best cranking reel?

[tr21]

What is the best  reel gear ratio for cranking 12-20 ft.? I am new at this and trying to learn!

[Goose52]

Everyone has their own opinion on this, and sometimes the opinion is based on what gear ratios their favorite reel is available in, not necessarily what the ideal ratio is for cranking! :

You might want to review this recent thread where cranking reels were discussed: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1293145256

In general, many people think that a low 6.x reel works well for cranking, even up to a 7.1. However, I think most of those people are only cranking down to 10 feet or so. You want 12-20 feet and IMO a low 5.x or even high 4.x reel will work better for that (in IPT terms, say 19 to 22 or so). Your wrists will appreciate the lower ratios for sure.

I posted this photo on the other referenced thread. If you are cranking something like the Bomber 6A (bottom lure in photo - rated at 6-8ft) you can use almost anything - I crank this kind of plug with a 6.4 with no problems. However, if you want to go deep, like with the top plug, you probably want a lower ratio.

Another consideration that was mentioned on the other thread is that with a faster ratio, you may end up cranking too fast, and may not get the best presentation - it takes a bit of discipline to slow down from your regular cranking rate used for lipless cranks, etc. Most lipped crankbaits are not "burned" and probably favor a slower retrieve, which can be delivered perhaps better with a lower-ratio reel which sorta gives you a built-in speed limit.

Good luck!

(BTW - the mods will end up moving this thread to the Reels forum so if you notice it "missing" - that's where it will be!)

[SeanW]

   Trying to determine "best" is impossible. It really come down to preference. Personally I use a 6.1to 1. Others prefer 5.1 and yet other a 4.7. I find is very easy to slow down with the reel handle. Its tougher to speed up you cadence when ya have a low speed reel. But ya know David Fritts prefers a low speed reel.

[5bass]

But ya know David Fritts prefers a low speed reel.

Thats right, the crankbait king likes a low speed reel for deep cranking! I had always read articles about Fritts a long time ago using slow speed reels but being young and dumb, I didnt buy into it. Then I got schooled by an old timer in my club way back when, so I switched to see what the fuss was all about. I never switched back to the faster reel and thats been 20 years ago. 4.7:1 all day long.

It comes down to personal preference. I have a tendency to throw deep cranks 80% of the time during the summer. There's no way I could do that with a 6+ reel. If I just threw deep cranks here and there it wouldnt be such a big deal.

[CWB]

I use 6.4 and 7.1 reels. Agree 100% about easier to slow down than speed up. If the lure grabs a weed or some other gunk, or a fish for that matter, you can get it in faster and make another cast. But as said, personal preference. 6.4 is good all around reel for anything.

[Micro]

I 6.#:1 reel will serve you well as an all-around cranking reel.

You didn't ask for a reel recommendation, but I'll make one anyway.

If you don't mind a round reel, think about the Shimano Calcutta 200GTB. It's a 6.0:1 reel.

The 200GTB is as robust a reel as you will ever come across. As much as I like low profile reels, I don't see them with me 20 years from now. The 200GTB is built to last a lifetime.

The reel is ultra smooth. It has a shallow, ported spool. It will throw 1/4oz baits a long, long way. It will easily cast with my Curados. And it will cast heavy baits, constantly, day in and day out.

The Calcutta is a classic.

[Carrington]

Shimano curado 5.0/1, the model is CU200E5 for the right handed model

[Triton21]

REVO WINCH

Kelley

[SeanW]

But ya know David Fritts prefers a low speed reel.

Thats right, the crankbait king likes a low speed reel for deep cranking! I had always read articles about Fritts a long time ago using slow speed reels but being young and dumb, I didnt buy into it. Then I got schooled by an old timer in my club way back when, so I switched to see what the fuss was all about. I never switched back to the faster reel and thats been 20 years ago. 4.7:1 all day long.

It comes down to personal preference. I have a tendency to throw deep cranks 80% of the time during the summer. There's no way I could do that with a 6+ reel. If I just threw deep cranks here and there it wouldnt be such a big deal.

 

  To be honest, if I did a bit more deep cranking I would get one. Ah man, now the idea is burning a hole in kmy pocket.

[Goose52]

To be honest, if I did a bit more deep cranking I would get one. Ah man, now the idea is burning a hole in kmy pocket.

Hmmm - the bait monkey says you have a hole in your arsenal... ;D ;D Keep looking at the photo I posted, don't you really want to get a Mann's 30+ and go deep !

[SeanW]

To be honest, if I did a bit more deep cranking I would get one. Ah man, now the idea is burning a hole in kmy pocket.

Hmmm - the bait monkey says you have a hole in your arsenal... ;D ;D Keep looking at the photo I posted, don't you really want to get a Mann's 30+ and go deep !

    Will that Manns 30+ really run that deep? How deep with say 8lb test?

[Goose52]

Will that Manns 30+ really run that deep? How deep with say 8lb test?

I've had it down to about 22-24 on 10lb test. Haven't tried to fish it below that and don't know if it will really make 30ft. Takes a long cast to get it down and have some cranking time left before you get it back to the boat. I imagine you'd get another foot or two with 8lb, plus you can stick the rod down in the water....

I only fished my Mann's 20+ and 30+ a few times at the end of the season. Most of my deeper cranking was with a 1/2oz Luhr-Jensen Hot Lips Express - good for 15-17 feet or so and a smaller profile than the big plugs like the DD22s and Mann's. Got my biggest bass of the year (only 4.73) on the Hot Lips right at 15ft depth.

[smallieking]

hands down the quatum kvd pt reel. in power 5.1:1 is the best crankbait reel for crankbaits for the 10 to 15 foot dive range. i love mine matched with a BPS 7 foot crankingstick.

[kikstand454]

im going to offer my standard advice when this thread comes up.

the ratio of the reel in relation to why it should be lower for deep cranks has alot more to do with the torque and resistance a 3/4 or 1oz lure puts on a reel when its 20 feet down and 30yds out.

you dont tow your boat up a mountain in fifth gear/ overdrive...you (or your autotransmission) shifts down. same principle.

if... like you said... you dont plan on doing it too much then a 6.x reel may be the reel for you as you can multi-purpose it.

but if youre going to be throwing dd22s and mann 30+ all day long in the middle of summer.... do yourself a favor and get a 5.x or lower.

oh... and as an alternative to the calcutta.... the cardiff is another awesome shimano round reel that is 5.x and sometimes 4.x and is easily found for 100 dollars or less.