Crankbait Reel, Gear Ratios, and IPT

[NJ_Snappy_Bois]

Been lurking on here for a few months but first post.. trying to decide on a reel for a dedicated crankbait setup based on optimal IPT for the most versatile “all around” crank rod. Mostly bank fish but getting into the kayak game soon...

 

Will probably throw divers in the 4-12 ft range the most but definitely will incorporate other cranks as well. Will probably include some lipless as well but don’t want that to cloud any recommendations as I have a mod fast rod for spinners and chatters that’s probably better for those anyway. 

 

I am pretty set on the Shimano Bantam MGL, but stuck between either the 6 gear (26 IPT) or JDM 5 gear (23.2 IPT). Will eventually pair with a 7’4” MH Legend Glass rod. 
 

Seems like 26 IPT would be more versatile (within the crankbait universe) with the 23. IPT being ideal for 15’+ divers, but maybe I am wrong here and 23 would be best...

 

A secondary question here (I’m sure this has been discussed but I cannot find anything), is the relationship between IPT and torque. If 2 different reels, one 6 speed and one 7 speed have the same exact IPT, does the 6 speed still have more torque? I assume yes because it takes 1 less rotation to get there but just wondering.

 

Appreciate any insights. This site has been awesome during my less than 1 year in the bass fishing game! 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

From the bank you probably can’t benefit much from deep running cranks or the 5:1 reels 

[garroyo130]

IMO torque doesn't really come into play until you get to the 20ft range or if you are using big spinnerbaits. 

 

If you haven't fished a 5 speed reel, try it out. I was like you, and based on internet reading had determined that I didn't need a 5 speed reel. Well my mind changed quickly as soon as a fished one. One of the things no one seems to mention is the difference in feel that you get with a lower gear ratio. To me this is significant enough to make the change. 

[Fishes in trees]

Admittedly, I'm a geezer and I remember when 5-1 reels were considered "high speed."   Once upon a time, Shimano made a Curado in a 3.8 to 1 gear ratio.  After a while, at my favorite tackle shop those went on sale and then I found out why, i.e. it is possible to get a reel that is "too slow."   That being said I still like lower gear ratio reels for reaction baits because I find it easier to speed up if I need to than to slow down if I have to.

 

Current lipless crank reel is an older, reconditioned Shimano Calais with a 5-1 gear ratio.   Current square bill reel is an older Shimano Calcutta TEGT at 5-1.   Current chatter bait reel is an older Curado D at 5-1.   Only exception to that is a couple of Curado DC reel that I've acquired in the past 2 seasons.  I'm using them for spinner baits and while I like them I find if I reel without being conscious of speed I'm a little too fast.   I got the lowest ratio available ( 6.4 -1 I believe) and I have to be somewhat conscious about reeling speed.  I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing because there are lots of things about my fishing habits that I probably need to get more conscious about.   Is what it is.

 

Back to the original poster, I'm pretty sure you can learn to use any reel you get, especially if you don't. have several bait casters to compare with.   Me - I like the lower gear ratio reel for reaction baits and I'm going to keep the ones I got tuned and in shape rather than buy new.

 

Now pitching reels, worm & jig reels, I'm starting to come around to the notion that a higher gear ration has advantages in some circumstances, primarily in getting the bait back for another cast, once the bait is through the anticipated strike zone.  My primary pitching reels, 50 size Chronarchs & Curados are a 6/4 ratio and more recently I got Version 1 of the Curado 70, which has a higher gear ratio, which I don't remember right now.

[NJ_Snappy_Bois]

8 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

IMO torque doesn't really come into play until you get to the 20ft range or if you are using big spinnerbaits. 

 

If you haven't fished a 5 speed reel, try it out. I was like you, and based on internet reading had determined that I didn't need a 5 speed reel. Well my mind changed quickly as soon as a fished one. One of the things no one seems to mention is the difference in feel that you get with a lower gear ratio. To me this is significant enough to make the change. 

I hadn’t thought about the depth component of torque but that makes a lot of sense. I fish spinners and chatters on a 6 gear and I like the setup, though I don’t have a long history of spinner bait setups to compare. It’s a 6 gear with 28 IPT which is relatively fast for a 6 I think. Appreciate the reply ! 

Just now, NJ_Snappy_Bois said:

I hadn’t thought about the depth component of torque but that makes a lot of sense. I fish spinners and chatters on a 6 gear and I like the setup, though I don’t have a long history of spinner bait setups to compare. It’s a 6 gear with 28 IPT which is relatively fast for a 6 I think. Appreciate the reply ! 

Also forgot to mention, I have baitcast reels in 6, 7, 8, and a 9 gear, so I kinda want to try a 5 speed just to cover the range across my arsenal. 

5 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

Admittedly, I'm a geezer and I remember when 5-1 reels were considered "high speed."   Once upon a time, Shimano made a Curado in a 3.8 to 1 gear ratio.  After a while, at my favorite tackle shop those went on sale and then I found out why, i.e. it is possible to get a reel that is "too slow."   That being said I still like lower gear ratio reels for reaction baits because I find it easier to speed up if I need to than to slow down if I have to.

 

Current lipless crank reel is an older, reconditioned Shimano Calais with a 5-1 gear ratio.   Current square bill reel is an older Shimano Calcutta TEGT at 5-1.   Current chatter bait reel is an older Curado D at 5-1.   Only exception to that is a couple of Curado DC reel that I've acquired in the past 2 seasons.  I'm using them for spinner baits and while I like them I find if I reel without being conscious of speed I'm a little too fast.   I got the lowest ratio available ( 6.4 -1 I believe) and I have to be somewhat conscious about reeling speed.  I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing because there are lots of things about my fishing habits that I probably need to get more conscious about.   Is what it is.

 

Back to the original poster, I'm pretty sure you can learn to use any reel you get, especially if you don't. have several bait casters to compare with.   Me - I like the lower gear ratio reel for reaction baits and I'm going to keep the ones I got tuned and in shape rather than buy new.

 

Now pitching reels, worm & jig reels, I'm starting to come around to the notion that a higher gear ration has advantages in some circumstances, primarily in getting the bait back for another cast, once the bait is through the anticipated strike zone.  My primary pitching reels, 50 size Chronarchs & Curados are a 6/4 ratio and more recently I got Version 1 of the Curado 70, which has a higher gear ratio, which I don't remember right now.

I agree with your point about slowing down/speeding up. At first, it made sense to me that it would generally be “easier” to slow down with a faster reel vs. try to burn a slower reel, but after more time on the water I agree with you. For me at least, I find it hard to maintain a slow rhythm with a faster reel. Thanks for the thoughtful response!