Does IPT and gear ratio really matter on a spinning reel?

[pauldconyers]

I am in the market for a new spinning reel. Coming at it more from the bait caster side of things and doing a lot of research I started to dig into specs and I was wondering if because there are not a wide variety of choices like with a BC reel is IPT and gear ratio considerations not really a thing with spinning reels?

[WRB]

Like a baitcaster the spool diameter affects IPT in combination of gear ratio's. Spinning reel spools are generally larger in diameter and narrower the baitcasters so they are affected less, you rarely cast more then 1/4 th of the line capacity.

What reels are you considering?

Tom

[NYWayfarer]

When I think spinning gear I think finesse. Things like Drop shot and Ned rig for Bass. Nothing where you need to cover water quickly or burn fish out of cover. 
 

So no, the gear ratio on a spinning reel doesn’t mean much to me.

[WRB]

Shimano Stratic 2500 w/6.1 ratio has 34" IPT, faster the most 8:1 100 size baitcasters.

Tom

[Heartland]

In my mind, it matters exactly the same way it does for casting reels.  Gear ratio not as much as IPT. 

[Hammer 4]

I mainly choose a spinning reel for the speed, i.e. I'll take a 6 speed over a 5 speed. This would be in a 2500/3000 sized reel.

[new2BC4bass]

I have no problem slowing my retrieve.  I prefer faster ratio/more IPT.  Actually one of my spinning reels bugs me because I feel it is too slow.

[greentrout]

recently,

 

i had my old mitchell 300x gold spinning reel with an IPT of 32 inches refurbished ...  use it for worm fishing ... small 1/8 oz. buzz baits ... 1/4 oz. moss boss, 1/8 spinner baits, chug bugs, small frogs and t rigging worms ... mostly braid ... fire line ... and mono ... make sure you get a spinning reel with some guts for bass fishing ... 

 

fish and let fish ...

 

good fishing ...

 

[FishTank]

Not for me.  I just judge how fast the bait is moving and turn the handle accordingly.   Like Tom above I have a Stardic that is pretty quick by most standers but I fish it slow.  

 

The only weird thing I usually see guys do with spinning reels is turn the drag all the way down and use braided line in an effort to bring the fish in quickly.  To me, this causes more issues than anything else.  It's like they are trying to get the same type of feel and performance out of a spinning reel as they do with a baitcaster.  

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Ratio absolutely matters.  For DS, neko, wacky rig or shakey head when im moving the bait with the rod a faster reel can help.  On the other hand when I do things like ned rigging, tight lining, small crankbaits, and small swimbaits I like a slower reel.  You should also consider the situation, if your fishing a tournament you want to get that bait back in ASAP so you can make another cast and that mentality seems to dominate the US market when it comes to spinning reels.  If I want a certain reel in a lower gear ratio I have to order a JDM version which is much easier now.  

[5-20]

Definitely. It can really matter. I don't use spinning gear very much but IPT is important regardless. 

[mrpao]

To me, it's just like casting reels. I like different gear ratios for different techniques.

I have two stradic FL reels in the 5:1 gear ratio for small shad raps and other small crankbaits. For weightless senkos I like a faster gear ratio to take up the slack line more quickly. For small jerkbaits I also like a fast gear ratio.

Just like casting reels, I think the different ratios can help with different applications.

[Hook2Jaw]

I think it does, I use spinning reels that pick up a lot of line because a lot of the things I'm doing with a spinning reel and rod involve slack.  I like to be able to catch up to the weight of the fish quickly and set the hook with those presentations.

 

Alternatively, I'm thinking of a 2000 sized reel just to get my IPT down for Ned rigging.  The Shake-Swim-Glide retrieve has shown me how effective and fun the technique can be and I want to dedicate more time and money to it now.

[Team9nine]

As you can tell from the responses, it depends on the angler. Personally, I’m less worried about gear ratio and more focused on overall IPT with my spinning reels, with faster usually being better in most cases.

[greentrout]