Which Reel

[Paul17]

I've been doing some research and I can decide on what reel to get for crank bait fishing (0-10ft). Should I get the Abu Garcia Revo Winch 5:4.1 or the Lews BB1 5.1:1? Or are there any other better reels for small-medium sized crankbaits?

[bigturtle]

For crankbaits that only dive to 10ft you can use a 6:1 gear ratio reel as well. Some people, like myself, will use 7:1 or even 8:1.

[NHBull]

Got to agree with Mr Turtle.  A 6.1 or 7 also allows it to serve multiple task

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Nothing special needed there. 

[Paul17]

1 hour ago, NHBull said:

Got to agree with Mr Turtle.  A 6.1 or 7 also allows it to serve multiple task

I forgot to mention I got a 7.1:1 for everything right now and I'm looking for specifically a crankbait reel for shallow/medium diving crankbaits. Should I still go with a 6.1 as you said?

[NHBull]

8 minutes ago, Paul17 said:

I forgot to mention I got a 7.1:1 for everything right now and I'm looking for specifically a crankbait reel for shallow/medium diving crankbaits. Should I still go with a 6.1 as you said?

I was in your position last yr.  My buddy has a 5:1.  After watching him. I decided to get an additional 6:1 and happy I did.  We seldom get anything over 5 lb, and I think it is easier for me to slow down than to speed up.  Additionally, it is freekin tiresome to crank a 5 for hrs.

Again, just personal preference 

[new2BC4bass]

8 minutes ago, Paul17 said:

I forgot to mention I got a 7.1:1 for everything right now and I'm looking for specifically a crankbait reel for shallow/medium diving crankbaits. Should I still go with a 6.1 as you said?

 

The 6 point something reels are generally considered good all-around reels.  That number seems to be going up as reels get faster.  Most people use the 5 gear ration reels for deep diving lures.  Of course it wasn't too many years ago when 5.8:1 was considered fast.  You don't see many people clamoring for the 3.8:1 reels anymore.  

[Bass fishing is best]

6 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

The 6 point something reels are generally considered good all-around reels.  That number seems to be going up as reels get faster.  Most people use the 5 gear ration reels for deep diving lures.  Of course it wasn't too many years ago when 5.8:1 was considered fast.  You don't see many people clamoring for the 3.8:1 reels anymore.  

 

I was thinking about this and the one thing not to forget is the reels and spools keep getting smaller, so the need for higher ratios is necessary to make up for the smaller spool circumference.  I have a Lew Childre round reel that is 5.2:1, although the IPT is only an inch less than my curado 7.2:1. (29 in vs 30 in) If that Lew's reel was a 7 I'd need some of that Bugs Bunny ether to fish.  Conversely you would be worn out with a round reel retrieve ratio 3.8:1 on today's low profile reels.

 

 

[dsqui]

Gear ratios aren't everything u need to pay more attention to ipt of the reel bigger spools and wider spools = more ipt think of it like only filling ur spool with day 30 feet versus filling it with line try casting it . It don't work well it does but not right now when ur reeling it's in reverse of that 

[new2BC4bass]

4 hours ago, fatmaple said:

 

I was thinking about this and the one thing not to forget is the reels and spools keep getting smaller, so the need for higher ratios is necessary to make up for the smaller spool circumference.  I have a Lew Childre round reel that is 5.2:1, although the IPT is only an inch less than my curado 7.2:1. (29 in vs 30 in) If that Lew's reel was a 7 I'd need some of that Bugs Bunny ether to fish.  Conversely you would be worn out with a round reel retrieve ratio 3.8:1 on today's low profile reels.

 

 

 

You bring up a good point.  One I keep forgetting.  IPT is more accurate than gear ratio.

[WIGuide]

I use a 7.1:1 for crankbaits in the 0-10' mark. I'm also one who finds it easier to slow down than to speed up. 

[BassGirl71]

7 hours ago, WIGuide said:

I use a 7.1:1 for crankbaits in the 0-10' mark. I'm also one who finds it easier to slow down than to speed up. 

That make sense.  For me, slowing down can be tough after I've caught a few fish.  For that reason, I prefer a 5 something to 1 for cranking if I know I'm going to be cranking at a medium to slower speed. I see more and more people opt for higher gear ratios, though - which is great if they can slow down like you do. But I do see guys with a 7.0:1 or so reeling so fast I'm sure their cranks are turning over under water.  At the same time, I wonder, and I working too hard with my 5.3:1 White Max when I want to crank a bit faster.... definitely something to think about. Fatigue over the course of the day should be a determining factor, I guess.

[iceintheveins]

I prefer a 5 ratio for most all crankbait applications. You can use a 6 ratio though with shallow and medium divers and do fine. I just find it easier to SPEED UP with a slow reel than slow down with a fast one. I've heard the Revo Winch isn't really good for lighter cranks, but does great for bigger ones. A lot of people give the Lew's BB1 rave reviews, but I've never used one. I really like a Curado 5.5:1 for most cranking applications, it throws both light and heavy lures well. Lew's tournament MB and the Daiwa Tatula are other really good reels in that price range.