Best All Around Gear Ratio

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, what would the best all-around gear ration for a bait caster? I use mostly crank bait and soft bait with a few top water and some buzz baits and swim baits mixed in. I'm thinking the 7.0:1 and higher speeds might be too high and maybe the 6.3 - 6.8:1 might be better but I don't really know. Mostly a bank fisher with the occasional boat outing.

 

 

[Molay1292]

It may be more helpful if you look at IPT instead of gear ratio. 

[IDUTBass]

When I only could afford one baitcaster I bought a 6.3:1 and used it for everything. I think its a perfect reel to do multiple things. I just found it hard for me to slow down sometimes so I bought a 5:1 later for crankbaits.

[A-Jay]

Best All Around Casting Reel Gear Ratio​ ~

 

Out of my modest arsenal ~ It's a toss up between the 6.3:1's and the 6.6:1 's.

 

If I had to I could probably do most everything with either one of those.

 

But I wouldn't be happy about it.

 

 

 

A-Jay

[gulfcaptain]

I agree with AJ, 6:3 to 6:6 are all around.  But also look at the IPT for each reel.  I have one that is 7:1 that has the same pick up as one that is 6:6.  Find something that has a pick up between 25-28" per turn and you should be able to do anything you're looking to do.  

[Goose52]

25-26" IPT is my happy middle ground. Fast enough to burn a bait if you crank fast enough, and slow enough for shallow- to mid-depth crankbaits if you slow down the retrieve a bit.  NOT what I'd use for deep-cranking and really heavy spinnerbaits however.

[bigbill]

I'm not fond of the higher speeds. The size of the spool when the line is wrapped plus the ratio determines how fast the lure moves.

The biggest factor is how fast we turn the handle to achieve the correct lure speed

To me our eye sight and experience on the water we learn to adjust lure speed automatically.

Ok I like 5:1, 6.3:1 or I can adjust to a 7:1 if I have too.

The higher speeds with spinnerbaits kills my arm.

[Darren.]

7.x:1 for me

 

just prefer them for everything

[desmobob]

I have a mix of 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 reels for most everything and a 5.4:1 reel for crank baits and doing things s-l-o-w-l-y.  I have trouble fishing slowly... I could use an even lower gear ratio reel!

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Jaw1]

6.4:1 is my multipurpose ratio of choice,but I would rather crank and spinnerbait with something in the 5 range.

[shaggydog]

6 

[jitterbug127]

7.1:1

[MidwestF1sh]

7.1:1. I have a few in 6.4:1 and 5s but I prefer the high speed to pick up slack. I can always slow my reeling down but if a fish smacks a bait at the end of a long cast it seems you can never reel fast enough.

[BassThumb]

7.1:1 for everything aside from cranking.

I specifically like the faster feels to take up slack with a fish hits. It's also nice to take in those last few yards with just a few fast cranks once the lure is out of the likely strike-zone.

That said, I have to constantly remind myself not to overwork baits with those fast reels.

[Soardo]

Nearly all my baitcast reels are the same line, so the IPT factors are more directly tied to ratio than if you have a wide variety of spools.  That being said, I think you have to align the equipment with how you mostly use it.  If I could only pick one, I'd lean toward 5.4 (I think Lew's makes some in that range), but that means you're going to be a little slow when burning baits.  I use 4.4 for deep cranks, 5.1 for spinnerbaits and smaller/shallow cranks, and 6.2 for much of the rest.  If I need to burn a spinnerbait faster, I'll usually select a bait with lighter weight and narrow blades so it doesn't wear me out.

 

-G

[Bankbeater]

I like a reel on the faster side.  When Mr. Bass starts swimming toward the boat I want to be able to take up that slack in the line quickly.

[Brett's_daddy]

Mostly a bank fisher with only occasional boat forays.

[WIGuide]

7.x:1 for me

 

just prefer them for everything

this x2

[DTack]

My choice is a 7:1.  I'm sure I miss bites at times because I'm reeling too quick.  It is really just a matter of finding what fits you the strongest.  My number one concern is keeping full pressure once I hook a fish, I believe a faster reel helps me to do this. 

[UKCATSBASSER]

If the technique calls for slack line like Texas rigs or jigs I will use a 7 speed. Also use a 7 speed on a topwaters frog.

Everything else I use a 6 speed.

I don't deep crank yet (no boat) but will get a 5 speed for that.

[Further North]

THe reel I use most often is a 7.1:1, but I have more 9:1 than any other reel (ran into some stupid deals on Revo Rockets), I only have a couple slower than 7:1.

 

...I can always slow down...it's hard to speed up past a certain point.

[roadwarrior]

When I only could afford one baitcaster I bought a 6.3:1 and used it for everything. I think its a perfect reel to do multiple things. I just found it hard for me to slow down sometimes so I bought a 5:1 later for crankbaits.

 

6 something is a good all-around ratio.

 

 

 

[Jeff H]

6 something is a good all-around ratio.

 

 

 

I concur.  I can fish everything with my 6.3:1 reels.