5:1 deep cranking reel?

[Vinny Chase]

Who uses a lower gear ratio for deep cranking? I have always thrown 6.3:1, but have heard a lot of anglers switching to a lower gear ratio...I still feel like the 6.3:1 gives me the ability to slow/speed up...Whats your opinions?

[kLuo]

the main benefit of using a slower reel is that you won't be tired out as easily. 5:1 reel=less speed, more power.

[Goose52]

I use a 4.7 (19 ipt) on my deep-cranking rod and a 5.2 (21 ipt) on my heavy spinnerbait rod. I use 6.4's and 7.1's for everything else.

When you say "deep cranking", do you mean using deep cranks like DD22s, Mann's 20+, 30+, etc.? If so, then these crankbaits, due to the large diving bills, present quite a bit of resistance on the retrieve. The lower gear ratio reels offer a mechanical advantage that makes it easier to crank the reel. You normally don't burn a deep crank anyway, so the lower speed potential of the low gear ratio is not a limitation. While it's true that you could use a 6.3/6.4 or 7.1 ratio reel and just slow down - your wrists may complain about that after cranking these big baits all day.

[Jig Man]

I have a 3.8:1 cranking reel.  You don't have the hard crank as with other reels.  When I'm not using it for cranks, I change out the gears and make it a 6.3:1 best of both worlds.

[ProCraft Joe]

I have a 3.8:1 cranking reel. You don't have the hard crank as with other reels. When I'm not using it for cranks, I change out the gears and make it a 6.3:1 best of both worlds.

x2, I have a rod dedicated to DD22s with a 3.8 Curado. I use a 5.8 Cardiff for medium divers.

[johnD.]

Not only is it easier to reel, the low gears keep the bait in the strike zone longer.

[WanderLust]

I use a Revo winch which has worked fairly well.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I used to use a 6.3:1 for deep cranks like dd22 and 6xd and just recently switched to a 4.9:1 . It has been the best decision that i have made (as far as fishing is concerned) in recent memory. The slower reel unconsciously makes me go slower , and leaves my arm and wrist in much better shape at the end of the day than it used to be.

[burleytog]

After spending a summer throwing deep cranks using a 6.3:1 and a 5:1, I see no need for the lower ratio.

[Vinny Chase]

After spending a summer throwing deep cranks using a 6.3:1 and a 5:1, I see no need for the lower ratio.

Which one do you prefer for deep divers (16+ ft)?

[bmadd]

I agree with Burley and disagree with the posts about not burning deep cranks or a slower retrieve reel keeping your bait in the strike zone longer. I have noticed zero problems using a 6.3:1 ratio reel for my deep cranking on KY Lake the last three summers. I'm talking baits from 10'-20' diving baits. One of the best ways to get a big school fired up in the summer time is to reel the bait fairly quick and make R Kelley proud with a little bump n' grind on those ledges.

[burleytog]

I agree with Burley and disagree with the posts about not burning deep cranks or a slower retrieve reel keeping your bait in the strike zone longer. I have noticed zero problems using a 6.3:1 ratio reel for my deep cranking on KY Lake the last three summers. I'm talking baits from 10'-20' diving baits. One of the best ways to get a big school fired up in the summer time is to reel the bait fairly quick and make R Kelley proud with a little bump n' grind on those ledges.

My catch rate went up after I switched to the 6.3:1 ratio.

[burleytog]

After spending a summer throwing deep cranks using a 6.3:1 and a 5:1, I see no need for the lower ratio.

Which one do you prefer for deep divers (16+ ft)?

Wouldn't that be obvious from my post?

[fathom]

i got the reactions of a slug.

slow reel + slow rod = lost fish for me.

[Vinny Chase]

After spending a summer throwing deep cranks using a 6.3:1 and a 5:1, I see no need for the lower ratio.

Which one do you prefer for deep divers (16+ ft)?

Wouldn't that be obvious from my post?

I thought you were responding to earlier posts that said they used reels as low as 3.8:1.

[Crankhead]

Vinny, most of these guys are correct in what they're telling you that the 6.3:1 will do fine when deep crankin. But I tend to side with the info Goose52 is giving. I like to throw deep cranks (DD22's & LC Flat CB D20's) and was using a Shimano Curado 300DSV 6.2:1. It did the job but after a while your arms & wrists would really feel the pressure. So a couple of summers ago I decided to get a Shimano Curado 200DPV 5.0:1 and match it up with a St Croix LTBS70MHM (called the Big Cranker)...best decision I ever made. With this reel...you could feel how much more guts it had crankin the deep divers...they felt like they were gliding easily through the water...and once you caught a good size bass...no problem bringing it in. So in my case...I was looking more for a reel that had more guts pulling the crank through the water over a reel that was faster. I hope this helps.

[Simp]

One of the best ways to get a big school fired up in the summer time is to reel the bait fairly quick and make R Kelley proud with a little bump n' grind on those ledges.

Oh man I was worried you were going to go in a different direction with this. The kind were you ask your partner not to make any sudden moves or tap the trolling motor on high for a couple minutes. ;D