Gear Ratios

[Zeeter]

Let's discuss gear ratios. I'll use the Shimano Curado as the basis for this since it is probably the most popular. For argument's sake, put aside the 7:2:1 for flipping/pitching. 

 

We have the 6:3:1 and the 5:5:1. The 6 is for general fishing and the 5 is for crankbaits. Assuming we aren't all rich and can afford a different reel for every situation, do you folks thinks it's worthwhile to get the 5:5:1?

 

I would think that cranking slower would satisfy what that ratio is trying to do. Meanwhile, the 6:3:1 is going to be my go-to. For example, I usually keep two lures ready. One worm and one jig or creature or something. If I miss with one I cast out with the other. Having a different gear ratio on these two rods would most certainly throw me off for this type of fishing. Meanwhile, if I do switch to crankbaits it's a conscious decision and I can get into a groove of a slower retrieve.

 

Thoughts? And if you use a different brand reel then great - I'm not trying to get into a best reel discussion here.

Also - if you are generally a right handed person do you use a left handed reel? I do. Saves me the time of switching to my other hand. 

[RoLo]

 

Restricted to one reel ratio for all applications, I'd elect 6:1 every time.

 

As for hand version, I'm right-handed so all my casting reels are of left-hand version.

Before all companies offered both versions, I simply walked away from brands that didn't.

(If you ask me, the first baitcasting reel was designed by a southpaw..LOL)

 

Roger

[Angry John]

Unless you spend a lot of time throwing mag size or deep divers like a norman 22 then you will be just fine with a 6 something reel.  If your not spendy then you will not have these baits for the few occasions they are the bait.  Almost all my reels are 6.3:1 except my new alphas sv which has a much lower ipt.

[flyingmonkie]

I would not recommend buying a 5.x:1 reel unless you're buying it for a specific technique like cranking.  Most people will agree that a 6.x:1 is a good versatile speed.  Right in the middle of fast and slow.

 

I'm seeing more and more competitive anglers opt for higher speed 7.x:1 reels as their "go-to" so that they have the speed if they need it.  You can only crank a reel so fast, where as the only thing fishing slow takes is diligence.

So for arguments sake, I would keep the 7.2:1 on the table, and personally, THAT would be my choice.

[Zeeter]

I have a 7.2.1 and plan to used it for pitching. Was thinking of a 5 or 6 and then thought the 5 was kind of silly unless I used it exclusively for cramkbaits. 

[Bluebasser86]

I use a 5.0, a 5.2, and a 6.2 on my 3 cranking rods. If I was going to use just one, I'd go with the 6.2. It's not too difficult to fish a big, deep runner on it, and it's much easier to burn a squarebill with it. 

 

Wasn't long ago that 6.2 was a blazing fast reel that I used for jigs and T-rigs. Now it's on the slower side of what most use and it's considered a big, outdated reel. It's still one of my favorites that I'd take over all the rest if I could only have 1 reel forever. 

[Guest]

I use 631 for all around 721 for jigs and worm but I wouldn't mind having a 551 because I tend to be a fast Cranker. I also must add that I prefer left hand retrieving but it doesn't matter for me I use both.

[bigfruits]

7.x:1 is my default gear ratio. anything slower would only be for cranks or other baits with resistance. 8.x:1 for buzzbaits and lipless mostly and all baits worked with the rod rather than the reel.

 

im right handed and use lefty reels. switched several years ago when I asked myself why I use right handed and couldn't answer. I have better feel and control working the rod in my right hand. my left hand has never had a problem reeling in a fish. its all preference, does not matter what so ever.

[A-Jay]

When looking at an average season - and breaking reel speed use down to a percentage, I'm using a 6 something about 50% and a 5 & 7 something about 25% each the rest of the season.

Truth be told, I Do Not Like fighting big bass on High Speed reels.  Just doesn't feel natural to me. 

On the hand, trying to catch up to a 'speed bass' zooming right at me with a slow reel doesn't make me happy either.

But such is the life of a Basshead.

A-Jay

[Hulkster]

I bought the 5.5:1 gear ratio curado (the PG Version) and love it. only being available in a right handed reel is fine by me because I learned to cast the old school way when lefties were just starting to come out. so I cast and switch.

 

I bought it for 3 reasons over the 6:3:1 version:

 

1. I wanted to throw big lipped cranks like the Rapala X rap shad (1/2 oz size)

 

2. I wanted to throw large blade baits like big spinnerbaits and #5 mepps in line spinners

 

3. I tend to fish too fast anyway, so it was all around a win win situation for me.

[WIGuide]

I go somewhat against the grain here, but I like faster reel for everything. I have no issues slowing down if I need to, and then I still have the speed when I need it. I also prefer right hand retrieve reels as I palm my reels to hold the rod. I lose no time making a switch as it happens before the bait even hits the water. 

[long island basser]

I prefer faster reels. All mine are atleast 7.1 and up.

I don't crank any deeper than 10'.

Had a 5.1 for a bit, but didn't care for it and sold it.

Im right handed and all my reels are left handed.