What reel speed for deep heavy jig casting reel?

[paparock]

What reel speed for deep heavy jig reel? I just purchased a G. Loomis IMX Mega Bass 844C casting rod for use with 3/4 ounce football jigs. Those with experience with fishing such jigs in deep clear water reservoirs is there a need or does it help to use a faster speed reel fishing such a rig? Help and suggestions are much appreciated!

[.ghoti.]

Here's my take on it. You're going to be working the jig more with the rod than with the reel, so the reel speed is a non-issue as far as the bait is concerned. Having said that, a high speed reel will get the bait back to you faster so you can hit another spot quicker. It will also let you keep up with a fish when it comes straight at you.

I bought an Energy PT 4.4:1 reel last year, thinking I would like it for deep cranking. So much for thinking. I bought a new gear set and turned it into a 6.3:1 reel, and it's much better, for me at least. This is one of those preference things. I discovered that I really do not prefer a slower reel. I find that I can slow down a fast reel easier than I can speed up a slow reel.

The rod you just got would be a top choice for T-rigging too. Another application for a higher speed reel, for the same reason.

Good luck with the new rod. ( I'm jealous )

Cheers,

GK

[5bass]

I use a high speed reel with anything except my deep diving cranks.The high speed reels enable you to gain line faster (obviously) and get your lures back in quicker for the next cast.I'd at least get a 6.3:1 or even one of the new geared burner reels (7.1:1).I'm planning to buy a fleet of the new Revo's in the spring and at least 2 of them will be the 7.1 ratio.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

As others have said, I prefer a faster speed reel for all fishing except cranks. My lakes I fish aren't extremely deep, but I usually fish jigs in the 10-20 ft range. The deep jig bite is one of the hardest bites to detect. A good rod (which you have) will help with that, but if a bass picks up your jig and swims towards the boat (seems to happen more and more the deeper you go, just my experience) you will need a reel that can pick up a lot of line quickly.

[Raul]

Here 's my take, use the fastest reel you can put your hands on so you can pick up the slack line in an eye blink.

[Catt]

I use a 5.8:1 gear ratio when fishing Jigs or Texas Rigs in deep water but then again I don't fish fast.   8-)

[paparock]

Thanks for all the replys. I know I move my jigs with my rod and not the reel but I was wondering about picking up that line quickly as it is not unusual to catch bass here down to about 60 feet. Bull Shoals main channel is down around 200 feet so you can see it is a pretty deep reservoir.

Anyone use the Shimano Curado 200DHSV with the 7.0:1 speed ratio that Tackle Tour raves so much about?

[mike bat]

i dont use them ,,,yet .... but i will have a few by summer..... i want to back up all my rods with the new st croix legened tourney bass rods .... and ill be useing the new cus for all rods /// ... i did handel one before and there are just as smooth as my chronarch ,,well real close ....  i should say close enogh to impress me .... ;D

[roadwarrior]

What is really important in terms of speed is inches per crank (IPC). My Calais 200ASV is 6.2:1/ 26 IPC and it's FAST! On the otherhand, my MBR844C is saddled with a CTE200GT 5.0:1/ 23 IPC. I prefer the "feel" of the round reel on this particular rod and the speed is adequate for just about anything except buzzbaits.

[Guest DavidGreen]

Paparock,

RW makes a great point about the IPC.

Although it is a heavier reel coming in at 9.8oz.

IMPO the Curado CU200DHSV with the 7.0:1 gear ratio would be great, especially with the 30" IPC.

Now that is moving some line.  

Tight Lines!

[Peter E.]

I like a 5:3/1 myself it forces me to slow down and take the time to get into the little nooks and cranies down there, pluss it getts line in fast enough with my 7 footer. Personally but it is all a matter of opinion.

[paparock]

This is why I posted my question, thanks for all the great information. I have the 5:1 ratio reel experience but none with the fast reels. I know RW loves his CTE200GT (one of the best reels made) and round reels are what I have vastly more experience fishing. I had forgotten about the line per in retrieved could be deceiving if I look at only gear ration. Being older and in-experienced with many of the faster freshwater newer reel speeds, I did not want to be a stick in the mud. This is my first plunge into G. Loomis territory so I want to put as much thought into my reel choice as I did into the rod. There are so many more reel choices these days it makes picking just one harder at least for me. That is especially true when the wife says I still don't understand why reels cost so much now days. I remember when a good reel was $60. That is when I play my ace in the hole, I remind her I just purchased her a new sewing machine she had to have (to replace her last new one she never used) for $3000. She never saw it coming he he.

PS. And there is still my birthday on Dec.23 and Christmas yet to go this year!

[Siebert Outdoors]

I'm with Ghoti on this one.  Jig fishing isnt done from the reel its all in the rod.  All I use the reel for is picking up slack line on the retrieve.  I prefer fast retreives like said above you can keep up with a fish running with the lure.  Especially at those depths.  I use a chronarch sf. for my jiggin.

[Peter E.]

well between those two you should get you a something for one day or the other!

[eulerentinc]

7.1:1, dont look back!

[Guest DavidGreen]

GMAN, ghoti,

I agree 100%. Jig fishing is done with the rod and the rod tip. But when you get the hook set and the fish starts a quick run at you, you better ba able to keep up with it, our your going to be looking at a large amount of rod blank bending under the boat (been there done that). I don't have a 7.1:1 reel, my fastest on my jig/t-rig rod is a 5.1:1. Green 201 Curado (planing on changing GR).

But if I ever get the chance again you can bet it will be a 7.1:1 burner CU201DHSV.  

Tight Lines All!