Gear ratio for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits

[David Austin]

What would be the best gear ratio for 3/8oz spinnerbaits and buzzbaits? Maybe even a 1/2oz of either thrown in every once in a while.

[MN Fisher]

For me with my rigs?

 

Spinners go on a 7.1-7.3 (President, President-XT, Supreme)

Buzzbaits go on a 7.9-8.1 (Patriarch, Fuego CT-XS)

[Jig Man]

7 to 7.4:1

[mrpao]

Spinnerbait - 5 or 6 gear ratio, I prefer 5 gear ratio.

Buzzbaits - 7 or 8 gear ratio, I prefer a high 7 gear.

Most of my spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are 1/2 oz.

[FryDog62]

I typically throw Spinnerbaits on 6.4-7.1 and buzzbaits 7.1-8.1. I like to get my buzzers on plane quickly after casting so they don’t sink. 
 

So yes, I think a 7.1 could work reasonable well if you’re looking to buy one real for both. 

[Bankc]

For buzzbaits, as fast as you can get.  For spinnerbaits, whatever you have.

 

For spinnerbaits, I usually like something in the middle, like 6.8-7.1.  Sometimes you'll burn them and sometimes you'll slow roll them.  It doesn't matter what ratio you choose because some days it'll be the right one, and some days it'll be the wrong one.  But even if it's a day where you have the wrong ratio, you can usually make it work.  

 

I've fished buzzbaits on lower ratio reels before.  It's not too hard to keep them from sinking once they get on plane, but the big problem is getting them up to speed in the first place, after they enter the water.  So the faster ratio really helps there.  I like a minimum of 8:1 here, but you can make do with a slower one if need be.  You can get a buzzbait up on plane quicker by sweeping your rod as your start to reel if need be.  

[huZZah]

10 minutes ago, Bankc said:

It's not too hard to keep them from sinking once they get on plane, but the big problem is getting them up to speed in the first place, after they enter the water. 

I like to throw past where I’m looking and then I just raise my rod tip while I start cranking until the bait gets going. . Let’s me go fast or slow over the top of the water. 
 

But don’t underestimate a buzzbait moving through the water column under the surface. I think I’ve actually gotten more fish with it moving underwater. 

[swhit140]

Daiwa 6:3:1 for spinnerbaits/bladed jigs

Daiwa 7:3:1 for buzzbaits/topwaters/(sometimes spinnerbait if they want it faster/burned)

 

[jbsoonerfan]

SB 6.3

BB 8.1

[LrgmouthShad]

SB 5 and BB 7. So 6 if you want something for both

[Log Catcher]

I use a 6.4:1 for both most of the time. I have done it with a 5.1: with no problem.

[keagbassr]

My spinnerbait reel is 5:1 however i often have a 2nd bait rigged up on my 'do all' combo which is 6:3-1.  My buzbait reel is also 6:3-1.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I like a slower reel for SBs.  BBs are generally always moving so you have to pick up 3 feet of line and wait to feel the hit to set the hook.  A 6 or 7 would be fine.

[Bluebasser86]

6 something for spinnerbaits

7 or higher (currently using an 8), for buzzbaits. 

[Hammer 4]

I prefer a 5 speed for SB's, cept I don't have a reel in that speed, so a 6 speed will have to do.

Buzzie's 7:3 for the most part, occasionally I'll use an 8 speed.

[Catt]

5.0:1 to 6.5:1 - 21 to 28" per turn for both.