Uses for a 5.x:1 ratio reel for light baits?

[snake95]

Got a 5.4:1 Revo EXD and it comes with a shallow spool for light line.

(It also has a deeper spool and my intent was to use that for cranking).

 

Any suggested applications for a low ratio reel with light baits?

 

(Not a combination I have thought much about before this).

 

 

[jbsoonerfan]

Possible a light wake bait like a LC Mini SSR or something along those lines.

[jimmyjoe]

   Think about it: small lures mimic small creatures. When was the last time you saw small creatures tearing around in the water at 60 mph? You don't! Small creatures move at a relatively slow pace. Not only that, but they are creatures of cover and creatures of the margins.

   So the next time you want to present a smaller lure either close to cover or in the shallows, your rig will be PERFECT!

 

   I expect pics to be posted later.    ??        jj

[snake95]

@jbsoonerfan@BaitFinesse @jimmyjoe

Great responses and thanks for helping me understand better. I will try using this reel for light baits.

I will post pics!

[fishwizzard]

21 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Another one of my favorites for a ML or softer M casting rod and a shallower spool BC reel is a 1/8 oz slider type head (i use BPS perfect worm jigheads) and a 4 inch swimming dinger or other 4 inch slender paddle worm slow rolled over weedbeds.  Deadly. 

Yep, I use 4" EZShiners on a 1/8oz Crawler head fished the same way.  It's great presentation for all sorts of water.  I want to use the 3" EZShiners as well but have yet to find the ideal jighead for them.  

[JustJames]

Just like @jimmyjoementioned anything Finesse orientation should work just fine. Now the sky is a limit for you to try so many new things. Some of this lures/techniques can be used with any modern reel but with your shallow spool make it even effortless and more accuracy. Tip of my head.

Small jerkbait like HJ08 or LC 50sp 65sp.

1/4oz pop-R

1/20oz Ned rig

1/8oz inline spinner.

1/16oz dropshot 4-6” worm

weightless finesse/trick worm.

1/8oz small paddle tail swimbait (Keitech 2.8 fat or 3” shiner.

[Catt]

Ok y'all ?

 

I'm kinda confused, how does gear ratio equate to ability to cast light lures?

 

Rods cast...reels take up line

 

I cast Wacky Rigged Trick Worms with my Calcutta 100A, it's just on a lighter rod.

[Bankc]

Honestly, about the only thing I wouldn't want to cast on a 5:1 reel is a buzzbait.  A few other presentations would benefit from a higher speed reel, but I wouldn't call it a necessity. 

[Catt]

@BaitFinesse Don't disagree with a word you posted.

 

For me casting light weights, I put more emphasis on rod selection.

 

[Catt]

1 minute ago, BaitFinesse said:

Good point.  OP is going to need a new rod.

 

 

Exactly ?

 

He has the reel for the job if properly setup.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Catt
Operator Error

[JustJames]

@Cattit is not about gear ratio that I am talking about but more for shallow spool that come with the EXD reel and which techniques suitable for lower gear ratio. You know nowadays ppl crazy about high speed gear 10x and 7.2x is slow for them. 

[jimmyjoe]

14 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Good point.  OP is going to need a new rod.

 

   OP didn't mention a rod. OP asked ONLY about using a low-retrieve-ratio reel for light lures. So that was the question that was answered. I have said - and so have you, @Catt - that most fishermen retrieve lures too fast.

   We can take up the matter of the rod if and when the OP asks.              jj

[snake95]

Gents, just jumping on here as OP to elaborate a bit.

 

Picked up the 5.4:1 reel intending to use it for cranking (KVD 2.5, DT-6 etc.) with a MH cranking rod.

 

Turns out it comes with a shallow spool intended to help customize the reel more for lighter line and lighter baits. 

 

I know that older baitcasters were all slower, and guys caught fish just fine, and they are still very valuable for lots of applications...

 

I haven't heard much about slower reels and light line and light baits in the same sentence.  I am aware of but know little about BFS.  I assumed BFS was all about relatively faster reels.

 

So... I wanted to learn what techniques/lures that combo works with.

 

Yes! I have a few M baitcasting rods I can use for lighter baits.  I hadn't intended to use this reel for lighter baits and an M rod, but now I will!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Catt]

That gear ratio can be used for any technique, not just light weights.

 

I have a Calcutta 50A 5.0:1 gear ratio, I use it for spinnerbaits & buzzbaits.