Need advice on gear ratios.

[WestMichiganBass]

I recently got a great deal on a Lews Speed Spool bb1 but the only one they had left was in a 5.1:1 gear ratio. I bought it thinking that even if 5.1:1 is to slow id be able to sell it and turn a profit. I really like the reel this far but i am concerned about the gear ratio. Is this gear ratio to slow for crank baits, swim baits and spinner baits? Or would I be able to make a 5.1:1 gear ratio work even though its not ideal. Please help!

[Rbm18]

Generally you want a slower gear ratio for crank baits. I like a mid ratio like 6.2:1 for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits . 

[WestMichiganBass]

2 minutes ago, Rbm18 said:

Generally you want a slower gear ratio for crank baits. I like a mid ratio like 6.2:1 for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits . 

Would a lower gear ratio making fishing spinnerbaits/chatterbaits more challenging or is it something that can still be accomplished with a 5.1:1

[Rbm18]

Yes you can definitely use it . I just prefer a little higher ratio . I can always just slow my retrieve down a little if I need to

[WestMichiganBass]

Just now, Rbm18 said:

Yes you can definitely use it . I just prefer a little higher ratio . I can always just slow my retrieve down a little if I need to

Thanks for the help. I would have bought a higher gear ratio but it was the only one they had left and I got it for nearly half off.

[Rbm18]

That's just my opinion. Others may think different.

[iabass8]

you'll be fine. 

[papajoe222]

Is the IPT listed on the box?

[Robert Riley]

5:1 is perfect for cranks. I use my 5:1 BB1 for any really big spinners or chatters

[WestMichiganBass]

10 minutes ago, papajoe222 said:

Is the IPT listed on the box?

yes the ITP for it is 21"

[F14A-B]

Should be ideal for deep divers.. mid divers or shallow. Heck, you can flip and pitch with it too. 

[tbone1993]

Awesome crankbait and big bait reel. Gives you a lot of torque on those big spinnerbaits and swimbaits.  It isn't a flipping reel and I wouldn't advise you or anyone to flip with a 5.1:1

[Sam]

West, in the good ole days, pros would use the lower ratio reels for crankbaits.

With the introduction of the faster ratios the pros started to go with the 6:1 and 7:1 gear ratios for more and more techniques, including treble hook baits.

Today, the pros will use a higher gear ratio when fishing treble hook baits and slow down their presentation as stated above.

Use the 5:1 reel for crankbaits, knowing that it is slow and a fast moving bass towards you will have an advantage since you can't reel in the slack fast enough to keep the fish buttoned.

And the pros are keeping their gear ratios secret. If you listen to them they will tell you all the brands of equipment they are using or trying to push for their sponsors but not the gear ratios. You have to read that information in Bass Times, Bassmaster Magazine or BAM.

Enjoy the reel and post some pics when the ice melts in Michigan and you can get on the water.

[F14A-B]

2 hours ago, tbone1993 said:

Awesome crankbait and big bait reel. Gives you a lot of torque on those big spinnerbaits and swimbaits.  It isn't a flipping reel and I wouldn't advise you or anyone to flip with a 5.1:1

Why isn't it? I've done it for twenty years. Only the last 7 years have I used 7:1  To be honest, I rather enjoy that torque when I'm punching with 1 1/2 ounce of tungsten. The reel needs to have a durable clutch above all else in my opinion, after that, it's mostly a line holder. I'm still curious why you won't advise it.

Do tell..

 

[junyer357]

I prefer a slower speed one for cranks or spinners alot of the time, especially in the winter. Its all i use on cranks over 9ft year round. 

[LunkerFisher]

I like my slow chronarch for those big deep-divers. I haven't had a problem keeping up with a fish during a fight either, even with big northerns that are notorious for hitting a bait from behind, forcing you to pick up slack quickly.

[0119]

8 hours ago, tbone1993 said:

 I wouldn't advise you or anyone to flip with a 5.1:1

All my reels are 4.7:1. For every technique, every lure.  I've never felt hampered or handicapped by the reels.  Actually prefer them and their 'guts' and feel they force me to slow down and that has increased my catch ratio.  Not the most fun for buzzbaits maybe but I don't fish them anyway.  There is a great story on GON about a old timer in Georgia who has caught more 10# plus bass than perhaps anyone, just using buzzbaits and a 5:1 ratio reel.

[Josh Smith]

I ran 21ipt (4.7:1) only for the longest time. I still do, along with 26 and 31ipt. The 26ipt get the most use now, but I'm trying new techniques and those are evolving toward mid-ratio.

Josh

[Bruce424]

Still use it. Pssssst! If ya want the lure to go faster just reel faster. Haha. Only downfall is if your fishing ALL DAY your hands may get tired burning lures back to you.

[burrows]

Sweet reel man I would love it for all my crank baits even square bills I find a slower retrieve on square bills can be very effective and catch you more bass.

[WestMichiganBass]

Thank you evertone for your replies! I've tried the reel out in some open water now and decided it's slow but not to slow. It will be perfect for spinnerbaits and cranks imo. It will help me keep a slow presentation in the colder months instead of having to reel painfully slow with a higher gear ratio reel. Look foward to putting it to good use thanks evertone for your help!

[WestMichiganBass]

Also one quick question... what would be a good rod to pair this with? I have it on a 7' medium action veritas that I had. Would that be a decent cranking rod? I'd rather not buy another rod unless I had too

[junyer357]

For anything that runs under 10' or so i prefer a medium moderate rod. For deep cranks a med heavy moderate. 

[burrows]

I think your verritas will do just fine a medium rod is good for cranking even if its a fast tip as long as its a 7 medium your good.