Crankin' Reels

[SPEEDBEAD.]

First, thanks to everyone for overwhelmingly suggesting the Shimano Symetre for my newest spinning reel.

Next, I wanted to make an all around good setup for cranking...from shallow up to and including DT16's and DD22's. Already got a Lamiglass rod, now again with the reel questions.

The shallower cranks are of no concern to me, as just about anything will suffice when throwing these. When you get into the big bills and big baits for the deep cranking, what reel do any of you suggest? I know those bigger cranks have a tendency to wear out anglers and equipment, so I want something that will alleviate both problems effectively.

Gear ratio?

Brand/Model?

Keep in mind that, again, I am not rich. Let's try to not break the bank

Thanks, Wayne

If anyone needs more specifics, please let me know.

[pipho]

Baitcaster?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

My fault...Yes, Baitcasting Reel

[Hillbilly_Hooker]

I can't suggest a particular reel, but get a very slow ratio one... something around 5.0:1 or slower.  I was wearing myself out cranking deep cranks until Fivebasslimit turned me onto a slower ratio reel.  If you haven't tried it, you can't imagine the difference.

Hillbilly

[The_Natural]

I use Pixies for my light and medium cranking needs paired with Loomis CBR 843's and 845's.  For deeper cranks and ripping grass I need an 847 (heavy action) cbr...I've been using my medium heavy for these techniques and it just doesn't cut it.  I haven't completely decided on a reel yet.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

See, I was thinking about the 5.0 reel, but was wondering if I would still be able to use it for shallower cranks?

Just like I dont want to get worn out with a deep crank/high ratio reel, I dont want to be cranking a 5.0 reel 100mph in an effort to get a shallower crank to the strike zone.

[roadwarrior]

Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1, 23" IPC)

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I looked up the price...is $329 correct, RW?

Wayne

[roadwarrior]

That is correct. This is a reel that, with proper maintenance, will last a lifetime. My first CTE200GT was purchased in 2001. It has been used EXTENSIVELY, mainly for striper fishing. In addition to thousands of pounds of fish, this reel has stood up to the challenges of big boulders on a fast river. The reel has not been abused, but it has been tested. ReelMech serviced this reel and a new twin. I specifically asked him if he found "much difference" between the reels. The answer was no. Both reels received a general cleaning and lub, but no replacement parts or adjustments.  

[Lucky Craft Man]

I use a 5.2:1 reel for my crankbaits and it does a very good job with shallow and deep.  Obviously, you do have to reel in faster then you would with a 6.2:1 reel for shallow crankbaits, but it is not as if you are reeling in out of control.  Plus, you will thank yourself for getting a lower ratio reel when you start throwing those DT16.

[texasbass1]

Personally I use Abu Garcia 4600 reels for my crankbaits. The winch 3.8:1 for deep cranks and 5.3 for all others.  Good, dependable and affordable reels

[5bass]

If you want to cover all bases and just have one crankin' reel for shallow - deep cranks,I'd get one with around a 5.?:1 ratio like HH suggested.If you want to dedicate a combo just for deep cranks,I'd suggest you go lower than the 5.?:1 and down into the 4's. I use a Fritts crankin' reel with a 4.7:1 for all my deep crankin' and wouldnt consider anything higher than that.

[huskertko]

On this subject, has anyone used the BPS Dave Fritts reels?  I was looking at them today and they come in a 5.1:1 and a 4.7:1 ratio.  They are very inexpensive and a house brand, but anyone have any info on them?

[flyphisher #]

I use Team Daiwa Advantage 150p's for cranking and the are great. Cant beat this reel for the $..

[WhiteMike1018]

RW what would you suggest a cranking reel for me?

Ill be cranking no deeper than 20 feet and the rod i have is a st.croix premeir 6"6 m

My only bait caster is currently a citica with a 6:2:1 gear ratio

RW i will also use to rod for some other lures such as chatterbaits and other blade jigs, not strictly cranking...should i still go with the 5:1:1

[TournyFish001]

so you want a reel for deep and shallow cranks- I use an older chronarch the one right before the newest chronarch- the gold one. It is 6.2:1 and works well for me- I throw the DD22's (deep) and the Rick clunn RC2.5's (shallow) with good success.  Just slow it down a bit when you go deep- I am not sure what those reels go for now but I bet if you hunt around you can find a real deal hence ebay.  You can cast those cranks a country mile with that reel.

[5bass]

On this subject, has anyone used the BPS Dave Fritts reels? I was looking at them today and they come in a 5.1:1 and a 4.7:1 ratio. They are very inexpensive and a house brand, but anyone have any info on them?

Yes.....thats what I do ALL of my deep crankin' with and I do alot of it,just ask anybody who's ever fished with me.I use the 4.7:1 (1st generation gold one) for any cranks running 10' or more.It has been a workhorse of a reel.IF it ever breaks I wont hesitate to get another.

It's sittin' on an American Rodsmiths David Fritts DF76 glass crankin' rod.No complaints with the rod or reel.

[Hillbilly_Hooker]

Huskertko,

I also have a Dave Fritts reel in 4.7:1.  The reel backlashes fairly often but I've recently had it cleaned and lubed and I'm hoping that cures the problem.  The tech that serviced my reel suggested that BPS reels are often very 'dry' regarding lubrication, for whatever reason.  I had the same problem with another BPS reel but after having it serviced and lubed, I've had no further problems and I now love the other reel.  I'm trusting that lubing the Fritts reel will have the same effect.

Hillbilly

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Just looked up the Fritts reel on BPS, on sale for 44 bucks. Cant really argue with that.

Wayne

[huskertko]

Just looked up the Fritts reel on BPS, on sale for 44 bucks. Cant really argue with that.

Wayne

That is what caught my attention, that and the fact the BPS cranking rod was on sale for $39.

[flyphisher #]

You better go ahead and order the rod and reel. Sale only lasts through 12-31...Went to BPS an hour away last night, no sales at the store on any fishing stuff except tackle bags.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

My GF gave me a $50 BPS card for Christmas....got some deciding to do.

[huskertko]

My GF gave me a $50 BPS card for Christmas....got some deciding to do.

Yeah, I got some of those as well, but I actually start work at BPS in January, so I think I am going to try to wait until then and maybe use an employee discount to buy them.  Probably won't be doing much crankbait fishing in Kansas before then anyway.