot for deep divers, so you might consider that as a baseline. That’s pretty close to 5:1 generally 

[MickD]

I love fishing my old Calcutta 100 with 5.2 (I think) ratio.  I use it mostly for swim and chatter baits , which I tend to reel too fast most of the time.  I think it's about 40 years old now.  Still a very nice casting reel.

[clemsondds]

3 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I use 5.3:1 and 5.8:1 ratio 150 & 200 sized reels for large lipped deep divers.

And there is No Way I could deep crank all day with a 7 speed anything reel.

I can 'speed up' (to a point) but for me SLOW winding an 8 or 10 XD or a Norman DD22 HD

with a fast reel is like torture. 

I'm with @Team9nine - in the rare instances I need to cover water or speed up a deep presentation like this,

I'm long lining it - or getting my troll on.

A-Jay

 

 

 

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

Depends.  I build a cranking reel for a customer with 3.7:1 gears.  IPT was somewhere around 18-20.

 

2 hours ago, Team9nine said:

IMO, yes - anything under 4.8 or so. Several companies used to make 4.4:1 ratio reels and they were simply too slow. In IPT terms, David Fritts swears 21” is the sweet spot for deep divers, so you might consider that as a baseline. That’s pretty close to 5:1 generally 

Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1.  I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel.  So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1.  Which would you go with?  I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks

[A-Jay]

On 2/18/2020 at 1:16 PM, clemsondds said:

 

 

Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1.  I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel.  So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1.  Which would you go with?  I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks

I've tried two reels that were sub 5 to 1 and they were fine for working the bait but a little too slow to fight (keep up with) a spirited bass once hooked.

So Mid- to high 5 something works for me. 

Either way, I do not have any hands on experience with the reels you've mentioned above so I can't offer anything there.

But I can tell you from experience, that the TW Reel Demo program is a great way to "Try before you Buy". 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/demoprogram.html

 

We all have that 'sweet' spot in our own retrieve cadence, the one that feels most comfortable to us.

But it's also different for each of us as well.

So what I like, you might not and vise versa.

Perhaps try a reel or two - a couple of different speeds & brands and find "The One" that's right for you & your style of fishing.

 Good Luck 

A-Jay

 

[Tizi]

You might check out the Daiwa Tatula 150 with 5.4:1 ratio.  It is my deep crankbait reel.  I use it on a MH XT glass rod.

[dodgeguy]

I use 6.8 Lews reels. If you get the 94 mm handle it makes it easier.the key to cranking with a higher speed reel is to pull the bait with the rod then reel in the slack.Roland Martin said he uses 8 to 1 sometimes. I know guys who fish cranks with spinning rods also. They have higher IPT in most cases than baitcasters. They all seem to do it by moving the bait with the rod then reeling in the slack.

[clemsondds]

Awesome! Thanks guys. I guess I just didn't want to miss out on that reel if it was a crazy good deal.  It's a japanese market only reel...so pretty rare to see it offered in the states. I don't have much experience with daiwa so wasn't sure.  

[Team9nine]

59 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

 

 

Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1.  I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel.  So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1.  Which would you go with?  I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks

Agree with @Tizi and @A-Jay If you want a dedicated deep crank outfit, stick with the 5.x ratio reels. I wouldn't move up to 6.x 

[mrpao]

Lower gear ratios provide more torque.

You won't be wore out at the end of the day.

That being said, all my cranking reels are in the 5 gear ratios.

[Log Catcher]

I only use reels in the 5:1 or about 20 IPT for any crankbait I throw. I still have a Curado 200B in the 3:8:1 gear ratio. I will use it if I am fishing when the water is still really cold. I have used it in warm weather and caught fish with it.

[J Francho]

16 hours ago, clemsondds said:

 

 

Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1.  I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel.  So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1.  Which would you go with?  I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks

I found the same as @A-Jay when I tried a Zillion Crazy Cranker.  It was smooth as butter, and great for big billed baits, but once a fish was on, you really had to work to keep it pinned.  A longer rod, like 8' might help, but I was always cool with my 5.8:1 23 IPT reels for cranking.

[johnD.]

On 3/10/2015 at 9:49 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

One guy's opinion doesn't set a new standard. A new bait design may minimize lure drag, but I don't see it going away completely. The only way to know is to try it for yourself and see what works for you. Personally I'm not ditching my C3's or Winch any time soon. 

Exactly.

 

[clemsondds]

Interesting...last night I heard a video where J. Wheeler saying he was using a 5:1 when he caught all his bass in this last tournament on Lake Eufaula the other day

[Team9nine]

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

Interesting...last night I heard a video where J. Wheeler saying he was using a 5:1 when he caught all his bass in this last tournament on Lake Eufaula the other day

Yep, 5:1. True story - I taught Wheeler how to deep crank on a local reservoir back when he was about 15 or 16 years old. We crushed them. He was so excited, he called Joe Thomas ( he was friends with Joe and Joe’s son) and convinced him to drive over and film an episode of Joe’s show, Stihl’s Reel in the Outdoors, on the lake about deep cranking. It was his first TV appearance and his comfort with being on camera was obvious and only grew from there.