I'm looking at a new feel for the summer and wanted something conducive for frogs and top waters. Does the reel ratio impact overall performance? I've used spinning rods in the past but always seem to be dealing with line problems.

I like high speed reels for frogs, 7 and up

Faster is better I use 8:3:1 Lews tournament MB

The only drawback (in my mind) for high speed reels is retrieving baits with a high resistance such as deep diving crankbaits. Everything else about them is positive - catch up to a fish that runs at your, or when you have a lot of slack line out, or get a lure through unproductive water faster to make the next cast, etc.

The frog offers no resistance, which is generally true of all topwater baits. So, you want the highest gear ratio you can get in the reel family you like. When comparing reels, look at the IPT (inches per turn) as spool size affects retrieval rate along with gear ratio. My frog rigs will do 35 inches per turn; I like it!

I use Lew's Tounament Pros on my frog rods and they are 7 1:1 retrieves - they have preformed well -plenty of speed and power. But there are some great new high speed options that should be looked at. I will be checking those out when the arsenal needs new gear.

Good luck.

^^^^^^^

Lew's Super Duty 8:1

So i wasn't too far off with the reels. I found a 7.1 Abu garcia with a 30 in. per rotation that I liked. I have been using Abu Garcia and Johnny Morris for years. Maybe I need to heck out these Lews reels.

Oh since we're on the topic, does braid make for a good frog line? I know fluorocarbon sinks and mono stretches so braid was my next logic option.

Braid is what most use I gather. Some go with 17-20# mono if fishing clear open water if they have concerns about the fish being spooky. I don't think the fish think that hard typically, and i almost always throw a frog on braid.

Also, with braid, you can often get unhung from vegetation more easily as it will rip out due to no stretch. (Point the rod time straight at the lure, no rod bend to get it loose.) I like 65# test, but I tend to get into some real slop. I'm not sure what the most common line test is for frogs.

Excellent. I have spools of 30 I can use. A little light but I can deal with it.

Daiwa Tatula Type HD 7.3:1 - 50lb power pro braid

+1

All good reel from what I can gather online. Looks like I get to spend some time at the reel counter soon.

What he said.

12:1