Higher ratio baitcasting reels?

[helms83]

What is a good example as to the importance of a 7.1:1 reel?

What lures or setup would you use this higher reel ratio with?

[flippin and pitchin]

I don't know there is a bait I want to fish so fast I need a 7.1 to 1 ratio.  I do like the fact they get a bait back to you once out of the strike zone so you can make another presentation.  For me, that's the true benefit.

[hmongkidBee]

a flipping and pitching reel so that you can cover areas more quickly.  I use it in frog fishing in heavy cover to get the bass out of cover or away from cover quickly.  I sometimes use it for spinnerbaits especially in clear water where I want the spinnerbait to go faster so the bass don't get a real good look at it.

[David P]

High Speed 7.1:1 is great for all lures and setups. I 12 Curado E7s and 0 E5s. There's not a single bait that I prefer to throw on a slow retrieve reel aside from large swimbaits that require a larger sized reel.

Importance? They pick up more line on the retrieve, if a fish has the bait in their mouth, you can reel the slack quicker to set the hook. You can get the bait back to the boat quicker when you're out of the strike zone. You can always slow down your retrieve, but speeding up can only do so much. For walk the dog baits I find it much easier to walk the bait with just the reel and less rod action. If a fish is running at the boat, you can reel in quicker to avoid giving the fish any slack.

.....yes I have thrown DD22s and other deep diving crankbaits with a high speed as well...

[MMan16]

I've used high speed reels for cranks,frogs,flippin & pitchin, etc. High speeds are great. Like dave said its easier to slow down a high speed than speed up a slower one.

[scbassin]

As has been said, they are very good to move a fish away from heavy cover. I use them for bottom fishing & frogs. Remember to check the IPT of the reel so you know how far the bait moves with each turn of the handle. In heavy grass I find it better to use a lower gear ratio with a buzz bait & toads a fish can hone in on it better. You will get more hook ups with a slightly lower IPT. Just remember there are other factors to consider what reel to choose for that application. Time on the water is the best way to figure it out. Experiment with different set ups.

[northern basser]

IMO getting the lure back to the boat fast (when out of strike zone) and getting off another cast is HUGE.  The next thing was already mentioned also,  fish running at the boat.

Personally the "power" difference in a slower reel is something I really don't notice.  I do notice lack of speed though.  It can be hard sometimes to be disciplined when doing a slower presentation.

That being said,  I don't mind having the 6 something to 1 reels either( I have a citica e, patriarch xt,  and chr. 50mg).  I wouldn't own any thing any slower. 

At the moment I have a couple of empty rods that will be filled w/ more e7's.

[lynyrdsky1]

I use it for flippin and pitchin cause when i throw something i want to be able to get it out and throw it back it

[bigfruits]

any bait where the movement is controlled with the rod i use a 7:1.

i do not like a 7:1 ratio for swimbaits, large cranks or large spinnerbaits.

[BobP]

I sometimes use a 7:1 for pitching jigs to get the bait back fast for the next pitch BUT there's always a trade-off.  To me, the 7:1 seems on the ragged edge of being too weak to crank big fish out of heavy cover.  And it's too fast for cranks and most other moving baits.  Had I to do over, I'd probably stick with a 6.2:1 because it's fast enough for just about anything but can be slowed down if needed.  If you have lots of reels, a 7:1 is a nice addition - as is a 5:1 for big crankbaits.  But a good  6.2:1 reel can handle a wider range of presentations.  JMHO, and in the end, it all comes down to what feels right to you. 

[NewAngler]

For 7.1 applications I tend to use it for my jigs and worm setup. The reason for this is that when I have a fish on before the hookset, I can reel up and slack in the line quickly and Jacki Chan hi-ya hookset that B.  I also have a higher gear for my frog rod so I can hurry the hell up and get them in before making a trip to the salad bar.

[Indiana Bass1]

I know this may sound stupid,but, I had to take my 7.0 reel back because the extra torque it put on my elbow was unbearable. I thought it would work great for a rattle trap "less turns you know" but wow I thought the old elbow was going to explode!

[BASSclary]

I like a 7.X:1 for everything except cranks below 4'  8-)

[kikstand454]

yeah...most any technique is do-able with a 7.1.

but the real decision about what tech. you want to use it for should be based on torque... not speed. as said before... you can slow doan a fast reel... but you cant speed up a slow one.

what you cant do with a faster reel is make it more powerful.

you really should look at it more like the gears of a car or bicycle, where the more resistance you have... the lower the gear you want so the engine (you) works less.

big honkin spinnerbaits or deep diving cranks esp. put alot of resistance on a rod. its easier on you to have a lower ratio to move that bait. just like you want to down shift to go up an incline. can you go up it in a higher gear? of course... but why would you want to? its ineffecient.

[B-Dozer]

Remember the "good ol days" we all had Zebco 202s. If you wanted to reel faster,  you did. Fishing, unless your making a living at it, is all about fun. If you like 7:1,6.4:1, or 5:1, go out and buy it. It's all good!

[RussBert]

My OPINION is that the 7 to 1 ratio craze has far more to do with marketing than practicality. As consumers we like the fastest, the lightest, the most bearings and of course flashy paint schemes.

At some point in the near future my crystal ball says there will be an 8 to 1 reel. Thing is that darn drive gear keeps getting bigger while the pinion gear is getting smaller. ;D

[BASSclary]

My OPINION is that the 7 to 1 ratio craze has far more to do with marketing than practicality. As consumers we like the fastest, the lightest, the most bearings and of course flashy paint schemes.

At some point in the near future my crystal ball says there will be an 8 to 1 reel. Thing is that darn drive gear keeps getting bigger while the pinion gear is getting smaller. ;D

::cough:: TD-Z Type R ::cough::cough::

[helms83]

So basically my 6.4:1 and 6.2:1 should work fine. I do what a slower one though, a 5.2:1 or 5.4:1. I really think it'll improve my crankbait technique.

[BASSclary]

So basically my 6.4:1 and 6.2:1 should work fine. I do what a slower one though, a 5.2:1 or 5.4:1. I really think it'll improve my crankbait technique.

Gear ratio doesn't have anything to do with technique, but it does have to do with fatigue.